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September 12th 2004 Opinion

Bartlesville People can Impact Russia
Guest opinion
By Andria L. McCollough
Guest Columnist

If you believe in Bartlesville you will find it easy to believe that our community is about to have a huge impact on Russian life. Due to arrive in Bartlesville on Thursday o this week, eleven small business owners will come to believe in Bartlesville, in Oklahoma and in America, as they learn from the "best" about our casual dining industry and how we do business. Think Bartlesville can't REALLY make a difference in the world? Think again. Several local citizens have taken personal responsibility for societal change by aiding Russians in the development of a flourishing democracy. They will be influencing Russia's historic transition without ever leaving their city. These Bartians range from local small business owners, to Rotarians, to every day citizens who will host individuals in their homes during their three-week stay.

It is in America's economic and security interests to help Russia transfer to a market economy and to share our expertise in building a democracy. Russia will become America's next major trading partner if the country stabilizes economically. If we provide production and business assistance to them now, they will choose us as future trading partners. What a great impact on our nation, state and city.

Evgency Artyukyh, a previous Russian program participant acknowledged the impact of this program on American communities, "The America I have seen is radically different from the one promoted by Hollywood movies. I am very impressed by the America I have come to know through this program."

Local surgeon Dr. John Moreland and his wife Judy will soon feel a direct impact from this program, as they will be sharing their home with four Russians over the next several weeks. This is

not a first for the Moreland's. They have previously hosted individuals from foreign countries and helped to open f their eyes to middle America. Not long ago, they enjoyed the company of an Indian physician who was amazed by the prosperity of America. Those who we would consider as under privileged in our community would be considered "rich" in his.

Dr. Moreland is excited about this new opportunity to impact yet another country. "These people are going to get a small glimpse of how Americans live. But even more so, they will have such an impact on us and on those in our community, just by giving us more knowledge about what Russians are going through," said Moreland. "Even though we have a lot of differences with those from other countries, so many things are still the same. They will have families and kids, cares and concerns just like we do. It is always a treat to share our lives with others and learn so much about theirs," he added.

The training program will require the Russian business owners to document everything they learn each day in the US and offer presentations to colleagues upon their return to Russia. Accustomed to Soviet conditioning, most Russians grew up without free access to information or contacts. The fact that American business hosts take them into their companies, without hesitation, share their business experience with them, and answer questions they ask, is unbelievable, even shocking to most of them.

Pam Dunlap, president of the Bartlesville Area Chamber of Commerce, believes in the possible success of the program locally. "Bartlesville has a dynamic business community. We believe that the Russian delegation can learn a lot about business success, employee relations, and the

manage their businesses in ways which they have never dreamed. But most importantly, Russians will sense that we truly want them to succeed, in their businesses and in their lives. After all, as the old adage goes, "it's better to teach someone to fish than to merely catch fish for them."

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