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IMCA LUNCHEON AT VINEYARDS C.C.
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MAY 11, 2016
MS. Nathalie Olijslager-Jaarsma
Consul General, Miami, Kingdom of Netherlands
Topic: Importance of The Netherlands to Florida and Southern States
The Netherlands, or Holland, is a small and densely populated  country, bordered by Germany & Belgium but also the North Sea!
The Netherlands' landscape and economy is built on 1,100 years of water engineering. Netherlands literally means "low country", inspired by its low, flat geography with only 50% of its land exceeding one meter above sea level. Most of the below sea level area are man- made, having been reclaimed from the sea and lakes - 18 percent of the nation today is considered water. Sharing the land with its dense population is farming. Netherlands is the world's second largest exporter of food and agricultural products.
Holland has a long history of living with instead of fighting with the Seas. Accordingly, it is perhaps the world's leading authority on sea level rise and water mitigation, an expertise that is critically important to the future of Florida and the other Southern US States bordering on the Gulf of Mexico.
Nathalie Olijslager-Jaarsma, as Consul General of the Netherlands in Miami since 2013, sees her role as a diplomat who educates people on ways to deal with flood control and lessening the impact of disasters. She facilitates a dialogue between Dutch companies and American business leaders on what technologies and interventions are available.
Ms. Jaarsma was born in a small town near The Hague. After receiving her master's degree in international economic relations from Leiden University (The Netherlands) and a one-year stint at Beloit College (Wisconsin) as a Fulbright Scholar, she joined the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She served in South Africa, and then Budapest as Head of Economic Affairs. Prior to her assignment in Miami, Ms. Jaarsma was the head of Business Environment and Market Development at the Department for Sustainable Economic Development with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague. She is married and has two children.
After seeing the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, 10 years ago, and more recently by Super Storm Sandy, US officials know we can do a better job reducing risks to people, property, and the economy. Like the Dutch, we also know we can do more to improve the resiliency of coastal habitats that provide important ecosystem services, fisheries, water, and recreation.
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Check-in and hospitality hour for the luncheon begins at 11:15 a.m.
The luncheon starts at 12 Noon.
Coffee, ice tea and lemonade are available prior to the luncheon.
Cash Bar is also available
Menu:
Spaghetti (Penne) and Italian Sausage with Marinara Sauce served with a Side Salad. Dessert is Bananas Foster with Vanilla Ice Cream.
The alternative entree is a Chicken Salad Plate or a Roasted Vegetable Plate. Rolls, coffee, iced tea, lemonade and fountain soda are included.
Spouses and guests are welcome.
Register by May 3rd
The cost is $25 per person.
To register and pay by credit card, click here:
To register and pay by check, send money to:
IMCA, P.O. Box 770034, Naples, FL 34107
Please make check payable to IMCA.
If you want an alternative entree, please write either Vegetable Plate or Chicken Salad on the on-line form or memo line on your check.
Those with special issues referencing the luncheon or wish to confirm their name on the list may contact our Treasurer, Frank Murphy.
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