Zheleznogorsk, Russia: Creating a Business Environment with the International Development Center

As part of the DOE Nuclear Cities Initiative, an International Development Center has been established in Zheleznogorsk for the purpose of building a business environment that will encourage the creation and growth of sustainable businesses providing non-defense jobs. Zheleznogorsk is the site of the Mining and Chemical Combine (MCC), a complex of fissile material production facilities. It is located in central Siberia near the industrial city of Krasnoyarsk. The Center, which had its grand opening November 2, 1999, has already been used for a number of business development activities. It is centrally located in newly-remodeled space and has a skilled and enthusiastic staff led by Sergei Usoltsev, who has education and experience in engineering and business. It is seen by MCC and City administration alike as an important community resource for creating and attracting businesses, as well as training the managers needed by new and existing businesses. A similar center is being established in Snezhinsk, home of VNIITF, the All-Russian Institute of Theoretical Physics. Each center is registered with local authorities as an independent, non-profit legal entity with Russian directors and staff.