annual report - Colleagues International

Colleagues
International
Bringing the World to You
Dear Friends, Members, and Colleagues:
2011 proved to be a very productive year for Colleagues International, with our number of visitors hosted in
Kalamazoo coming back up after a 5-year low in 2010. The year also presented several exciting opportunities
including a new office location, a new subcommittee structure for the board of directors, and the first
Colleagues International membership survey in many years.
In October, Colleagues International moved to our new location on the corner of Crosstown Parkway and
Westnedge, bringing more than 40 years of saved documents and artifacts, and launching a new initiative to
scan paper documents and create a digital record of our history.
In order to more efficiently govern the organization, the board created four new subcommittees. Each board
member serves on one or more subcommittees. At the beginning of the year, subcommittees plan their
initiatives and tasks for the year. The four subcommittes are Board Administration, Finance and Oversight,
Home Stay and Hospitality, and Marketing and Public Relations. This new board structure has made long-term
stategic goals more attainable and manageable, and allowed each member to effectively contribute in their
areas of interest.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who participated in our Membership Survey administered
by our Social Work Intern Tim Henson, Master of Social Work candidate. We received a lot of valuable
feedback from the community, and we are working to implement many of your helpful suggestions. As part of
our efforts to improve communication and interaction with our membership, Colleagues International will
launcha new bi-monthly newsletter in 2012. Our Home Stay and Hospitality committee is also developing new
informational materials for home hosts and planning exciting events to bring our membership together. Keep
the great suggestions coming! You can read the results of the survey and see analysis on the website.
Our total number of visitors hosted in 2011 was 107, a 28 visitor increase from 2010! The five college interns
who served as program officers in 2011 deserve much credit for recruiting new projects. Their duties included
recruiting programs, scheduling appointments and accompanying visitors to meetings and cultural activities.
Thank you for your support of Colleagues International.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Lang
Executive Director
2011
by the numbers
107
Visitors Hosted
33
Countries Represented
175
Total professional appointments
95
Total number of internship days
18
Total number of classroom presentations
42
Total number of cultural events
7
Total home hospitality meals/events
726
Total overnight home stay nights
348
Total hotel room nights
1,158
Total days spent in our community
$414,396
Colleagues International’s estimated economic impact to
Kalamazoo in 2011.
$1,322,895
Estimated state economic impact of all four Michigan community
member organizations.
Program Highlights
Colleagues International hosted 107 visitors from 33 countries in 2011.
1.
Azerbaijan
12. Guinea*
23. Peoples Republic of China*
2.
Bangladesh
13. Indonesia
24. Philippines*
3.
Belarus*
14. Iraq
25. Russia
4.
Benin*
15. Jamaica
26. Singapore*
5.
Cambodia*
16. Kazakhstan
27. Sri Lanka
6.
Cameroon*
17. Kyrgyzstan
28. Tajikistan
7.
Chad*
18. Malaysia*
29. Thailand*
8.
Cote d'Ivoire*
19. Mexico
30. Togo*
9.
Djibouti*
20. Morocco
31. Turkmenistan
10. Gabon*
21. Nepal
32. United Kingdom
11. Germany
22. Niger*
33. Vietnam*
* FY2011 project that took place in 2010.
CIPUSA
Colleagues International hosted four delegations through the Council of International Programs, USA in 2011. CIPUSA
participants typically are hosted for up to four months, and are placed with local agencies for internships. A delegation
of teachers from Mexico was hosted from June-August; and four social work participants from Germany, and one social
worker from the United Kingdom from August to December. One German social worker will continue training in
Kalamazoo through June 2012.
Jamaica – Youth Services
In July CI hosted four Jamaican teachers finishing their second bachelor's
degree in guidance and counseling. Their Kalamazoo training served as
the capstone of the university program, they were sponsored by the
Council of International Programs USA. These professionals endeavored
to improve their skills relating to referring clients to agencies for
additional services, improving counseling skills, and communication with
diverse groups of people. The delegation was also interested in working
with children in abusive situations. CI hosted four teachers from Jamaica
in July and August. Training sites include Lakeside Academy, Douglass
Community Association, and the Kalamazoo Nature Center. The photo
shows members of the delegation at a cultural outing to Shipshewana.
