Arcci Directors Network in Russia

In November 1996 and in February-March 1997, the ARCCI directors were in Russia at the invitation of the Russian government. During their visits, two presentations were made at the Citizens Democracy Corps conference "Investing in Russia's regions". Many new contacts were initiated to facilitate business networking for Chamber members. The trips included meetings with high-level government officials, business executives and the media in St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Tver. One of the highlights of the trips was a meeting with Janet Ballentyne, the Director of the United States Agency for International Development mission in Russia to discuss opportunities for the creation of new ARCCI/AECC regional outreach programs.