Each year IVCLA members gather to elect new directors to the board and directors returning for their second three-year term. We also present the year’s Outstanding Citizen Diplomat and Outstanding Professional Resource Awards. Guests enjoy a buffet dinner and international wine bar, provided by Consuls General. It is also an opportunity to raise funds for IVCLA by bidding on exciting Silent Auction items and purchasing a ticket (or ten!) for our Annual International Year of Dining Drawing, featuring cuisine from around the world donated by restaurants throughout the Los Angeles Area.

The 2007 Citizen Diplomacy Celebration was held at the home of Larry and Clara Yust in historic Hancock Park. We would like to thank them for their gracious hospitality.

IVCLA presented the 2007 Outstanding Citizen Diplomat Award to Dick Dommes. IVCLA was proud to recognize Dick for his dedication and commitment to international understanding and cooperation. He began volunteering with IVCLA nearly twenty-five years ago and has been a valuable part of the organization ever since. Each week he comes to the IVCLA to assist the small staff connect IVCLA Citizen Diplomats throughout the greater Los Angeles area with International Visitors from around the world. We salute Dick as our Outstanding Citizen Diplomat.

IVCLA honored Jane E. Arellano, District Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Los Angeles with the 2007 Outstanding Citizen Diplomat Award for Community Outreach. Ms. Arellano has chaired two very active community based organizational meetings per month for more than twelve years, keeping the lines of communication open with the community. One meeting focuses on citizenship issues and the other on all other adjudications matters. We are proud to recognize her dedication.

IVCLA recognized City National Bank as our Outstanding Resource for 2007 for their dedication to IVCLA and the time they have spent meeting with International Visitors from all over the world:

City National Bank offers one of the most experienced teams of international trade professionals in the business. City National Bank is an outstanding corporate member of the community. Eileen Sanchez, vice president in the International Banking Services department, who serves on the IVCLA board of directors and other senior members of the bank have taken time to meet with International Visitors to discuss such topics as safe and secure business practices.

Previous Outstanding Resources are listed on the Professional Resources page.

IVCLA is honored to welcome two new Board Members who were elected to their 1st term:

    • John V. Richardson
    • Hud Warren

And IVCLA will miss four Board Members who retired from the board:

    • Sandra Jones Anderson
    • Ruben Arenas
    • Lanie Denslow
    • Mike Navarro

The Citizen Diplomacy Celebration would not be possible without the generous support of local businesses and restaurants who participate in our Silent Auction and International Year of Dining Drawing. We thank the generous participation of the individuals, companies and restaurants listed to the right.

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