Community Connections
Small Town and Rural Economic Development Project for Primorsky Krai, Russia
It was an honor for Colleagues International to host the 10 participants of the Community Connections program for 23
days in January and February. The activities arranged by our organization included site visits, workshops, discussions and
cultural events. This group was very focused on discovering aspects of American economic development that would
transfer to potential projects in their communities. Geographic diversity was also part of this program. Meetings were
held in Kalamazoo, Portage, Paw Paw, Lansing, and Downers Grove, Illinois. Our van clocked over 1,500 miles in the
three-week period. The group was exposed to the institutions and challenges of a democratic, free market society. We
covered economic development issues in municipalities ranging in size from 3,000 to 240,000. Several visits were with
organizations similar to those that exist in Russia. However, prior to this program,
participants were not sure how they could best be utilized in their communities.
Chambers of Commerce, business incubators, and credit unions were some of the
institutions/programs that participants plan to develop upon their return home.
The group had the opportunity to meet with two economists for an economic
overview of the community. This was an excellent opportunity to hear different
viewpoints of the same community spaced far enough apart for the group to
develop their own opinions based on observations.
International Visitor Leadership Program
Colleagues International hosted seven delegations through the
International Visitor Leadership Program in 2011. IVLP visitors
typically visit 3-4 U.S. cities as part of their program, and are typically
in Kalamazoo for less than one week. IVLP participants are current or
potential leaders in government, politics, the media, education, and
other fields, and are selected by American Officials overseas.
In February, a delegation from Indonesia was hosted. Their topic was
the Education System in the United States. In March, Colleagues
International hosted a delegation from Turkmenistan.
In May, Colleagues International hosted a delegation of nine business professionals from Iraq (pictured right).
Professional appointments included a meeting with Ed Sackley (Mayor Pro-Tem of Portage and District Director for US
Congressman Fred Upton), Bronson Hospital, Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Michigan
Innovation Center, Habib Mandwee (Owner of Tiffany’s Wine and Spirit Shoppe), Downtown Kalamazoo, Inc., and CSM
Group.
In July, CI hosted a delegation of five journalists from Morocco
(pictured left). Their professional appointments included WMU
School of Communication, the Western Herald, and the Arab
American News in Dearborn. In July a delegation from Germany
was hosted in Kalamazoo, their topic was Education. In August a
delegation from Azerbaijan was hosted, their topic was Role of
Government. Also in August, a delegation from Indonesia was
hosted, their topic was Economic Development.
Open World
Colleagues International hosted two Open World delegations in 2011. The first delegation was from Kazakhstan, they
were hosted in October and their topic was Accountable Governance – Strengthening Local Regional/Local Legislatures.
The delegates had many meetings with elected and appointed
government officials including the appointed County Administrator
and the elected County Board of Commissioners Chairman. The group
attended the County Board of Commissioners meeting where a
significant amount of time was spent discussion how board members
interact and communicate with staff. The meeting with Ed Sackley
covered levels of government. As District Director for Congressman
Fred Upton, Ed talked about his role in federal government and how
the Congressman communicates with constituents. He also shared his
experience as an elected official with the City of Portage.
A day in Lansing, where we examined State Government, ended with
a question and answer session with State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker.
During the day, the delegates toured the Michigan State Capitol and
observed a State House of Representatives session and were
introduced by State Representative Bob Genetski. The introduction
was recorded into the official record.
The delegates also visited Lyn Brown’s 7th grade class at Paw Paw Middle School. The students study central Asia and
this provided them with the opportunity to get some first-hand information. By bringing the delegation to a classroom
studying the region, the visit becomes meaningful and valuable for students and teacher. The feedback from the
delegates was that the students asked very good questions and the delegates very much enjoyed the visit.
Their program included a Kalamazoo Rotary Club meeting where delegates had the opportunity to participate in an
American service club and see one way American business and community leaders network with each other for the
betterment of the community.
