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In 2001, the Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber (BWCC) Foundation was awarded a grant by the U. S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, to host ten Russian entrepreneurs in Maryland businesses and homes for a month long stay. The “Community Connections” grant is one of more than fifty awarded principally to international visitor centers and international exchange organizations across the United States to conduct similar programs on behalf of their communities. The grant to the Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber Foundation, an affiliate of the BWCC, marks the first time that such a grant for this program has been awarded to a chamber or chamber affiliate. The visitors arrived on October 12, 2001. The entrepreneurs were matched with Baltimore/Washington Corridor business hosts whose work closely aligns with the trade or profession of the visitor. They resided with host families to gain a full understanding of American’s values and lifestyle. “The intent of this program is to provide a rich and detailed learning experience for our visitors from Russia, allowing them to experience the day-to-day activities within the American system of free enterprise,” noted Dr. Janice Schreck, who is the Executive Director for the Chamber Foundation’s program. “After having conducted similar programs in the region for more than eight years, I can attest to the impact of this experience on both the visitors and their hosts,” said Schreck. The BWCC Foundation applied for the grant because several directors of both the Chamber and Foundation boards had participated in the event in prior years. Don Danneman of Danneman’s Auto Service in Laurel, Maryland—along with his wife Becky—have been hosts for visitors at both their home and their business. Danneman serves as Chairman of the Community Connections Committee, providing volunteer leadership in a program he clearly loves. “Not only have we hosted visitors, we’ve become great friends, and have visited our Russian business guests at their places of business near Vladivostok, in the fear east of Russia. In some cases we’ve become business partners, developing opportunities that continue to this day. It’s one of the most rewarding elements of my professional career,” said Danneman. During the Russians’ stay, they spent the first four days of each work week in the hosts’ businesses, then gathered as a group every Friday to share their individual experiences and receive briefings on topics such as management, marketing, and the value of forming supportive business associations upon their return to Russia. They also participated in many Chamber events, including the Procurement Fair, Power Networking Breakfast and the Indoor Golf Tournament. Larry Bormel, CPA, of Bormel, Grice and Associates, president of the BWCC Foundation, notes that “the Foundation is dedicated to education at all levels in this region. While our emphasis has been on helping high school students move to a successful college experience, we also wanted to help businesses understand the nature of what is now a truly global economy. There will be lots of learning taking place on both sides in this Community Connections program.” Both home and business hosts are being encouraged to contact the Chamber Foundation for further information. Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Janice Schreck, Assistant Director Lisa Feinberg, or Committee Chairman Don Danneman at 301-725-4000, or via electronic mail at mailto:bwccintl@baltwashchamber.org |
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