As the rest of my class has noted, Macedonia is a beautiful country, full of culture and hospitality, especially from people like Dr. Behxeti and Blake Childs. After a week in the country, the most surprising realization I had was the fact that the states of Macedonia and Northeast PA economies were essentially no different. Emile also noticed this connection when she said “Macedonia and Northeast PA are very close” in her Blog. To be honest, this was not a realization I expected, especially since Macedonia was a post communist society, and Northeast PA was part of the United States free market economy. However, a number of similarities between the two regions make the comparison possible. For example:
· Both regions are transitioning. (Macedonia from a centralized system of communism and Northeast PA from mining and exporting coal)
· Both regions are in a position to transition because of a number of developable and exportable products. In Macedonia, agriculture and competitive labor for both domestic & international business. In Northeast PA, education and technology.
· Both regions are providing benefits to business through tax free zones, tax breaks, and incubators to facilitate this economic transition.
What these examples begin to show are the similarities between countries that many people, including myself, miss today in the United States because of our blindness to other countries and their economies. Frank, while I agree with you, these similarities between our countries (especially from a program stand point) should not have been so surprising. In reality they really were. Possibly it is the physical distance between countries, or the general perception of our economy is so strong that we do not need to look at other economies. Also, American society may lack knowledge or understanding of how an economy develops. Whatever the reason may be, people overlook how similar our country is to other developing countries around the world, and how much can be learned from looking at these other economies.
The last observation I would like to make is the impressive educational facilities and programs Macedonia has in place. Both the State University of Tetevo, and the Private University of Tetevo reminded me of Misericordia University, in terms of appearance, culture, and education. As Eric discussed in his blog, business education is taken seriously in Macedonia. Especially since people from the national government, the city of Tetevo, the city of Skopje, local entrepreneurs, and the USAID, all took time to come and present to our class. This dedication to education in Macedonia is another parallel to Northeast PA and the United States proving our countries are not that different.
In conclusion, my experiences in Macedonia have taught me a number of life & educational lessons. In terms of our class, whether or not economic development can be influenced by public policy promoting entrepreneurship? The answer is yes. The most eye opening part of this answer is the fact it does not matter which part of the world you are in or how developed an economy is, entrepreneurship can spark development (Macedonia) or continue it (the United States). In terms of life lessons, the world is a big place and there is a lot to learn from it. I look forward to exploring it even farther and I especially look forward to returning to Macedonia.
By Billy desRosiers
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Public Policy, Promotion, and Publicity
As Emilie had noted, there appears to be strong support for entrepreneurship in Macedonia. This was evidensed not only by the number of agencies involved, but the passion of some of the speakers. For example, one of our speakers showed up for class prepared not only with a presentation, but with another speaker he had recruited to provide still more insight. A number of our speakers were not even from Tetovo; they drove from the capital Skopje to meet with us.
In retrospect, the similarities Macedonian programs to those available in Northeastern Pennsylvania should not have been as surprising as it seemed. A few of the NGOs and government agencies operating are modeled after, or even associated with, successful Western economic development programs, such as: Junior Acheivment, and an Angel Investor Network. Even funding, at least a portion of the initial amounts, was provided by US and EU agencies; who see economic development in Macedonia as important for the future of the Balkans.
The most obvious difference between the two reagions was the level of establishment of the programs. Many of the US programs have simply been around a lot longer; many in existance well before Macedonia's fairly recent emergence as an independent country. For example, in Tetovo, we visited a business incubator that was about to open; they were still finishing the rooms. This compares to a number of operating incubators in the Wilkes-Barre area.
The most striking similarity was the need for publicity. A few of the speakers in Macedonia had asked our fellow classmates whether they were even aware that such programs esisted. Usually they were not. When asked about public policy towards Entrepreneurship, our contact at the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce said the biggest need was awareness. There are useful programs available to entrepreneursin both areas, but not everyone knows they even exist.