Dr. Brian Long, Director of Supply Chain Management Research at Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of
Business, presented the economic outlook for Southwest Michigan and the State of Michigan. Even before this meeting,
the delegates were asking about the local economy as it was an important frame of reference to better understand the
community. Assistance to small businesses was examined during meetings with the Southwest Michigan Innovation
Center.
At Volunteer Kalamazoo, delegates learned about volunteerism including what type of people volunteer, why they
volunteer and what the trends are. This is always an interesting topic for Open World delegations because they are not
familiar with this activity.
Through their homestays, delegates remarked that Americans are very family-oriented and very patriotic. They learned
that Americans and Kazakhs have more in common than they
originally thought. They felt that they became part of the family that
they lived with not just for the week, but forever.
In November a delegation from the Russian Republic of Buryatia was
hosted in Kalamazoo. Their topic was Accountable Governance –
Media (pictured left).
Election Day occurred during this delegation’s program. A visit to a
polling location was included to expose them to the American
electoral process. They were able to observe Americans voting and
ask questions about the ballot and voting machines used. At the
Kalamazoo Gazette, the delegates were able to see the effect of
fewer home deliver days, restructuring and layoffs at American
newspapers. The delegation also visited two television stations.
WWMT Channel 3 covers the West Michigan market. WGN in
Chicago serves a much larger market and also broadcasts nationally through cable network agreements.
A day in Lansing included a question and answer session with staff members of State Representative Margaret O’Brien.
State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker, who was presiding over the Michigan State Senate session that day, introduced the
delegation from the Senate Floor. The delegation’s presence then became part of the official record for the State of
Michigan. During this session, the Senate passed landmark legislation allowing fireworks, previously illegal, to be sold
and used in Michigan.
Legislative Fellows
The Legislative Fellows Program was new for Colleagues International. Two
delegations were hosted in Kalamazoo, the first group in April and the second in
October.
Kalamazoo-area elected officials hosted
two delegations of foreign professionals.
Local hosts were U.S. Congressman Fred
Upton, Michigan State Senator Tonya
Schuitmaker, Michigan State
Representatives Sean McCann and
October Delegation
Margaret O’Brien, and Ed Sackley, Mayor
Pro Tem of Portage. In addition to these
appointments, our fellows attended protests in Lansing, senate and house
meetings, coffee hours with constituents, local government meetings and visited
schools.
April Delegation
2011 Citizen Diplomats
Colleagues International would like to thank the following community partners. Each program depends on volunteers
making time to meet and host our international guests. Please accept our apology if we missed a name or organization
on our list.
Home Hosts and Home
Hospitality
Warren and Marti Fritz
Gerhard and Marianne Fuerst
Evelyn Garner
Dan and Mindy George
Marlin Gerber and Jackie Wylie
Lee and Jill Hasper
Ed and Ginnie Hessler
Edward and Judith Huth
Keith and Janet Jones
Shirley Kishpaugh
Bill and Leslie Lami-Reed
Sarah and Chauncey Lee
Fred and Inge Luciano
Habib Mandwee
Jim and Ellen McDonald
Joe and Linda Mills
Monica Nahm
Kyle and Dallas Oberlee
Pearson, Roy and Marcia Ellis
Melanie Perry
Dick and Karen Phillips
Jerry and Louise Potratz
Phyllis Rappeport
Charlotte Russell
Wilma Tays
Charles and Joan Van Zoeren
Doug and Mary Wills
Stasia Diamantis
Amanda Fifelski
Paul Franklin
Evelyn Garner
Alex Goes
Tim Henson
Treystar
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Franklin Tec LLC
Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of
