>According to Chairman John Ellis, "The mission of the International Committee is threefold: to promote the Show to international visitors in their own countries, to entertain them when they are here in Houston and to provide interpreters as needed." Regarding the latter, Ellis estimates that about 20 different languages are represented, with Spanish the most frequently requested. As might be expected, the international contingent is dominated by our neighbors to the south -- Mexico, and Central and South American countries. Ellisis serving his first year as chairman of the committee he joined 21 years ago. "At that time, there were only a few foreign countries represented," he said. "Over the years the International Committee has reached out all over the world to spread the word about the Show." As a result, visitors now come from such far-off places as Cameroon, Denmark, Egypt, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Senegal.
Membership on the International Committee totals 450. To be considered by the membership subcommittee, one must have two letters of recommendation, including one from a Show director. Fluency in a foreign language is always a plus. Under the direction of this committee are a myriad of activities, most of which take place during International Days the first week of the Show. In addition, some of the committee members travel to other countries, at their own expense and at the invitation of government officials. In the fall of 1997, one group visited Zacatecas, Mexico, for the Confederacion Interamericana de Granaderos Agriculturos (InterAmerican Cattlemen's Association), while another contingent attended the International Andalusian Horse Show in Seville, Spain. However, the majority of their activities takes place right here in Houston. Members staff the International Hospitality Room, which is a place for visitors to relax during the Show. The committee also hosts the International Livestock Congress, which features presentations by worldwide experts within the industry. A few miles away at the George Ranch Historical Park in Fort Bend County, the Agri-Summit offers cattle breeders hands-on demonstrations of the latest veterinary procedures. To assist international visitors with Houston's often chaotic traffic conditions, the International Committee provides transportation to and from the airports and to destinations such as the Texas Medical Center, area ranches, the Johnson Space Center and popular shopping malls. Among the special events hosted by the committee are the Herrin International Ball and the annual fashion show. The traditional luncheon for Houston's consular corps brings together diplomatic officials to encourage their participation in the Show and to provide them with literature to distribute in their respective countries. Peggy Jobes, a captain on the International Committee, edits the newsletter, which keeps members up to date on committee activities. "Each issue also highlights one of our international visitors," she said. Recent articles include a report on committee travel and an agricultural outlook by Dr. Ernie Davis, Texas A&M University professor of livestock marketing and an extension economist. For those seeking international flavor at an affordable price, the committee is now offering its own cookbook featuring recipes from around the world. Ellis, an alumnus of the chef's school at the Ritz in Paris, is among the contributors. The cookbooks will be available in the International Hospitality Room and according to Ellis, "anywhere else they'll let us sell it." Just one more project for this very busy bunch! Red
Griffin, a longtime committee member, is the new
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than 2,500 visitors from 71 nations, ranging from Albania to Venezuela,
were welcomed to the 1997 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo by the International
Committee. Almost half were international buyers, classified as official
registrants, while the remainder attended as guests.