I would also like to echo the appreciation already expressed by my classmates for the hospitality shown to us in Macedonia; especially the State University of Tetovo and Dr. Behxeti. Also worthy of mention are Blake, who helped logistically in Tetovo; Alexander, who helped with arrival, departure, and a glimpse of the capital; the many speakers who took time out of their schedules to meet with us; and even our other classmates (those regularly attending the Univesity), who were flexible enough to rearranged their schedules to accommodate our limited time in country.
by Frank Yamrick
In retrospect, the similarities Macedonian programs to those available in Northeastern Pennsylvania should not have been as surprising as it seemed. A few of the NGOs and government agencies operating are modeled after, or even associated with, successful Western economic development programs, such as: Junior Acheivment, and an Angel Investor Network. Even funding, at least a portion of the initial amounts, was provided by US and EU agencies; who see economic development in Macedonia as important for the future of the Balkans.
The most obvious difference between the two reagions was the level of establishment of the programs. Many of the US programs have simply been around a lot longer; many in existance well before Macedonia's fairly recent emergence as an independent country. For example, in Tetovo, we visited a business incubator that was about to open; they were still finishing the rooms. This compares to a number of operating incubators in the Wilkes-Barre area.
The most striking similarity was the need for publicity. A few of the speakers in Macedonia had asked our fellow classmates whether they were even aware that such programs esisted. Usually they were not. When asked about public policy towards Entrepreneurship, our contact at the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce said the biggest need was awareness. There are useful programs available to entrepreneursin both areas, but not everyone knows they even exist.
I would also like to echo the appreciation already expressed by my classmates for the hospitality shown to us in Macedonia; especially the State University of Tetovo and Dr. Behxeti. Also worthy of mention are Blake, who helped logistically in Tetovo; Alexander, who helped with arrival, departure, and a glimpse of the capital; the many speakers who took time out of their schedules to meet with us; and even our other classmates (those regularly attending the Univesity), who were flexible enough to rearranged their schedules to accommodate our limited time in country.
by Frank Yamrick
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Follow Up
Expanding a bit on what Eric has already noted, it was very interesting to see that Macedonia is very close to Northeast PA in its efforts toward entrepreneurship, economic development, and public policy. I was honestly surprised after hearing from some of the speakers that there was such strong support for entrepreneurs in a country that I hadn't known much about before this trip. I think that as Americans we sometimes don't realize our similarities to somewhere like this until we put ourselves in their setting and culture.
As a class we have conducted many interviews in Macedonia as well as in the States. I think it should be noted that almost every person we heard from feels that a good way to increase entrepreneurial activities is through education. Entrepreneurs may have certain characteristics in common (i.e tolerance of risk, creativeness, etc.), but they are not necessary factors to becoming an entrepreneur. If we can teach the people of our communities, whether in Macedonia or Wilkes Barre, certain skills such as risk management, handling finances, and things of that nature, they may take on an opportunity to open a business that they thought wasn't possible in the past.
There are many organizations in Macedonia, much like those in Wilkes Barre and Scranton that promote public policy to support economic development. Entrepreneurs need public policies to support them in their endeavors to grow and bring business, as well as money, into the local communities. The major difference that we face in the U.S. is that we are dealing with so many government groups within a small area. Macedonia has the advantage of having one set of policy makers to go to, while in PA we are dealing with many groups which makes it very difficult to get everyone on the same page. Hopefully we can lessen this gap by taking the education to an even higher level and informing our decision makers of the important role that entrepreneurship plays in economic development.
Thank you again to everyone that helped us during our adventures in Macedonia. The hospitality we were shown was truly remarkable. A special thanks to Dr. Behxeti for his generosity the entire week. Also, thanks Blake for putting up with us :)
Emilie Pearson
As a class we have conducted many interviews in Macedonia as well as in the States. I think it should be noted that almost every person we heard from feels that a good way to increase entrepreneurial activities is through education. Entrepreneurs may have certain characteristics in common (i.e tolerance of risk, creativeness, etc.), but they are not necessary factors to becoming an entrepreneur. If we can teach the people of our communities, whether in Macedonia or Wilkes Barre, certain skills such as risk management, handling finances, and things of that nature, they may take on an opportunity to open a business that they thought wasn't possible in the past.
