Global Albany

Tunisian Delegation Visits Capital Region

The nine-member Tunisian delegation was here in the Capital Region under the program title of "CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CAPACITY-BUILDING." All eight regions of Tunisia were represented plus a gentleman who oversees the Tunisian-American Chamber of Commerce was with the delegation.

They arrived on Sunday, Feb. 5th and departed this morning Wednesday, February 8th. Their program in Albany was full and included visits to the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Southern Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, the Center for Economic Growth, the NYS Assembly, the New York State Department of Economic Development, General Electric, Global Foundries and Price Chopper.

International Center Chosen

The International Center of the Capital Region was chosen by the US Department of State to create the American experience for more than 200 emerging opinion-shapers from around the globe this past year. Through hundreds of hours of professional visits, regional excursions, and neighborhood dinners, the Capital Region has made an indelible imprint of what is best in America for future leaders selected by the State Department through the International Vistor Leadership Program.

At its annual reception on Tuesday at the Albany Visitors Center, the ICCR will recognize the hundreds of Capital Region “citizen diplomats” that opened their offices, their businesses, and their homes to “welcome the world and celebrate community.” Says Director of Community Relations, Diane Conroy-LaCivita, “It is remarkable how much we have to share, and Washington is discovering that we have the resources to draw on for almost any topic: entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, public policy, agriculture, energy and the environment were real strengths of ours this year. I am continually amazed at how to generous everybody is with their time and knowledge, and I know how much they get in return: true friendships spring up with every exchange.”

Tuesday evening’s program will also recognize the tremendous positive impact that the ICCR has had on the local economy. ICCR President Mike Gulotty estimates that the ICCR’s programs have generated more than $500,000 in local business over the past year, and that this number will be surpassed in the coming months. “The ICCR has tapped into the global energy that is right here in the Capital Region, and the international relationships we are building across the region and around the world hold tremendous potential.”

The ICCR is a member of the National Council on International Visitors, and a World Affairs Council.

For more information about the International Center of the Capital Region, contact Director of Community Relations Diane Conroy-LaCivita at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 518-860-5363.