May's Futurallia conference in Kansas City was testament that the world is getting smaller. Business owners and corporations from across the globe gathered to make connections and talk about opportunities to work together.

Barbara Dolci, Executive Director of the International Visitors Council of Greater Kansas City, was one of those in attendance.  Her organization is at the forefront of the international exchange of culture and the connections between people that make it all possible.    

The International Visitors Council of Greater Kansas City is focused on eduction - sharing information about the local area with visitors from around the world.  It also helps visitors make connections.  Members of the council regularly invite visitors to their homes for dinner and conversation.  While not directly related to economic development, Dolci's group has an impact by introducing visitors to members of the community who know the local area and can help them understand and navigate through the nuances of the local culture.  

The deeper meaning for Dolci and the Visitors Council is the ability to influence change.  She describes the work of her group as, "making peace through citizen diplomacy."  Connecting people and bridging the gaps in knowledge about our cultural differences, as the Visitors Council does, is a great first step.

For more information visit www.kcivc.org.