About Town: Open World/Russian Leadership Program
AmCham News ( U.S.A.)
Posted on July 31, 2002
By Melinda Farris
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| Congressman Taylor: The Open World participants show Rep. Charles Taylor where they are from during a dinner at the Congressman's house. From left: Artur Aleksandrowicz, Rep. Taylor's assistant from Ivanovo, Rep. Taylor, Oleg Shavyrkin and Carlene Davis. |
This spring, Artur Aleksandrowicz from Delta Capital Management spent ten days in Asheville and Brevard, NC on the program, as one of the 2,600 participants scheduled to travel to the U.S. this year.
Artur was part of a group of four selected to participate in the economic development theme of the program this year.
"It was an excellent chance to meet with banks and financial institutions, as well as organizations that support small business," Artur said. "We met with agencies like the Rotary Club, the local Chamber of Commerce and entrepreneurship support councils."
In their application forms, the participants had indicated what kind of meetings they would be interested in having while on the program.
"We were all so specific about what we wanted to see and do, that our days were very full," Artur said. "It was especially interesting for me to meet with my counterparts in the U.S. and see how banks work there. I had the feeling that the Americans were also interested in our meetings; sometimes a meeting scheduled for one hour would last two or more hours."
Artur's American counterparts were very interested in the economic changes in Russia. "They were surprised that we have banks working with credit cards and mortgages, that we have small businesses and leasing, and that a lot of Americans do business in Russia."
Artur said he returned to Russia with a big case of materials that he collected while in the U.S., as well as important contacts of his Western colleagues who he can turn to in case he needs advice in helping Russian entrepreneurs start their businesses.
"I brought back a lot of samples of business plans, financial analysis, applications and different forms. Now I'm able to share the information I received with my colleagues, which has been very helpful," he said.
Although this was his second trip to the United States, Artur said that he was surprised by the "real" America and Americans.
"I was able to see the America outside of Washington, DC, and understand how it works," he explained. "I was surprised that the mentalities of Americans and Russians are so similar."
Artur's group had the chance to visit Rep. Charles Taylor at his home and discuss a variety of issues, including politics and history.
As is the case with most program participants, Artur stayed with a host family while he was in North Carolina's mountainous area. "The family members had a lot of questions and were very interested in politics and my reactions to the events of Sept. 11."
The program is administered by the Center for Russian Leadership Development, which is located in the Library of Congress. In Moscow, the U.S. Embassy participates in the selection process, assists with program design and planning and facilitates the processing of visas for participants. The American Councils for International Education provides administrative and logistical support to Open World. This year's program will focus on eight themes: rule of law, education reform, federalism, health, the environment, economic development, women as leaders and youth issues.
In order to participate in the program, an individual must be nominated by a nominating organization. The nominees submit applications and then a vetting committee at the Center for Russian Leadership Development in Moscow reviews the applications and selects the participants.
© 2002, The American Chamber of Commerce in Russia. Used with permission.
[Reprinted with Permission]