Commerce
Dr. Terry O’Connor
One Place at Kalamazoo Public Library
Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo
Center
Southwest Commercial Realty
M.W. VanderVeen Company
Western Michigan University
Izabella Stone
Cynthia Stech
Salwa Tareen
Wilma Tays
Jay Valikodath
Sharon VanConant
Connie and Brian VandePolder
Natasha Yakimenko
Professional Hosts
Bistro 120
Arab American News
Osama Siblani, Founder/Publisher
Bronson Methodist Hospital
MonaLisa James, BBA, CDM,
Manager, Diversity & Inclusion
Hussein Akl, MD
Harold Beu and Julie Mack
Bob and Beverly Bloomquist
Jay Bonsignore and Julie Sokolow,
Mohammad and Carol Bouabdellaoui,
Marlene Breu
Janice and Dennis Burke
Bill and Andrea Casteel
Myron and Laura Jane Colber
Susan and Mike M. Creager
Janet Crosby
Gordon and Merlyn Duisterhof
Kim Elliott
Paul and Gayle Franklin
Office and Driving Volunteers
Mike Creager
Matt Comer
In-Kind Contributions
Arab Detroit
Mr. El-Hady, New Business
Coordinator
Ranjith Iyer
Susan Larner
Cheryl Lee
Justin Losey
Anthony Rinna
Svetlana Stone
Mary Brown, Former State
Representative
Calhoun County Republican Party
Brian Vanderpolder, Treasurer
Steve Mobley, Chair
City of Parchment
Robert B. Heasley, Mayor
Derek Jeter's Turn 2
Sharlee Jeter
CSM Group
Todd MacDonald, President
City of Kalamazoo
Scott Borling, City Clerk
Communities in Schools of
Kalamazoo
Confections with Conviction
Dale Anderson
Consumers Energy Marshal Training
Center
Dennis Marvin, Communications
Director, New Generation
Detroit Regional News Hub
Maura Campbell, Outreach Strategist
Goodwill Industries of Southwestern
Michigan
John Dillworth, CEO
Governor Rick Snyder’s Office
Constituent Services
Steve Sochs
Grand Valley State University
Dr. Brian G. Long, Director, Supply
Management Research
Great Lakes Belting
Dale Wills, President
Kip Kerby, Executive Vice President
Craig Lemonds, Sales and Marketing
Manager
Dr. Terry O’Connor, Trainer
Greater Kalamazoo United Way
Janet Jones, Advisory Board Member
Marylou Boughton
Discover Kalamazoo
Greg Ayers, CSEE, President
Habitat for Humanity
Don Jones
Downtown Kalamazoo, Inc.
Rob Peterson, Business Recruitment
& Retention Director
HOMES Coalition
Ann Perry
Drapery Avenue
Emily Manzhul, Owner
Eastside Neighborhood Association
Educational Community Credit Union
Christine Camp, Vice President
Marketing
Arlene Horton, Vice President
HRD/Training
Huntington National Bank
Margaret Kuchek, Huntington
National Bank Kalamazoo Branch
Manager
Al Kreske, Assistant Vice
President/Business Banker
International Business Group of
Southwest Michigan
ISAAC
Edison Neighborhood Association
Jobs for Youth Chicago
Janet Gow, Vice President
Fair Food Matters
Paul Stermer, Executive Director
Kalamazoo Air Zoo Museum
Family and Children Services
Fish and Wildlife Service
Kalamazoo Battle Creek International
Airport
Clifton E. Moshoginis, CM Airport
Director
Grand Rapids Institute for
Information Democracy
Jeff Smith, Director
Kalamazoo Central High School
Melissa Gravel
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Phil Johnson, Deputy Director
Kalamazoo Charter Township
Government
Kalamazoo Township Board of
Trustees
Don Thall, Clerk
Terri Mellinger, Supervisor
Tim Bourgeois, Chief of Police
Kalamazoo City Commission
Barbara Miller, City Commissioner
Don Cooney, City Commissioner
City of Kalamazoo Water
Reclamation Plant
Duncan McDonald
Kalamazoo City Election Precinct 8
Polling Location
Kalamazoo Community Foundation
The Learning Network
Suprotik Stotz-Ghosh, Community
Investments Officer
Kalamazoo County Department of
Planning and Community
Development
Lotta Jarnefelt, Director of Planning
and Community Development
David Artley, Director of Resource
Development
Kalamazoo County Government
Peter Battani, County Administrator
John Faul, Assistant Administrator
David C. Maturen, County Board Chair
Kalamazoo County Health and
Community Services Department
Karika Phillips, Health Equity
Coordinator
Director/Health Officer: Linda Vail
Buzas, MPA
Deputy Director: Marc Meulman,
MPA
Medical Director: Dr. Douglas
Homnick M.D.
