RUSSIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION

On November 18, I attended the Russian National Exhibition at McCormick Place in Chicago. This exhibition is an important demonstration of Chicago’s role in Russian-American relations. It was opened by Mayor Daley, Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak and a representative from the Russian Trade Ministry.

Members of over 100 Russian companies traveled across the world to meet with potential clients, partners and business connections in the Chicago area. Guests were entertained by dancers in national costumes, Russian folk musicians and other artists.

As an active participant in Russian-American trade for the past 12 years, and founder of Russian Foundation of Chicago, it was with true pride that I witnessed this historical moment in the relationship between these two great countries.