For Immediate Release:
10/01/2004

The Russian Community Center of Kansas City is hosting a delegation of Russian entrepreneurs from 10/9/04 to 10/17/04 as part of the Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP), a U.S. State Department program administered by the Center for Citizen Initiatives (CCI). PEP brings Russian entrepreneurs and business owners to the U.S. for intensive industry-specific business training and cultural exchange. Eleven owners and managers of Russian Hotel and Hospitality companies will learn about all aspects of the American industry from local volunteer businesses. At the same time, the Russian delegates will stay with American host families so that they can learn about and experience American culture. These home stays are often the most rewarding part of the program for both the Russian delegates and the American participants.

We urgently need home hosts for this delegation! If anyone in the Kansas City area is interested in hosting 1 or 2 Russians for any period of time between 10/9/04 and 10/17/04, please contact our office at 913-568-1258.

For home hosts, PEP is a unique, fun opportunity to share their culture and to learn about the Russian way of life. A home host is the main connection the Russian participants have to American culture, allowing them a view of American life that only comes from firsthand experience. In addition to the value of cultural exchange, PEP is a terrific way to communicate and exchange democratic and civic values with citizens of a former communist country. Russians and Americans alike say that home hosting is a deeply meaningful and indispensable part of the PEP experience.

Regarding the program former PEP participants have said:

"Hosting the Russians was a joy. They were so eager to learn about everything, and so anxious to share with us knowledge about their families and their country."

       - Connie McRae, Home Host in Iola, Kansas 2004

"This was an awesome experience that my family will never forget!"

       - Teresa Sullivan, Home Host in Shawnee Mission, Kansas 2001

"I'd like to express a huge feeling of gratitude for our hospitable hosts who really became like family!"

       - Anatoliy Filatov, Russian PEP graduate 2004

For More Information Contact:
Local Coordinator David Johnston: 816-741-4520 (work) or 816-728-7747 (cell) or our office 913-568-1258.