University of Tennessee Special Program in Economic Development

A Tailored Program in Finance and Budgeting

June 25-July 3, 2005

Sponsored by the Open World Leadership Center at the Library of  Congress
 and hosted by the Academy for Educational Development and The University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee's International Programs for Agriculture and Natural Resources conducted a one-week tailored study tour on finance and budgeting for economic development for four delegates from Russia. Program delegates came from small and mid-sized towns from several regions in Russia.  The program was comprised of a combination of interactive classroom presentations, consultations and field experiences designed to provide the participants with an understanding of how local governments operate in the United States.  The program emphasized the cooperation among federal, state, municipal administrations, and the private sector and their respective roles in economic development. 

The program was based in Knoxville with extensive field trips in the region, including visits to Blount, Sevier and Loudoun Counties.  As the project encourages broad participation of Russians by choosing delegates who may not speak any English at all, the University hired a local interpreter for the professional meetings.  The interpreter also accompanied the group for most the cultural events, as well.  In addition, the Open World delegates were accompanied from Russia by a bilingual "facilitator" who could assist, especially during travel periods. 

The program, which began with a brief visit to Washington, DC, included home stays with several local families.  Beyond experiencing American family life, the group got to experience plenty of local cultural activities, including two which draw tourists from many miles away:  they attended both Dollywood (theme park) and the Dixie Stampede, which offers dinner and a show filled with horseback riding, music and comedy. 

Saturday, June 25 Arrival: Delegates met and assisted at Knoxville airport.  Short "windshield tour."  Reception at the home of Mr. Richard Davis, Program Director.				Click here for the list of program delegates
Sunday, June 26 Visit to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for sightseeing and entertainment with Howard and Olga Kerr.  Entertainment included admission to Dollywood amusement park.  Marina swears to never again ride a rollercoaster.
Monday, June 27 Morning:  Official welcome by the University of Tennessee with comments by Buddy Mitchell, Vice President for Agriculture.  Presentations by guests about their responsibilities and interests.  Overview of city and county government by Dr. Frank Leuthold, Professor Emeritus and former County Knox County Commissioner.  Comments by Howard Kerr, former member, Tennessee House of Representatives.  Picnic lunch in the UT Trial Gardens.
Afternoon:  Meet with representatives of Knox County Board of Education.  Attend Knox County Commission monthly legislative meeting.
Tuesday, June 28 Morning:  Visit Knox County Finance Department, County Trustee's Office. Afternoon: Visit Institute of Public Service (IPS), the University of Tennessee--learn about the Municipal Technical Advisory Service and the City Technical Advisory Service.  Meet with Mary Taylor, Assistant Vice President of the IPS
Evening:  Dinner party at home of Ted and Myrna Frazier, home stay hosts.  All delegates and hosts invited.
Wednesday, June 29 Morning:  Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the U.S. with approximately 10 million visitors annually impacting its one half million-acre land mass.  Noon:  Working lunch at the Park Grill with Geoffrey Wolpert, Owner  and president of a local foundation for improving the "gateway" town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Afternoon:  Meet with Leon Downey, Executive Director, Department of Tourism, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  Learn how Pigeon Forge has developed family-oriented activities, including shopping, which draws more visitors each year than the national park.  Evening:  Attend the Dixie Stampede, a popular local dinner theater featuring local music, horseback riders, comedy and audience participation.
Thursday, June 30 Morning:  Visit Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership--with roundtable discussion of local and regional mechanisms for provision of municipal services and support of small and medium size businesses for economic development.  Participating organizations:  Small Business Development Center, International Trade Center, East Tennessee Development District.
Afternoon:  Visit Blount County Chamber of Commerce, Maryville, Tennessee and meet with Bryan Daniels, economic development coordinator.  Learn about county's experience in working with different levels of government and experience in working with the private sector for sustainable development. Visit United Way of Blount County office with presentation by Sandra Davis, President. Evening:  Visit with Russian students participating in the Tennessee International Partnership Service 2005 Program.
Friday, July 1 Morning:  Meet with Blount County Director of Finance and Budgeting.  Visit Blount County Sanitary Landfill.
Afternoon:  Visit Sweetwater Valley Farms, Philadelphia, Tennessee with owner, John Harrison.  This is a successful dairy with a cheese-making operation on site and an agro-tourism venture. The farm offers tours, as well as markets cheeses and locally-made items. Evening:  Delegates with host families.  Attend Blount County Early Independence Day Celebration.  Dinner of hot dogs, hamburgers, etc., followed by fireworks.
Saturday, July 2 Morning:  Visit the Knoxville Zoo for a VIP "behind the scenes" tour by the zoo's Director of Education. Afternoon:  Shopping.
Evening:  Farewell party at the home of Richard Davis.  All delegates and host families invited. Open World and University of Tennessee certificates awarded.
Sunday, July 3 Group departure.

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