HITDC Educational Scholarship Program Fundraising Campaign Reception

June 17, 2023

PRESS RELEASE: Houston International Trade Development Council (HITDC) launches Educational Scholarship Program with the National Port Authority of Liberia with a Soft-Rollout Fundraising Campaign Reception The Houston International Trade Development Council (HITDC), in collaboration with the National Port Authority of Liberia (NPA) Scholarship Committee, are launching the NPA Educational Scholarship program soft-rollout fundraising campaign to help raise funds for academic scholarships for deserving Liberian students and/or NPA employees to help build their capacity and strengthen their technical skills. A reception will be held with the NPA of Liberia’s Managing Director Honorable Diana Nebo and her distinguished delegation from Liberia, including the Minister of Commerce and Industry Honorable Mawine Diggs, on Friday, June 23, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The event will be held at The International Trade Center – Houston, 1111 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, Texas, 77072. “As President of HITDC and in partnership with the NPA Scholarship Committee, we are excited to be a partner with NPA in this important endeavor to assist in the building up of NPA – a national treasure of Liberia – by helping to educate Liberians with academic scholarships in Business Management, Administration, Leadership, Science Technology Engineering or Math (STEM), in Liberal Arts, and/or Port Management, where the fundraising goal for 2023-2024 is to help raise $70,000,” stated Mr. Val Thompson, NPA Scholarship Administrator. The National Port Authority of Liberia Scholarship Program (NPASP) was established in 2022 in collaboration with the National Port Authority of Liberia (NPA), and HITDC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Houston, Texas. HITDC will be responsible for managing the scholarship program on behalf of the NPA. The Scholarship program is open to Liberian students and/or students of Liberian descent (residing in Liberia at the time of applying for a scholarship) pursuing a post-secondary education at a U.S. or Liberian College or University and/or NPA employees seeking to further their education. Honorable Diana Nebo, Managing Director of the NPA states “As the NPA strives to help educate and train the Liberian workforce of tomorrow, we believe the NPA Scholarship Program will strengthen technical skills in port management, logistics, administration, leadership development that will also help to improve the quality of life for Liberians. We are excited to partner with HITDC and look forward to a fruitful relationship to help lift Liberia.” Honorable Cynthia L. Blandford, Managing Director of Blandford Thompson Consulting, LLC., states that “it is an honor and privilege to be a part of this exciting initiative and to have the NPA as a partner and client to help further their vision to be the Maritime Gateway to Liberia and the Gateway to Liberia’s Economy where their Strategic Vision is to Become a Premier Port Authority in the West African Region. We believe this scholarship program will help strengthen the NPA as a national treasure, and we look forward to the future together.” The NPA Scholarship Committee will also consider developing Experiential Learning, Study Abroad, and Student Exchange programs at a later date, pursuant to funding availability. All those who receive a scholarship to study abroad must return to Liberia after receiving their degree and/or training and provide a briefing and to participate in an Internship Program, as applicable. After completing their study, those attending an institution in Liberia must present a […]

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Opportunity Liberia Forum

June 7, 2022

by Houston international Trade Development Council Date and time Wed, May 18, 202210:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDTLocation International Trade Center Houston, Texas11110 Bellaire Blvd.Houston, TX 77082   HITDC and the Consulate of Liberia-Ga with guest speakers from the US Embassy in Liberia, Government, and the private sector (Live Stream) About this event Join Houston International Trade Development Council and the Consulate of Liberia-Ga. as we explore limitless opportunities in the United States’ most loyal ally and one of the fastest-growing nations on the continent of Africa! The Republic of Liberia! This forum will be a hybrid, in-person and virtual with guest speakers from the US Embassy in Liberia, Government, and the private sector. In person and Live Streamed by Creed Global Media. Opportunity Liberian Forum When:  Wed May 18, 2022 10:30am – 12pm Central Time – Chicago Where: Hybrid – Virtual and in person event. Click on the button to register. Who:  Val@houstontrade.org & creedglobalmedia@gmail.com  

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Video about the APM Terminals Liberia Virtual Job Fair

March 29, 2022

Please listen to this short message. What Hon. Jackson George, Honorary Consul of Liberia in Minnesota is saying about APM Terminals Liberia as a company to work for.

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Video about the APM Terminals Liberia Virtual Job Fair

March 29, 2022

The following video shows an APM Terminals Liberia employee’s personal experience working at APM Terminals Liberia.

