The Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP), operated by the Center for Citizen Initiatives, is a variant of the historic Marshall Plan Technical Assistance Program. From 1949 to 1960 the Marshall Plan trained 24,000 non-English-speaking foreign nationals in management principles and production concepts at US firms and manufacturing sites. Making up only a fraction of the entire Marshall Plan, it is now hailed as possibly the most effective part of the entire postwar effort.

Russia is in the midst of an enormously difficult transition: from a centrally-planned economy to a free market; from cradle-to-grave security to personal responsibility for all aspects of life. The outcome of this unparalleled process will impact future generations- not only in Russia, but also here in the United States and around the world. PEP's goal for Russia in the twenty-first century is the same as the Marshall Plan's goal for Europe in the '40s and '50s: to stimulate domestic manufacturing, production, and services to ensure economic and political stability vital to America's future trade relations and strategic welfare.

Congressional members, Democrats and Republicans alike, agree that it is in America's highest national interest to equip Russian citizens with the skills and technologies necessary to stabilize their economy. The ability of Russian citizens to purchase food and consumer goods will determine their support for the difficult changes needed for their country to become a democracy. US Communities Can Help!

Click on the links below to learn how your community can participate in this historic effort to transfer crucial business management information to Russian business managers of small and medium sized businesses on the front lines of Russia's economic transition.