Join us on Feb 2 for a seminar on visas for foreign investors

Minnesota-Uruguay Partners is pleased to co-sponsor a seminar exploring how the EB-5 visa program can help serve both foreign investors and Minnesota companies.

The seminar, which is being organized by the American-Israel chamber of commerce and numerous supporting organizations, will take place on February 2 in Minneapolis.

A Seminar on the EB-5 Visa Program
Thursday, February 2, 2012
1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Doubletree Hotel (near I-394 and MN 100)
1500 Park Place Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55416
Cost: $15, payable via check at the door to the American Israel Chamber of MN

The discussion promises to highlight ways to mobilize investment capital for the benefit of entrepreneurs across borders. Featured speakers include Robert Aronson, Laura Danielson, George Maxwell and Eric Wille, all top experts in the field.

Moore family video II

Quick update! The Moore Family's fun video about Montevideo has gone viral in Uruguay, with more than 30,000 hits thus far. It's been picked up by El Observador, a national paper, and Anna Moore has done a television interview over skype about the video, Patrick informs us. The West Central Tribune picked up the story, as did LaRed21, a site in Uruguay. Congratulations all!

Watch trumpeter swans in Park Rapids, Minnesota

No snow needed for winter birdwatching
It may be winter, but Minnesota claims excellent bird-watching with the comeback of trumpeter swans. The biggest flock of trumpeters gathers in Monticello along the Mississippi River, but you also can get close to this flock in Park Rapids which is closer to summer nesting areas. 

Take a look at this YouTube video to hear the brassy honks for which they are known and to admire the synchronized swimming of pairs that mate for life.

Check our last year's swan feature for more photos and information on these elegant swans.

Winter also is the best time to spot bald eagles soaring through the air.

Fun video from the Moore Family about Montevideo

The Moore Family made a fun video about Montevideo this weekend to share with friends in Uruguay. Looks great everyone!

Member produces album on the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings label

This just in... José Curbelo, a member of Minnesota Uruguay Partners, has co-produced the latest album release on the Smithsonian Institution's Smithsonian Folkways Recordings label.

"Los Gauchos de Roldán: Button Accordion and Bandoneón Music from Northern Uruguay," will be released in the United States on Jan. 31, 2012.

Congratulations José!

Listen to "Como mi suegra" (Like My Mother-in-Law)
Watch a mini-documentary about Los Gauchos de Roldán

Criminal justice reform project wins international award

The ambitious criminal justice reform project organized by the Uruguay and Minnesota chapters of Partners, now in its fifth year, won the "It All Started With A Travel Grant" award last month at the group's convention in Medellin, Colombia.

This award was presented to both the Minnesota and Uruguay chapters in a competitive contest that featured applications submitted from across the Americas.

Congratulations are very much in order to Gabriela Fulco and her team in Uruguay, and to Bruce McManus and his team in Minnesota.

You can read more about Bruce (pictured above on the left along with Erik Brand, chapter president) and the successful project on our website at http://minnesotauruguaypartners.org/poa_profiles.html.

Thank you for joining us!

We were delighted to see so many volunteers and members at the annual member meeting on Monday.

The responses to the presentations were overwhelmingly positive, and we wish to express our gratitude to all of the speakers and guests.

With the help of energetic volunteers and the continued support of members, Minnesota-Uruguay Partners has been able to continue its strong history of excellence in programs and service to its mission.

You can stay abreast of our work in the coming months through our newsletter, website and a host of other ways. You can renew your membership at any time during the year online, as well.

We look forward with enthusiasm to a successful 2012, and wish you all very happy holidays.