Community Action Agency: Miguel
Rodriguez, MPA
Kalamazoo Sheriff’s Office and
County Jail
Richard Fuller, County Sheriff
Paul G. Matyas, Under Sheriff
Kalamazoo County Juvenile House
Kalamazoo County Prosecutor
Jeff Fink
Carrie Kline, Asst. County Prosecutor
Kalamazoo Department of Public
Safety
Sgt. Joe Humphries
Scott Merlo, Executive Lieutenant
Don Webster, Captain
Josh Breese, Public Safety Officer
League of Women Voters Kalamazoo
Area
Kay Perry
Sue Nelmes
Michigan Works! Kalamazoo Service
Center
Ben Damerow, Contract
Administrator
Michigan Association of Broadcasters
Kalamazoo Gazette
Jim Borden, Managing Editor
Joyce Pines, Public Editor
Michigan Department of Agriculture
Jamie Zmitco-Somers, International
Marketing Manager
Jeff Haarer, Producer Security
Services
Midwest Communications
Mike Klein, Market ManagerKalamazoo and Director of Sales
Peter Tanz, Vice President of
Michigan Operations
Kalamazoo Islamic Center
Kalamazoo Joint Apprenticeship and
Training Committee
Morris Appleby, Training Director
The Kalamazoo Promise
Bob Jorth, Executive Administrator
Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of
Commerce
Steward Sandstrom, President and
CEO
Kalamazoo Regional Educational
Services Agency (KRESA)
Deb Miller, Executive Director of
KRESA & Karen Carlisle Director of
KRESA Youth Opportunities Unlimited
Employment Services
Kalamazoo Rotary Club
Kalamazoo Valley Community
College Wind Turbine Academy
Jim DeHaven, Vice-President for
Economic & Business Development;
Cindy Buckley, Executive Director of
Training
Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team
John Uribe, Captain
Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Kalamazoo Youth Development
Network
Janet Jones
Michigan Economic Development
Corporation
Marcia Gebarowski, Project Specoalist
Business Development and Attraction
Nicholas Sekmistrz, Community
Assistance Specialist
Michigan Historical Museum
Michigan Press Association
Mike MacLaren, Executive Director
Lisa McGraw, Public Affairs Manager
Michigan Public Service Commission
Orjiakor N. Isiogu, Commissioner
Michigan Small Business
Development and Technology Center
Tamara J. Davis, Regional Director
John Schmitt, Business Consultant
John Balbach, Technology Consultant
Michigan State Government
Senator Tonya Schuitmaker
Representative Sean McCann
Derek Robinson, District 61 Director
(O’Brien)
Cheri Bell
Representative Margaret O’ Brien,
District 61, Portage
Rebecca and Yuri, staff of Senator
Tonya Schuitmaker
Representative Eric Nesbitt
Representative Bob Genetski
La Cantina
Michigan State Police, District 5 Paw
Paw Post
Sgt. Coles
Lansing State Journal
Mickey Hirten, Executive Editor
Law Offices of Margaret Webb PLC
Margaret Webb
Michigan Technical Education Center
(KVCC)
Lesa Strausbaugh, Director, Career
Academies
National Association of Social
Workers – Michigan Chapter
Maxine Thome
Ninth Judicial Circuit Court
Honorable Alexander C. Lipsey
Office of U. S. Congressman Fred
Upton
Ed Sackley, District Director
Mitzi Fitzpatrick, Constituent Services
Paw Paw Area Chamber of
Commerce
Mary Springer, Executive Director
Paw Paw Business Network
Pam Lombard
Cindy Van Schoyck
Paw Paw Early Elementary School
Melissa Dahlinger, Principal
Tracy Dorman, Spanish
Liz Albertson, Kindergarten
Pat Mayne, First grade
Tracy Dorman, Spanish
Liz Albertson, Kindergarten
Pat Mayne, First grade
Paw Paw High School
Michael Dahlinger, Principal
Paw Paw Middle School
Lyn Brown - 7th grade teacher
Paw Paw Public Schools
Mark Bielang, Superintendent
Lori Cross, Assistant Superintendent
of Curriculum and Instruction
Village of Paw Paw
Larry Nielsen, Village Manager
