March 6, 2007
BY DIMITRA LAVRAKAS
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WASILLA - This past week, the city of Wasilla has been hosting an economic development delegation from Primorski Krai in the Russian Far East, Ussuriisk and Arsinyev.
After three visits last year to the Russian far east, Wasilla Mayor Diane M. Keller said the communities met and decided to focus on tourism, and Iditarod time seemed to be the best choice for a visit.
“They chose the Iditarod,” she said by phone from her office. “We went into Anchorage on Saturday, and they got to meet Sen. Lisa Murkowski, and they got to be in the chute area at the start.
“At 1 p.m., we went out to the Heritage Land Bank people for them to explain that program to them.
“And on Sunday, we went to Willow for the restart of the race.”
This two-year program is funded by the United States Agency for International Development, and the partnerships are two of eight CityLinks Partnerships in an Alaska-Russia Far East program that is managed by the International City/County Management Association.
The program aims to give Russian communities a hands-on opportunity to learn about city management and economic development strategies from government colleagues who have practical, on-the-ground knowledge.
For example, in Ussuriisk, insufficient tourism industry information and the need for an attractive marketing image for the city are the main challenges that hamper development. Ussuriisk and Wasilla have partnered to develop a tourism industry database and tourism marketing strategies to nurture that industry.
The Russians also will partner with the Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau, and visit the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce and the local Rotary Club.
“They've been finding it very helpful,” said Keller.
The group will continue to network throughout the winter and the Wasilla staff will return to Russia to meet again in May.
Contact Dimitra Lavrakas at 352-2269 or valleylife@frontiersman.com.
Comments
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