Vancouver plays host city to Russian delegation
Five delegates from the Russian city of Kurgan were whisked around Southwest Washington earlier this month as part of the Library of Congress's Open World Program.
The program is designed to build peace and understanding between the United States and participating countries by emphasizing hands-on activities like business workshops, job shadowing and roundtable discussions.
Most delegates stay with a host family, enabling them to experience American family and community life. Program organizers say this arrangement often leads to new friendships and the breaking down of Cold War-era stereotypes.
Local businessman Buck Heidrick has been involved in the Open World Program for the past 12 years and coordinated this year's visit.
"The focus of this year's trip was on government accountability-how we, as citizens, influence and hold accountable our elected officials," said Heidrick.
The delegates met with several representatives and public officials including Bart Phillips, executive director of the Columbia River Economic Development Council, Clark County Administrator Bill Barron and Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt. The trip also included a tour of the state capital.
Heidrick said the visit was designed to be engaging and interactive.
"[In previous years] there was an awful lot of show and tell," said Heidrick. "This group made it clear on the first day that they had as much to share as they had to learn. They were very interested in sharing their perspective and sharing their experiences."
Heidrick said one of the areas the delegates were most interested in was government support of business. That fact was clear when the Vancouver Business Journal caught up with the group following a Vancouver Rotary Club meeting.
"I was happy to see how small business gets a lot of support from the government here," said Natalya Shutova, a credit specialist back in Russia. "I also liked how business owners are involved in volunteering here. We need more of that."
Facilitator and translator Armen Burnusuzyan said this was the first time any of the delegates had visited the United States.
"From the community role of small business to the election process, this was a very informative trip," said Burnusuzyan. "The delegates received a lot of valuable information they will try to use when they get home."
But it wasn't all work and no play for our Russian guests. The delegates toured parts of the Columbia Gorge, the historic Pearson Air Museum, Fort Vancouver and the Oregon coast.
"We don't get to see oceans back home, so the trip to the beach was definitely the highlight," said Shutova.
