Belarus is not a kind of dance...

Whether co-sponsoring visits by foriegn nationals or arranging for speeches by department of commerce officials, the International Resource Group of Rochester is an excellent source of know-how for doing business abroad. Last week, I joined Karolina Kotas, President of IBG (RIT's International Business Group) for a trip to the Inn at 26 Broadway in the city. There, we had the opportunity to meet with a group of journalists from Belarus who were making a stop in Rochester (as part of a multi-city tour of the US sponsored by the State Department). The purpose for their visit was to learn how American Journalists report on free-market economics. This particular group of journalists worked for one of the few free, non-state controlled newspapers. Belarus, near Russia, has been referred to as "the last dictatorship in Europe." One may recall news of the recent (unfair) elections there, and the repression of protestors in the street. We had plenty of economic questions for them, but their main questions for us included "what are your favorite books, movies, and TV shows? Do you work and go to school? Have you ever been to Europe?" Apparently, American culture is huge with the younger generations there. It was such a tremendous opportunity to speak to these people, and an interesting experience speaking through translators. Even more amazing is the thought that I might be quoted in a newspaper on the far side of Europe!
Just two days ago, I made a second visit to the IRG. Erin Cole of the US Department of Commerce, Rochester Office, was making a presentation to several local business leaders about the services provided by the Department of Commerce in helping local businesses go international. Surprisingly, the majority of the businesses she assists are small, with only 50 to 70 employees. Most of the services are free and readily available. It has certainly been a great experience, and another example of how connected to the community RIT clubs really are. I hope to foster a continually strengthening relationship between IBG and IRG. It has been very successful, preticularly to the extent that Sharon Badenhop, an IRG director, reaches out to students.

IBG: http://www.rit.edu/~ibg/
IRG: http://www.irgnet.org/index.php
US Dept. Commerce: http://www.commerce.gov/