In cooperation with the United States Information Agency (USIA), CIPE is conducting a business association management training program for 30 business executives and private sector association leaders from Armenia. Training will focus on managing private, voluntary chambers of commerce, with special emphasis on membership, finance and budgeting, non-dues income, small business development, marketing, business ethics, and international trade.
The 30 participants are divided into three delegations, each of which trains at CIPE's offices in Washington, as well as another major metropolitan area in the United States. The first group of ten arrived last September and were exposed to the vibrant Armenian community in Detroit, Michigan through the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce. "The Armenian business community welcomed the delegation with open arms and we strongly feel the meeting will result in future business partnerships," said Detroit Regional Chamber President and CEO Richard D. Blouse Jr., CCE.
The second delegation arrived in late January and traveled to Denver, Colorado for a look at the business community there through the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. The delegation paid visits to the Small Business Administration, Jefferson County Economic Council, and the Denver World Trade Center. Barbara Grogan, President of Western Industrial Contractors and a former Chair of the Denver Chamber of Commerce, hosted the Armenians in her home and introduced them to the Denver business community. She noted, "Forming strong international business relations is vital for the future success and stability of our global economy. CIPE is doing a great service to the United States and to the countries that it touches by bringing our business leadership together. CIPE and the Armenian business leaders are building the future."
The third delegation arrives in March and will explore the business community in Columbia, South Carolina. Upon completion of the program, the Center for International Private Enterprise will host a one-day conference in Yerevan, Armenia, to synthesize the three groups' experiences and help develop strategic plans and policies for the restructured Chamber of Commerce.