Russian entrepreneurs are recruited: CCI's seven Russian offices
recruit and carefully screen the owners and directors of Russian enterprises
in a variety of industries. The delegates must meet rigorous criteria
and compete for limited slots. At the end of the application process,
which includes several interviews, 11 Russians are selected for each delegation.
American communities are identified: PEP outreach officers in
CCI's San Francisco office contact civic clubs across the country to match
the Russian delegations with appropriate American communities.
Russians come to America for a three-week long training program:
Volunteers from the hosting civic club(s) implement PEP in their communities.
With guidelines and support from CCI, they create a business training
schedule, arrange for home hosting, provide local transportation, and
participate in a cultural exchange with their Russian guests. PEP is a
unique hands-on international and vocational service project that enables
volunteers to have a personal and educational exchange without ever leaving
home.
Transfer US knowledge to the Russian economy: Upon returning
home, Russian participants are required to share their newly acquired
knowledge with colleagues by participating in seminars and giving lectures.
PEP graduates report that they are able to apply and communicate information
learned in American with amazing success. They often adapt their businesses,
increase output, and introduce new products. Many have also been inspired
to join civic clubs like Rotary and Kiwanis, and to initiate their own
community service projects in Russia.
