The 2008 U.S.-Baltic Gala, USBF’s annual silent auction and awards dinner, was held on Saturday, April 19, 2008 Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. In addition to the silent auction and dinner, USBF hosted a business forum focused on cyber security and energy, an exchange program summit, and a Baltic Ambassadors Luncheon.
Weekend Highlights
- Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves received the Baltic Statesmanship Award and delivered the keynote address at the dinner
- World renowned Latvian Chef Martins Ritins, Director of Vincents Restaurant in Riga, and President of Slow Food Latvia, created the menu and was in attendance
- There was an exhibition highlighting the architectural designs and history behind the new Guggenheim Museum in Vilnius
- Juhan Parts, Estonian Minister Economic Affairs and Communications delivered the keynote address at the U.S.-Baltic Business Program
2008 U.S.-Baltic Gala Award Honorees
Baltic Statesmanship Award
President Toomas Hendrik Ilves
U.S.-Baltic Excellence in Innovation Award
Steve Jurvetson
Baltic Image Enhancement Award
Ms. Carmen Kass
Baltic Cultural Achievement Award
Jonas Mekas
Baltic Corporate Citizen Award
Eesti Energia
Distinguished USBF Exchange Program Alumnus Award
Mr. Eriks Zunda, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Introduction of President Ilves to be given by former U.S. Ambassador to Estonia Aldona Z. Wos, M.D. (2004-2006
Gala Award Acceptance Speeches
President Toomas Hendrik Ilves accepts the Baltic Statesmanship Award. President Ilves is introduced by former U.S. Ambassador to Estonia Aldona Z. Wos. Video courtesy of Eesti Elu (www.eestielu.ca).
[ Click here to watch the video - Part 1 ]
[ Click here to watch the video - Part 2 ]
Steve Jurvetson accepts the U.S.-Baltic Excellence in Innovation Award. Steve Jurvetson is introduced by Juhan Parts, Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications of Estonia. Video courtesy of Eesti Elu (www.eestielu.ca).
[ Click here to watch the video ]
Ms. Carmen Kass accepts the Baltic Image Enhancement Award. Carmen Kass is introduced by USBF Co- Chairman Hamid Ladjevardi. Video courtesy of Eesti Elu (www.eestielu.ca).
[ Click here to watch the video ]
Jonas Mekas accepts the Baltic Cultural Achievement Award. Jonas Mekas is introduced by USBF board member Krista Bard. Video courtesy of Eesti Elu (www.eestielu.ca).
[ Click here to watch the video ]
Eriks Zunda, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs accepts the Distinguished USBF Exchange Program Alumnus Award. Eriks Zunda is introduced by former USBF Program Coordinator Audrone Pakstys. Video courtesy of Eesti Elu (www.eestielu.ca).
Video Interview With Maria Kivisild Ogrydziak
Chairman, USBF Board of Directors
[ Click here to watch the video ]
Video Interview With Linas Kojelis
Vice Chairman, USBF Programs
[ Click here to watch the video ]
Photo Gallery
http://www.flickr.com/photos/usbaltic/