Peace House
Mike and Jen DeWaele
Jerry and Molly MechtenbergBerrigan
People’s Food Co-op
Chris Dilley, Store Manager
Portage Central High School
Mrs. Pat Johnson, History Teacher
Eric Alburtus, Principal
Portage City Government
Peter Strazdas, Mayor
Portage City Planning Commission
Public Media Network
Happ Haasch, Executive Director
SCORE Kalamazoo Chapter 433
Robert G. Parker, Counselor and
Office Manager
60th District Services Office
St. Julian Winery
Dave Braganini, Owner
Southwest Enforcement Team
(SWET)
Southwest Michigan Innovation
Center
Robert H. DeWit, Ph.D., President and
Chief Executive Officer
Madelyn Pinder, Business Services
Manager
Herb Boyer, Financial Analyst
John Schmitt, Business Consultant
Southwest Michigan Procurement
Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
Jan Campbell, Program Manager
Tiffany’s Wine and Spirit Shoppe
Habib Mandwee, Owner
Southwest Michigan Trauma
Assessment Center
Tiffany’s Wine and Spirit Shoppe
Habib Mandwee, Owner
True Blue Farms Processing, Inc.
Patrick Hartman, Farm Food Safety
Consultant
Shelly Hartmann, Owner
John Mather, Maintenance
Charlie Lannin, Sales Manager
USDA Rural Development
Jim Turner, State Director
Cristina Stanley, Assistant to the State
Director
United States Congress
Representative Fred Upton, Michigan
th
6 District
Mary Judnich, Senator Deborah
Stabenow’s office
Paul Troast, Senator Carl Levin
Upjohn Institute for Employment
Research
George Erickcek, Senior Regional
Analyst
Randy Eberts, President
Van Buren County Department of
Land Service
Edward VanderVries - Economic
Development Director
Van Buren County Farm Bureau
Bill Schultz Farm Bureau President
Mary Dick, County Administrative
Manager
Melody Meachum, Insurance Agent
Van Buren Intermediate School
District Technology Center
Scott Starkweather, Director
Western Herald
Brian Abbott, General Manager and
Staff
Western Michigan University College
of Aviation
Captain Dave Powell, Dean
Western Michigan University
Department of Political Science
Dr. Jim Butterfield, Director of
Graduate Studies, Professor
Michael Romano, Graduate Assistant
Don Ramlow
Western Michigan University
International Student Admissions
Juan Tavares
Western Michigan University School
of Communication
Sarah Lee, Instructor of Journalism,
and Director of Communication at
Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce
Western Michigan University School
of Social Work
Dr. Don Cooney
Dr. Fritz MacDonald
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
YWCA of Kalamazoo
Vine Neighborhood Association
Steve Walsh, Executive Director
Volunteer Kalamazoo
Ann MacCreery,
Program/Development Director
WGN Television
Jennifer Lyons, Assistant News
Director
WGVU Broadcasting, Grand Valley
State University
Mike Walenta, General Manager
Ken Kolbe, Executive Producer
WWMT Channel 3
Joe McCrary, Assistant News Director
Mark Bishop, Marketing Director
Long-Term Placements
Catholic Family Services
Communities in Schools of Kalamazoo
Douglass Community Association
Family and Children Services
Kalamazoo Nature Center
Lakeside Academy
Michigan Department of Human
Services
Van Buren Intermediate School
District
Western Michigan University School
of Social Work
Financial Summary
0%
6%
10%
Funding
0%
3%
Donations - $3,205
81%
Foundation Awards/Grants - $289
Fundraising Events - $356
Federal Grants - $106,482
Fee for Service Programs - $8,100
Transportation Reimbursement/Hotel Rebates - $12,372
Expenses
9%
35%
39%
17%
Personnel Costs - $45,998
Operating Costs - $22,540
0%
Publications - $260
Program Expenses - $50,875
Other (Financial Services, Staff development,
Conferences, Membership Dues) - $11,226