There are many organizations in Macedonia, much like those in Wilkes Barre and Scranton that promote public policy to support economic development. Entrepreneurs need public policies to support them in their endeavors to grow and bring business, as well as money, into the local communities. The major difference that we face in the U.S. is that we are dealing with so many government groups within a small area. Macedonia has the advantage of having one set of policy makers to go to, while in PA we are dealing with many groups which makes it very difficult to get everyone on the same page. Hopefully we can lessen this gap by taking the education to an even higher level and informing our decision makers of the important role that entrepreneurship plays in economic development.
Thank you again to everyone that helped us during our adventures in Macedonia. The hospitality we were shown was truly remarkable. A special thanks to Dr. Behxeti for his generosity the entire week. Also, thanks Blake for putting up with us :)
Emilie Pearson
Thank You!
I would like to thank Dr. Bexheti, president of the State University of Tetovo, for the tremendous hospitality he and his staff showed all of us during our time in Macedonia. The hospitality shown by all the people in Macedonia was fabulous and I consider it my second home. In addition, special thanks goes out to Blake Childs of the US Peace Corp. Blake was instrumental in our logistics during the stay. Hey Blake you missed a GREAT trip to Orhid.
By Eric Williams
By Eric Williams
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Summary of Trip
I would like to continue my thoughts from the last post. On Wednesday, the class had four speakers that included a government offical, an NGO (non-government organization) offical, and a representative from USAID(United States Agency for International Development). The most informational speaker of the four was Eleonora Bozinovska from the Agency for Promotion of Entrepreneurship. Eleonora discussed various programs Macedonia had for entrepreneurs. The programs mentioned in the lecture could be successful here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. An example of one program was a voucher system (and no it wasn't for private schooling). This voucher system covered all business expenses of a new business and 50% of existing businesses. This program could be expanded here in NEPA by doing the following;
On Thursday, the class had three speakers. The Business Angel program was discusssed in detail. This program provides entrepreneurs the much needed start up capital. Business Angels is comprised of individuals that invest their own personal wealth for an equity share in the new companies.
Our trip concluded on Friday, where we had the privilege to visit the United States Embassy. During our visit we discussed the importance of USAID in Macedonia. USAID secured funding through 2012 to help Macedonia (3rd poorest country in Europe) comply with the European Union standards. The ultimate goal is having Macedonia be part of the EU.
In summary, the objective of the course was to learn about entrepreneurship promotion as a means to economic development able to be affected by public policy.
It wasn't until the last day when I realized this objective had been met. USAID is a public policy to promote economic development in countries that the United States has a political or economic interest. This policy as it relates to economic development is vital for a successful Macedonia.
By Eric Williams
- Open the vouchers up to new and infant (3 yrs or less) businesses
- Contract with accountants, lawyers, banks, and realtors to provide services at a discounted rate in order to be on the "vendor list".
- Reward businesses with revenue growth and employee growth with additional vouchers in future years.
On Thursday, the class had three speakers. The Business Angel program was discusssed in detail. This program provides entrepreneurs the much needed start up capital. Business Angels is comprised of individuals that invest their own personal wealth for an equity share in the new companies.
Our trip concluded on Friday, where we had the privilege to visit the United States Embassy. During our visit we discussed the importance of USAID in Macedonia. USAID secured funding through 2012 to help Macedonia (3rd poorest country in Europe) comply with the European Union standards. The ultimate goal is having Macedonia be part of the EU.
In summary, the objective of the course was to learn about entrepreneurship promotion as a means to economic development able to be affected by public policy.
It wasn't until the last day when I realized this objective had been met. USAID is a public policy to promote economic development in countries that the United States has a political or economic interest. This policy as it relates to economic development is vital for a successful Macedonia.
By Eric Williams
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Trip Pictures
Painting in a church of Peter the Great of Macedonia
In class with Macedonian and Albanian students 
Visiting old Macedonia
Macedonian fort in Skopje - Macedonian flag
Cross on top of the hill in background lights up at night for the whole city to see
Student Comments
Frank said...