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Video about the APM Terminals Liberia Virtual Job Fair

March 28, 2022

Please listen to an uplifting and encouraging video by Johnny Graham, the Managing Director of APM Terminals Liberia, expressing interest to hire Liberians at home and abroad who are looking for growth in a company and an opportunity to support the Liberian economy.

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APM TERMINALS LIBERIA VIRTUAL JOB FAIR

March 26, 2022

Upcoming APM Terminals Liberia Virtual Job Fair PLEASE NOTE: Due to the change to daylight savings time in the USA, the start and end times of this event for those joining in Monrovia has changed to 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM)

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International Focus (iF) Magazine Atlanta Press Release

January 26, 2022

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Inaugural Edition of the International Focus (iF) Magazine Atlanta. The major benefit of this new print magazine is its global focus on the Diplomatic Corp & Trade Offices, International Businesses and NGOs. For more information, please contact Cynthia L. Blandford, Publisher & CFO International Focus (iF) Magazine (Atlanta) PRESS RELEASE:                                                        A DIPLOMAT AND NOW PUBLISHER LAUNCHES NEW INTERNATIONAL FOCUS MAGAZINE IN ATL The International Focus (iF) Magazine will be celebrating the rollout of the magazine in Atlanta, Georgia, with a reception in early February 2022 as a new voice working to help increase Atlanta’s visibility as a true global city with international reach and promise. The private event will be held at the Metropolitan Atlanta Chamber of Commerce (MAC) by invitation only. “I would not have imagined that the COVID-19 virus would have allowed the sprouting of innovative ideas, unexpected friendships and new business ventures that seemed unimaginable in light of a pandemic that wreaked havoc all over the world.” As God would have it, it did, stated Cynthia L. Blandford, the new Publisher, and CFO of the International Focus (iF) Magazine in Atlanta, Georgia. iF Magazine was born out of Houston, Texas in 2016, under the visionary leadership of Mr. Val Thompson, CEO and Publisher and expanded into the Atlanta market in January of this year. Blandford notes that in April 2021, Mr. Val Thompson called to request an interview to write about her journey to become the first African-American female Honorary Consul in Liberia’s 175-year history. He flew to Atlanta, Georgia, with a photographer and she notes with pleasure that “it was an honor to be placed on the front cover of the June-July 2021 iF Magazine and to share a first blush of my memoires.” Publisher Blandford stated that “I was impressed with Val’s understanding of the power of diplomacy and that of the Diplomatic Corps, and we both understood how powerful cities like Atlanta could help promote international trade and development and become a center for global commerce at a much higher-level.” As Honorary Consul Blandford found herself in parallel with his vision to highlight the work and stories of the international community and that of her peers in the Diplomatic Corps, in late 2021, accepted Thompson’s offer to be the Publisher and CFO of iF in Atlanta. So, as it seems, Blandford is now a Publisher and a Diplomat, and she looks forward to interviewing members of the Atlanta Diplomatic Corp, international businesses, and partners where information and insights can be shared. “We are all about promoting the great City of Atlanta where the City of Atlanta is also home to more than 70 consular and trade offices, 40 bi-national chambers of commerce and more than 2,700 international businesses and where we also have the most efficient and busiest airport in the world with ATL!” iF Magazines Publisher and CEO Mr. Val Thompson, located in Houston, Texas, had his sights on Atlanta a few years ago as a part of iF’s expansion strategy into new markets as Atlanta was quickly being recognized as a go-to destination. […]

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Houston-Atlanta Trade Mission To Monrovia, Liberia in 2022

November 10, 2021

Liberia is open for business with great opportunities for investments. Join us on this 8-day & 7-night Trade Mission to Monrovia, Liberia. About this event HOUSTON-ATLANTA TRADE MISSION TO MONROVIA LIBERIA – APRIL 21-29, 2022 8-days and 7-nights As the continent of Africa’s first Republic, and the United States most loyal ally, Liberia is poised to become the jewel of West Africa. Liberia is open for business with tremendous opportunities for investments. Self-sufficiency in food production is essential to Liberia’s economy. Agriculture continues to be the dominant sector in the Liberian economy. Liberia’s natural resources offer significant opportunities for investors. The Liberian’s have strong desires for U.S.-made products including food, construction, healthcare, housing, textiles and energy. Flight Travel: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Monrovia, Liberia on Air France All Rooms: Includes breakfast, complimentary laundry, complimentary late checking out, free high-speed Wi-Fi, coffee/tea facilities & access to the gym center. NOTE: Business Class and Economy Preferred airline ticket will be priced according to prevailing rates and availability and overall trip price adjustment will be made and added to the total trip cost, as requested. Additional Payment Methods: Wire Transfer, PayPal, Check, Zell Bank Transfer. To pay using one of these methods, please contact Cynthia Blandford at cblandford@globalstrategiesforgood.com. TRIP PACKAGES AND PAYMENT PLAN DETAILS PAYMENT PLAN DETAILS INVITATION On behalf of Honorable Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Houston City Council Member and Honorable Cynthia L. Blandford, Honorary Consul Republic of Liberia in Atlanta, Georgia, please join us for the Houston-Atlanta Trade Mission to Liberia where participants will have the opportunity to participate in a Business Forum and learn more about Liberia’s Business Environment, Challenges and Opportunities, hear from the  National Investment Commission, the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, the Liberian Business Association (LIBA), the USAID in Liberia and explore Liberia’s products during a Business Expo. In celebration of Liberia’s Bicentennial, you will go to Providence Island, where freed black men and women landed 200 years ago and receive your African name with a special historic ceremony, city, and museum tours and so much more! Come meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and enjoy a reception with Honorable Michael McCarthy, the U.S. Ambassador to Liberia in Monrovia at his Residence for networking opportunities. You don’t want to miss it!  See Houston-Atlanta Trade Mission 2022 Preliminary Schedule for more details for business opportunities, culture, tours and of course, social networking and fun. Tickets are going fast.  Sign-up soon for this historic mission to Liberia. Come join us for a trip of a lifetime! TRIP SCHEDULE DETAILS REFUND POLICY Please see payment plan for details on when payments are due. Balance in full is due no later than March 28, 2022. If you cancel the trip before January 10, 2022, we will provide a full refund, minus a $600.00 processing fee. Cancellation after January 10, 2022, no refunds will be provided.

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CAU, UL AND CONSULATE MOU SIGNING EVENT – SAVE THE DATE

April 14, 2021

Save the date! On Monday, April 19th at 11:00 AM ET, Clark Atlanta University, the University of Liberia and the Liberian Consulate in the State of Georgia, in a spirit of mutual trust and collaboration, will host a virtual signing ceremony marking the continuation of a unique partnership between both universities. Please save the date, so that you can witness this historic event. Our Sponsors A special thanks to our event sponsors for helping make this event possible.

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Chamber of Commerce, LIBA Meet U.S. Business Executives

October 23, 2019

Originally published on the Liberian Observer   The Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC), Liberia Business Association (LIBA) and other stakeholders on February 19, 2019, hosted a round-table business and acquaintance discussion with executives of the American ‘National Black MBAs Association (NBMBAA) at a resort in Monrovia on how best both can collaborate to enhance their respective services that would benefit their two countries, a release has said. According to the release, the 10-person delegation headed by Liberia’s Honorary Consul General to Washington, Cynthia Lynn Blandford and the president of the National Black MBAs Association, Jesse J. Tyson, in separate remarks, expressed thanks and appreciation to the Liberian business stakeholders for the gathering and assured of possible collaboration. They further said that their visit to Liberia and Ghana is aimed at interacting with the state actors on how both can collaborative to work together in the growth and development of their respective institutions, and also scout out the possibility of establishing a genuine relationship in their sector. The President of the Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC), J. Wendell Addy, who spoke on behalf of the Liberian state actors, expressed thanks and appreciation of the visit of the American business executives for coming to Liberia, noting that their visit would help to bring rewarding results to the country. Visiting US delegation holding discussion with their Liberian Counterparts Reflecting on the many contributions Liberia has made, much of the international community, making specific reference of Africa, bragged that Liberia was on the forefront for the liberation of some countries on the continent, particularly the liberation of Ethiopia. Some members of the delegation included Henry J. Turner MBA, Small Business development Specialist; London McCloud, President, Click and Learn; Bruce Thompson, Vice President, Arconic; Michelle D. Jackson, Senior Occupancy Planner, US ARM-Jones Lang LaSalle American Incorporated. The discussion was climaxed with a sumptuous lunch, including Liberian and western food was served as the visitors enjoyed their meal and at the same time, chatting with their Liberian counterparts.  

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