In an effort to save Russia's pioneering entrepreneurs from losing their businesses to exorbitant taxes and Byzantine legislation, a delegation of 11 legal specialists will be visiting the Bay Area and Sacramento from Oct. 28 to Nov. 24.
This historic visit is the brainchild of two dynamic women who play prominent roles in Russia's transition to a market economy -- Irina Khakamada, Russia's first deputy minister of the newly created Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Entrepreneurship Support, and Sharon Tennison, the president of the Center for Citizen Initiatives (CCI).
Khakamada's determination to put Russia's emerging middle class on the map is evidenced by her dedication to three goals: simplifying taxes for small business, easing registration procedures for new enterprises, and reinstating low-interest loans and other types of assistance for small-enterprise development.
By traveling to various legal institutions and attending lectures and seminars given by esteemed local legislators and lawyers, the delegates will gather information on the intricacies of U.S. law. Their main objectives are to learn how to: simplify taxation policies; create interregional and federal laws that are compatible; and better understand the roles played by credit unions, chambers of commerce, and ombudsman offices. Upon returning home, they will report their findings and submit proposals to the Russian government for new, simplified business legislation.
Some of the planned visits include:
CCI is based in the Presidio of San Francisco and has offices in seven Russian cities. This CCI program is substantially funded by the United States Information Agency. All CCI programs are targeted toward empowering citizens, not officials, to take responsibility for societal change.
CCI would like to acknowledge the training program coordinator, Doug Freifeld; Sydran Services Inc.; La Farine french bakery and Arizmendi Cafe in Oakland; and the following San Francisco businesses: Peet's Coffee on Fillmore, Peet's Coffee on Chestnut, Noah's Bagels on Union, Amici's East Coast Pizzeria on Union, Pizzeria Uno in the Embarcadero, Just Desserts on Irving, and Business Wire for their generous contributions to the success of this prestigious visit.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Interviews and photo opportunities, as well as more information on the current delegation, future delegations, or other CCI programs and events, may be obtained by calling the contacts below.
For more information contact:
The Center for Citizen Initiatives, San Francisco
Gabriel Goodliffe, 415/561-7777 x230
Eleanor Gorman, 415/561-7777 x212