The Russian-American Chamber of Commerce

Organizational Statement

The Russian-American Chamber of CommerceŽ is a private non-governmental, nonprofit and nonpartisan association dedicated to the facilitation of U.S.-Russian commercial opportunities. We provide knowledge relating to U.S. trade, investment and commerce in the Russian marketplace.
Our member companies reflect the values and orientation of Main Street America. They join with us from all across the country, from California to the New England states. They represent a vibrant cross-section of the American economy located in places like Silicon Valley, Waterton Canyon in the Colorado foothills, the rolling plains of the Midwest, and other high technology or industrial centers like Boston, Minneapolis-St. Paul and New York. Our membership is comprised of many diverse elements of the U.S. economy including major corporations, innovative small companies and individual entrepreneurs, in addition to the law firms and major accounting firms. What binds us all is the individual and corporate commitment we have made to the success of our business ventures in Russia.

The Russian-American Chamber of CommerceŽ is an organization that values people, ethics, friendships and the conduct of business based on personal relationships between Americans and Russians. Our members share an abiding respect for the Americans and Russians with whom they have business relationships. They share values of optimism, hope and the belief that U.S.-Russian business cooperation and trade will become an important component of global economic activity in the future.

Members have projected into the future a vision and a plan for their companies which goes beyond the next quarterly report to define success or failure. The risks, obstacles and barriers that they face today will diminish in the future. In this respect, members of the Chamber are the business pioneers who have made investments and taken risks because they fundamentally believe in the long-term viability of their enterprises. Our members have made a long-term commitment and especially value accountability and integrity.
Because our companies value people, we have evolved into a special kind of organizational identity, one which provides opportunities for people to get to know each other and develop the relationships which lead to business partnerships based on trust, confidence and commitment. Our business meetings provide an intimate environment for the discussion of major issues in business, politics and the economy. Our members demand and receive personal attention related to their specific problems and concerns.

The Russian-American Chamber of CommerceŽ has a history and legacy of encouraging communication among companies that do business in Russia creating a solid and reliable network that nurtures business growth and expansion. A significant portion of our work is devoted to troubleshooting, problem solving, developing risk minimization techniques and educating companies on how to avoid problems and losses. We have also nurtured an open door policy with the American and Russian governments.

Over the years, our members have enjoyed many unique opportunities. They have met with Presidents of Nations, Ambassadors, Governors, Mayors and of course with each other. They have made trips to the Russian White House, the Duma, The Russian Embassy in Washington and the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, consulates in San Francisco and New York, various ministerial offices, the U.S. Congress, and other U.S. governmental offices to dialogue with lawmakers and important decision makers.

Reliable, solid and accurate business information is important to our members. Our chamber publication, the Russian Commerce News, and our web site at www.russianamericanchamber.org keep members informed. But just as important is the fact they can pick up the phone and call our office anytime they need a "take" on what's going on and get an immediate response. Whether it's an issue pertaining to a financial crisis, a stock market downturn, a new business development, or a change in governments, our members feel confident they will always receive the latest information or be pointed in the right direction to get what they need, when they need it.

Companies on the Chamber's Board of Directors include AATA International, AIG, Anderman/Smith Overseas, Arnold & Porter, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, MCI, Newmont Mining Corporation, Sun Microsystems, and more. Other members include major foreign direct investors, and small companies in industries such as import-export, architecture, publishing and software development. Dr. Deborah Anne Palmieri has served as President and CEO of the Chamber since 1994.

Members of our American Advisory Council include Governor Frank Murkowski (R-Alaska), Senator Max Baucus (D-Montana), Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California), Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colorado) and Representative Benjamin Gilman (R-New York). Most have served with us since 1993. The stability and continuity of the Chamber's governance since 1993 has been an important benefit for members.
Our Russian Advisory Council is chaired by the Russian Ambassador to the U.S., Yuri V. Ushakov. It includes the Russian Trade Representative, Mikhail Barkov, and the Consul Generals in San Francisco and New York, Victor Lizun and Viacheslav A. Pavlovskiy, respectively.
Our members enjoy ready access to the members of our Advisory Councils. This enables us to exchange ideas and obtain a feeling of the current mood in the capitals of both nations. The information given to the Advisory Councils is based on real experiences and provides these officials with a first hand look at what really happening in the Russian-American business community.

The Russian-American Chamber of CommerceŽ is a nonpolitical, nonpartisan organization. Our members want and prefer the independence and neutrality of our approach. They insist on separating their business activities, as they understand the inherent risks in mixing business with politics.
They receive the support they need to succeed in Russia from an outstanding group of peer members and strong and meaningful relations with governments in Washington and Moscow. The Chamber opens doors, creates access, and provides personalized attention to member needs. Our members have high expectations for personal service and we have consistently delivered this over the last eight years.

For greater detail on a sampling of the Chamber's activities over the years, see The Russian-American Chamber of CommerceŽ Over the Years: Organizational Memories, Highlights and Special Moments.