The Foreign Service Journal, March 2019

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | MARCH 2019 55 AFSA NEWS AFSA NEWS THE OFFICIAL RECORD OF THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATION AFSA Event Highlights How “Economic Diplomacy Works” On Jan. 15 AFSA hosted a panel discussion, “Economic Diplomacy Works,” in con- nection with the broader AFSA initiative to highlight the importance of economic diplomacy through talks on the Hill, retiree speaking engagements and The For- eign Service Journal January- February focus. The panel, which AFSA planned to hold at the U.S. Diplomacy Center, was moved to AFSA headquarters due to the partial govern- ment shutdown. In spite of that and the change in venue, nearly 80 people turned out to hear panelists Ambas- sador (ret.) Stuart Jones, Ambassador (ret.) John Bey- rle and retired FSO Economic Officer Virginia Bennett. Ambassador (ret.) Stuart Jones (right) discusses the role of U.S. business in American foreign policy as Ambassador (ret.) John Beyrle looks on. MACSONMCGUIGAN March 4 Deadline: Sinclaire Language Award Nominations March 15 Deadline: AFSA Scholarship Applications March 19 12-1:30 p.m. Panel: “Resilience in the Foreign Service” March 20 12-1:30 p.m. AFSA Governing Board Meeting March 20 4:30-6 p.m. Exhibit Opening: “ The Foreign Service Journal – Defining Diplomacy for 100 Years” U.S. Diplomacy Center April 10 12-1:30 p.m. AFSA Book Notes: Ambassador William J. Burns – “The Back Channel” April 11 12-1:30 p.m. “Retirement Planning 5 to 10 Years Out” (additional session) April 17 12-1:30 p.m. AFSA Governing Board Meeting May 3 Foreign Service Day May 16 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Luncheon: 152nd Specialist Class CALENDAR Most of the positive change that I saw in Russia and in the countries of Eastern Europe resulted from the influence and the demonstration effect of American companies—and those things have lasted. The culture, corporate culture, standards, practices. −Amb. John Beyrle Ambassador (ret.) John Beyrle responds to an audience question. MACSONMCGUIGAN