We, the students, arrived in Tetovo (Tetova - in Albanian)Sunday afternoon and have already attended an opening ceremony for a new Medical University, met the Vice-Prime Minister, visited two universities (both the State University where we are having class and the Private University that is home to the Business Incubator), and started our classes with the local students.
Emilie said...
So far our trip to Macedonia has been wonderful. We are really enjoying taking in the culture and learning about their economy. It is interesting to see the similarities in thoughts toward entrepreneurship, and the differences in culture. When meeting with the director of Macedonia's Incubator, he shared many ideas of economic development through promoting entrepreneurship much like the ideas we got from interviews conducted in Wilkes-Barre's Incubator. It is neat to see that two very different places can have the same takes on business expansion.
The people of Macedonia are VERY hospitable, especially to Americans. You cannot go anywhere without being offered (and expected to accept) a drink or something to eat. They love having visitors, and showing them all that Macedonia has to offer. We have been given the opportunity to meet with a handful of government officials, as well as being invited to the opening day ceremonies of the new medical school at the State University of Tetovo.
We did fit in some time to do a little sight seeing. While in Skopje (the capital of Macedonia) we visited the older part of the city, stoppig by a few churches and architectural structures to really get the feel for the lifestyle. The mountains and landscape here are beautiful. It is like seeing a postcard picture live - Amazing!
We have more meetings and class time scheduled for the rest of the week. I am definitely enjoying my time here and looking forward to the days ahead.
Eric said...
We, the students have arrived in Macedonia. It has been both an educational and culture adventure. Our first day we spent in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, relaxing by eating ethnic pizza (a little different than American) and drinking local beer (similar taste to Miller Lite and Coors Lite mix).
The second day Aleksandar Angelovski, brother of Maki McCann, gave us a tour of Skopje and the surrounding area. On our tour we visted a church that was built in the 12th century that overlooks the city. The paintings on the wall were beautiful and in very good condition. From there we went to the city fort and had lunch at a local restaurant. The food was very good.
Our third day (Monday) we went to the opening of The State University of Tetovo's Medical School. We had a chance to speak with Vice-Prime Minister of Macedonia. That position would be the same as the Secertary of State in America. During our conversation he revealed he attended the University of Pittsburgh for his master degree. We then attended class were Dr Shumansky discussed what entrepreneurship, economic development, and public policy was in context of the U.S. and Macedonian government. After class we visited the Macedonian Business Incubator. This incubator is just starting and is currently in the review of the business plans submitted phase. When comparing the incubator in Macedonia to the incubator in Wilkes-Barre I found that they both offer the same services to the start up businesses. Some services are; low rent office space (which include utilities, desk, computer, and internet access), tax support, and business planning support.
Our fourth day started with class where we defined social, economic, and political objectives within our regions. Region for the American students is defined as Northeastern Pennsylvania with a population of 1,500,000 people, and for the Macedonian students the region is the country of Macedonia with a population of 2,500,000. Although there is a difference in population both defined regions are looking for their "economic" niche by promoting entrepreneurship with public policy. Both regions need to determine their resources such as land, labor, capital, and entrepreneuship when establishing their public policy.
Billy said...
After months of anticipation we are finally here in Macedonia.The mountains (many snow covered), scenery, and people (very pleasnt and kind) are all amazing. It would be a crime for me to forget the food here. Fresh fruit, vegitables, and bread, are the connerstone to any meal here. Also when you are waliking up and down the streets you are bombarded with the pleasant smells of gyros, meat, and other Macedonian cusines I cannot pronounce. After two days in the capital our group moved to a smaller city, Tetovo. Here we continued our alcuturation in Macedonia while begining our studies. At the university, we had the pleasure of meeting other economic students like oursleves as well as meeting with the director of the business incubator here in Tetovo.
Comparing our observations of Macedonian business here with business back in the US, it is safe to say we are not that different. For example, both our countries look to influence the economy through business creation. Furthermore, both our incubators provide simmilar services like: cheap rent, phone, internet, and consultants. These services represent the common problems most business have when they start. Wehther they are in North America or Eastern Europe.
