This past week, Dr. Deborah Ekstrom and I had the privilege of representing Southern California—and the United States—in Riga, Latvia, at the International Meeting of the Honorary Consuls of Latvia. Approximately one hundred Honorary Consuls from forty-four countries gathered to discuss ways to strengthen Latvia’s relationships around the world through trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange.

As Honorary Consul for the Republic of Latvia, I always look forward to these meetings, but this year’s conference was especially meaningful because Dr. Ekstrom yet again accompanied me throughout the week. Her extensive experience in business, entrepreneurship, and international networking proved invaluable, and I was delighted to see how warmly her ideas and insights were received.

One of our primary interests during the visit was exploring opportunities to promote Latvia as a destination for American film production. Prior to the official meetings, the Latvia Investment and Development Agency (LIAA), which administers Latvia’s attractive film incentive and rebate programs, arranged exceptional private tours for the two of us. We visited the historic Riga Film Studio, the country’s largest sound stage complex, and Cinevilla Studios, one of Northern Europe’s largest outdoor backlots. We also toured a number of fascinating filming locations throughout Latvia. The country offers an incredible diversity of architecture and landscapes, all within relatively short travel distances, making it an exciting and cost-effective option for filmmakers.

The conference itself included memorable events ranging from a reception hosted by the President of Latvia at historic Riga Castle to presentations by Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis, Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs, and numerous government and business leaders.

One highlight was a two-and-a-half-hour business networking session. Each Honorary Consul remained at an assigned table while Latvian entrepreneurs rotated through fifteen-minute meetings seeking advice on expanding internationally. Since our focus was the United States, many discussions centered on entering the American market. This is where Dr. Ekstrom truly shined. Her years of business experience and hosting the Money Loves Women podcast enabled her to offer practical guidance to many aspiring entrepreneurs.

Our final day took us by motor coach—with an impressive police and security escort—to the beautiful port city of Liepāja. It was inspiring to see how this once-Soviet naval city has evolved into a vibrant modern community. Our meetings were held in the stunning Dzintars Concert Hall, itself a symbol of Latvia’s remarkable transformation.

On the way to the airport on Thursday, we stopped at a marvelous marketplace to say, “Until next time” and enjoy breakfast with Dr. Zanda Kalniņa-Lukasevica, the Parliament’s Deputy Speaker, and her foreign policy advisor, Kaspars Svilāns (who is leaving Riga today to join the Embassy staff in Washington DC and the Congressional Liaison).

After flying home, we were back in the operating room Friday morning for surgery at 7:00 a.m. We may not have had much time to recover from international travel, but we returned energized, grateful for new friendships, and already looking forward to our next visit to Latvia later this year—hopefully accompanied by Congressman Lou Correa.