President’s Report

July 28, 2003

Dear Friends of CCI,

I've just returned from eight weeks of traveling across Russia's vast regions - as far out as Krasnoyarsk in Siberia - and I want to share my impressions with you.

It was an amazing trip! We interviewed PEP Fellows daily to learn what value their U.S. internships have had for them. U.S. ideas that you and I take for granted have stimulated new marketing directions, reorganizations of companies, new product lines and services, as well as new Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs.

It's fascinating how many western ideas are appropriate for Russia (given their reality is quite different from ours), and how ingenious Russia's entrepreneurs are in their adaptation of newly acquired concepts.

I witnessed firsthand how one Russian implementing a new idea in the market place seeds business concepts for others to copy. For the past three or four years, I have watched as Russia's grassroots economy has rapidly gained momentum. My conclusion is that they watch each other closely, and whatever works spreads like a healthy virus. Each Russian coming back from a PEP delegation contributes to this multiplier effect.

Greatly important for us is that these PEP Fellows become roving goodwill ambassadors for America upon return home. Many made a point of saying that they have a completely different opinion about our nation and our people after living with American families in U.S. communities. They tell Russian friends, colleagues and journalists that they experienced an America, which differs greatly from the usual stereotypes.

Over the course of my PEP interviews, I became more deeply intrigued than ever with our PEP Fellows' struggle against the public corruption just above their heads. CCI is initiating a bold strategy to address this national phenomenon, the major thrust of which will begin in September. Our PEP Fellows will lead the way in this effort. As one successful young PEP entrepreneur, Andrei Alexeev remarked, "If I don't take this on, who will?" It won't be easy, so wish us well.

Thanks so much for your generous hosting of these PEP delegations, which are igniting solid business principles and immeasurable goodwill for America throughout Russia!

Warm wishes to you,

Sharon Tennison
President

PS: CCI proudly announces that we have a database of over 25,000 American volunteer business trainers and home hosts! As of this month, PEP has trained over 3,500 Fellows. They come from over 450 Russian cities in 65 regions. Over 500 civic clubs, including Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions and Optimist Clubs, Fraternal Order of Eagles, business associations, and religious and other social groups, have hosted PEP delegations.