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Rotarys hosting cultural exchange By BILL CHOY Ashland Daily Tidings A delegation of Russian business people is coming to Ashland to learn firsthand about American business practices. The group, which arrives this evening, will be in Ashland for two weeks. Delegates will receive training and expert advice in American tourism practices and techniques from local businesses and organizations, including the Bear Creek Cooperation, Southern Oregon University and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The 11 businesspeople, a facilitator and a translator will live with host families and are being sponsored by the Ashland Rotary and Ashland Lithia Springs Rotary clubs. The group is one of many Russian delegations that have been organized by the Center for Citizen Initiatives in San Francisco. In eight years, approximately 3,500 Russian businesspeople have come to America as part of the program, said Anna Noel, delegation coordinator for the center. This is the first time a Russian delegation has come to Ashland as part of the center's program, Noel said. Learning American business practices firsthand is a perfect opportunity for them to help accelerate Russia's difficult transition from state-controlled communism to a free market economy, she said. "It gives them firsthand knowledge that they can learn and implement back in Russia,'' Noel said. "It opens their eyes to new possibilities.'' Ideas that might seem rudimentary in America are considered revolutionary in Russia, Noel said. For instance, having an employee of the month and putting the person's picture on the wall is considered a radical new business concept. "They think it's amazing because they find out it increases productivity,'' she said. "Even little things can be an eye-opener for them" The visit is also a good way to meet new friends and share business ideas, Noel said. "They can start lifelong friendships here,'' she said. "And it changes their perceptions of Americans.' Events planned include a barbecue dinner, swing dancing, a jet boat tour and a tailgate party before the start of a Southern Oregon University football game. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -