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May 6, 2009
For Immediate Release
For an Interview:
Rusty Butler
(801) 863-8994
Five government leaders from various parts of the Russian Federation participating in the Open World Program will spend May 8-16 in Utah examining economic development. Utah Valley University’s Office of International Affairs & Diplomacy is hosting the delegation for Open World.
Managed by the independent Open World Leadership Center at the Library of Congress, Open World enables emerging Eurasian political and civic leaders to work with their U.S. counterparts and experience American-style democracy at the local level.
While in Utah, the delegates will discuss economic development issues with numerous state entities such as the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce, Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), Commission for Economic Development in Orem (CEDO), Economic Development Corporation of Utah and other organizations. Delegates will also tour successful local companies, meet with the local as well as state government officials, and get acquainted with some of the State’s attractions. In addition, homestays with local residents will allow the delegates to experience Utah family life.
"As the local host, UVU is thrilled to facilitate the creation of meaningful partnerships among local organizations and Open World delegations," said Maryna Storrs, program coordinator for the UVU Office of International Affairs & Diplomacy. "Our goal is to provide educational as well as networking opportunities that the delegates will surely utilize upon return to their home countries."
The Open World Leadership Center has awarded a grant to Utah Valley University’s Office of International Affairs & Diplomacy to administer this and other similar exchanges in 2009.
The Open World Program is a unique, nonpartisan initiative of the U.S. Congress designed to build mutual understanding between the United States and Eurasia. More than 12,000 Open World participants have been hosted in all 50 U.S. states since the program’s inception in 1999. Delegates range from members of parliament to mayors, from innovative nonprofit directors to experienced journalists, and from political party activists to regional administrators. For more information on Open World, please visit http://www.openworld.gov.
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University Marketing Contact:
Erin Spurgeon
(801) 863-6807