Press Bulletin
June– July 2005
Para español, haga click aquí

Welcome to the third edition of CEGA's Press Bulletin.

In this bulletin we tell you more about one of the most important changes in terms CEGA’s growth and consolidation as an organization, our chapters in New York, Miami, and Dallas (CEGA’a Outstanding Projects). There is also a report on the events we held in June and July (Past Events) and we tell you more about what’s cooking in CEGA’s kitchen for August and September (Coming Attractions).

See you in the next edition!

Mariano Lafuente and Diana Lewin
Translation of the Press Bulletin by: Lindsay Allen, Michele Bantz y Guillermina Schinder

For more details, check out our webpage www.centroargentino.org

Outstanding Projects at CEGA

CEGA IS GROWING: CHAPTERS IN NY, MIAMI, DALLAS...

CEGA continues to grow, and with it, the Argentine network. Thanks to strong local leaders, the new CEGA chapters in New York, Miami, and Dallas are growing and establishing themselves, while a new chapter in San Francisco will likely be added soon. Each chapter is working to establish several initial objectives. At the same time, CEGA is working to amend its statute, refresh its Webpage, and restructure other aspects of the organization in order to reflect CEGA’s new growth and consolidation. There will soon be a lot of activity in this respect. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. Also, if you know anyone in New York, Miami or Dallas, spread the word so that they can become members and join the volunteer teams that are just getting started!

http://www.centroargentino.org/cegany.asp

http://www.centroargentino.org/cegamiami.asp

http://www.centroargentino.org/cegadallas.asp

COMING ATTRACTIONS

CEGA DC
Talk with Eugenio Díaz Bonilla
September, location to be determined. We will be organizing a discussion with Eugenio Díaz Bonilla, Executive Director and representative of Argentina at the Inter-American Development Bank. More information in the coming weeks.

Talk with Alejandro Guerson
August, location to be determined. You are invited to discuss Argentine macroeconomics with Alejandro Guerson, an economist at the World Bank.

Non-Spring Picnic/BBQ
September 17, location to be determined. Our classic “non-Spring picnic” will become a “non-Sping picnic/BBQ.” Date is still on the workings but it’s likely it’s going to take place at the end of September. So, mark your calendars!

CEGA NY
Monthly Happy Hours
The third Thursday of every month (Thursday, August 18 and Thursday, September 15), as always, at VERTIGO.

Launch of the “Argentina in Perspective" lecture series
Stay up to date on current events in the coming months. We will discuss the current economic and political situation in Argentina, artistic events and shows, sports and other topics in informal meetings with special guests.

“Argentine Tour” in NYC
We will organize visits to Argentine neighborhoods in NY and a trip to eat Argentine beef in Queens in August. More information coming soon.

CEGA MIAMI
Presentation of CEGA at the Breakfast Club Miami
Wednesday, August 17. For more information, please go to: http://www.breakfastclubmiami.com/BCM.htm

Happy Hour at Novecento
Wednesday, August 24. There are more to come after last month’s launch.

CEGA ELECTIONS
September, date to be determined.
Every year CEGA holds elections in September for all of the positions on the Board of Directors for the term beginning October 2005 and ending September 2006. We hope you can participate. We will provide more information in the coming weeks.

WHAT'S BEING HAPPENING

ECODAR III
The Third Diaspora Argentina Cooperation Meeting (ECODAR III) was held 17-18 June. The event, jointly organized by CEGA, ANACITEC, APARU, and ORT Technical Schools, hosted a videoconference made possible by the World Bank and University of Miami, with over 100 individuals connected in Washington, Buenos Aires, Miami, and London.

The Argentine Ambassador to the United States Mr. José O. Bordón and the Argentine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Mr. Federico Mirre participated in the opening ceremony, during which they also transmitted the support and words of Argentine Foreign Minister Mr. Rafael Bielsa. A working session was held in London on Saturday. The session helped expand upon and delve further into the issues that the ECODAR initiative has been addressing since December 2003 regarding cooperation in the areas of science, technology, and business relations between Argentina and its diaspora.

Other attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Labor, the Secretariat of Science and Technology, and various universities, companies, and organizations with ties to Argentina and the diaspora, such as CEGA, represented by several of its members in Washington, Miami, and Buenos Aires.

View Pictures

http://www.aparu.org.uk/ecodar/ecodariii.php

CEGA DC
July 9 Independence Day ASADO
A beautiful sunny day set the tone for an afternoon with friends and a great cookout with Argentine sausage sandwiches prepared country-style, or rather Arlington-style we must admit! There was no shortage of blue and white ribbons, which were handed out “French and Beruti” style (on the wrong day!) and no one stepped to the plate, grabbed the cards, and challenged a truco game. There was also plenty of Argentina’s traditional “mista” salad made with lettuce and tomato for everyone, as well as refreshing slices of watermelon for dessert, with several mates that were passed around.
For those who ventured elbow-deep into the ice-cold water and other canned beverages, there were ice-cold Quilmes to quench their thirst with the taste of home that only this beer knows how to satisfy. The event was an absolute success; we weren’t short on anything and there was plenty of good conversation and outbursts of laughter. And the best part was that we took a moment to toast to our country, from afar and all together "¡Viva la patria, canejo!" (by Ileana Schinder)

PARTY – TURNING ON THE ARGENTINE HEAT
It was tough, but in the end we succeeded… On July 22, we hosted an all-out party at Karma…CEGA, as always, went the full nine yards and filled the venue. Friends came from all over and everyone moved to the unstoppable beats of Rodrigo and Los Cadillacs, and many others.
Argentine heat was on full-blast at Karma and we owe the success of the party to each and every one of you who continue to support us with your presence and positive energy, enabling CEGA to continue to grow with new members. It’s true that the absence of Quilmes was felt, but we will have it next time!
Again, thank you for coming out and continuing to support CEGA-sponsored activities! We look forward to seeing you at the next event! (by Guillermina Schinder)

View Pictures

Meetings/Lecture series
During the months of June and July, the Academic and Job-Search Committee organized the following events:
- Presentation by Dr. Rafael Di Tella at the OAS: “Corruption and Capitalism”
- Presentation by the “Grameen Mendoza Foundation” at Development Gateway. Participants shared experiences in microfinance services.
- Discussion session with Juan Llach at the IADB on his experience in politics, particularly in the field of education. View Pictures
- Meeting with Esteban Bullrich (Recrear) on Argentina’s current political situation and the outlook of young people on Argentine politics. View Pictures
- Discussion session with Representative Hugo Martini (Recrear) on education, biotechnology, and political reform.

We would like to take a moment to again extend our apologies for announcing events on such short notice in some cases. Guests usually confirm at the last minute; although this makes member attendance more difficult in terms of planning, we prefer to organize the event and not reschedule, as many of our guest speakers have very tight agendas. Thank you for your understanding.

CEGA NY
HAPPY HOURS
Here in New York we have had a very positive summer. Since our launch in April 2005, we have moved forward with an interim committee comprised by Diego Caivano, Celia Alfie, Ana Soriano, Miguel Alzola, and German Carmona.
Our monthly Happy Hours have been successful and they are becoming a monthly ritual for CEGA members in NY. Vertigo has enjoyed the best turnouts and it will be our monthly headquarters.

CEGA MIAMI
LAUNCH AT NOVECENTO
On July 20, we had over 70 people come out and join us at Novecento, including representatives from various organizations such as the Argentine Consulate, the Argentine Cultural Center, the Argentine Chamber of Commerce, University of Miami, NSHMBA, Fundación Manos del Sur, Florida International University, and press outlets. Thank you for making CEGA’s launch in Miami a success!!

View Pictures