New Website To Engage Diverse Communities Of Austin Connecting International Groups And Events

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GlobalAustin and the City of Austin have partnered to establish the first and only major website hub to connect Central Texas' diverse international organizations with each other and Central Texans. The International Austin website features an event calendar and includes a directory of international organizations and their resources. The website will launch in January 2013; the website address will be www.internationalaustin.org.

The International Austin website extends the FYI International newsletter, which was started by the City of Austin in 2004. The FYI International newsletter has a readership of more than 2,500. Member organizations of the International Austin calendar website will be able to post and edit events and make announcements at any time.

One of the International Austin calendar's most important functions is to enable participation.

"Not only do we have thousands of international visitors each year for events like Formula 1 and SXSW, but the city is abuzz with international activity year-round. This calendar is a crucial resource that will enable more individuals to participate in Austin's growing international scene," said Ben Ramirez, International Economic Development Manager at the Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office of the City of Austin.

Ramirez described the broad appeal of the new website.

"Austin has fifth-generation Texans celebrating their diverse heritage; Austin-based expatriates from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas; international students and scholars at our world-class universities; and business professionals seeking ties with foreign clients, partners and investors," he said.

To date GlobalAustin and the City of Austin have identified more than 200 organizations that celebrate, educate, and advocate in the areas of international business and trade, culture and the arts, education, and citizen diplomacy.

"The International Austin calendar formalizes the knowledge we have about the international scene here, and encourages associations and citizens to be actively involved," said GlobalAustin Executive Director Margie Kidd. "International associations and internationally-minded citizens are critical to helping GlobalAustin create citizen diplomacy."

GlobalAustin is ranked among the top five of 96 organizations that receive international delegations through the Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP.)

"To promote citizen diplomacy, last year, we received 429 people from 120 countries through our long-standing relationship with the U.S. Department of State IVLP," Kidd said.

CONTACT: Margie Kidd, 1-512-215-0140, [email protected]

SOURCE GlobalAustin