Tetovo and Macedonia are exciting plaes to vist. I mean today we are looking to travel up a mountain to vist a very old Turkish fort. Back at the capital we had the chance to vist a very old church and fort before comming to Tetovo. I hope to have more information to post over the next few days in terms of what we are learning about public policy and economic development so I can continue my comparison to the United States. Also I hope to have more cultural experinces here to write about.
Frank said...
There were a few noticable differences between the capital Skopje and the city of Tetova where we are studying. The first is the language; with Macedonian being the primary language in the capital, while Albanian is much more prominent in Tetova. We had a conversation or two in the capital concerning local business, as well as, possible business ventures into Macedonia. The tone was were very encouraging; with little concern of beaurocratic hinderance nor legal issues. An established networking system appears to in place amongst the business community. While we were eating at the resturant owned by a friend or our contact, we discused other businessmen in industries that were of interest to us - all of whom were also personal friends. I was given contact information for a small CNC machining facility - (which relates to my business responsibilities in the US).The description we were given of the business enviroment in Tetova was not as "rosey." This is not to say that it was negative, but, probably just more realistic. There was more mention of beauocracy concerns. I should note however, that much of this description came from an ex-patriot who was pointing out differences between the local system and usual expectations of US businessmen. As we met in class and discussed the economic concerns of the area, it is interesting that they are not really that much different than those of Northeastern Pennsylvania. As such, there is a similarity between some of the entrepreneurial development programs starting here with those in the US.
We, the students, arrived in Tetovo (Tetova - in Albanian)Sunday afternoon and have already attended an opening ceremony for a new Medical University, met the Vice-Prime Minister, visited two universities (both the State University where we are having class and the Private University that is home to the Business Incubator), and started our classes with the local students.
Emilie said...
So far our trip to Macedonia has been wonderful. We are really enjoying taking in the culture and learning about their economy. It is interesting to see the similarities in thoughts toward entrepreneurship, and the differences in culture. When meeting with the director of Macedonia's Incubator, he shared many ideas of economic development through promoting entrepreneurship much like the ideas we got from interviews conducted in Wilkes-Barre's Incubator. It is neat to see that two very different places can have the same takes on business expansion.
The people of Macedonia are VERY hospitable, especially to Americans. You cannot go anywhere without being offered (and expected to accept) a drink or something to eat. They love having visitors, and showing them all that Macedonia has to offer. We have been given the opportunity to meet with a handful of government officials, as well as being invited to the opening day ceremonies of the new medical school at the State University of Tetovo.
We did fit in some time to do a little sight seeing. While in Skopje (the capital of Macedonia) we visited the older part of the city, stoppig by a few churches and architectural structures to really get the feel for the lifestyle. The mountains and landscape here are beautiful. It is like seeing a postcard picture live - Amazing!
We have more meetings and class time scheduled for the rest of the week. I am definitely enjoying my time here and looking forward to the days ahead.
Eric said...
We, the students have arrived in Macedonia. It has been both an educational and culture adventure. Our first day we spent in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, relaxing by eating ethnic pizza (a little different than American) and drinking local beer (similar taste to Miller Lite and Coors Lite mix).
The second day Aleksandar Angelovski, brother of Maki McCann, gave us a tour of Skopje and the surrounding area. On our tour we visted a church that was built in the 12th century that overlooks the city. The paintings on the wall were beautiful and in very good condition. From there we went to the city fort and had lunch at a local restaurant. The food was very good.
Our third day (Monday) we went to the opening of The State University of Tetovo's Medical School. We had a chance to speak with Vice-Prime Minister of Macedonia. That position would be the same as the Secertary of State in America. During our conversation he revealed he attended the University of Pittsburgh for his master degree. We then attended class were Dr Shumansky discussed what entrepreneurship, economic development, and public policy was in context of the U.S. and Macedonian government. After class we visited the Macedonian Business Incubator. This incubator is just starting and is currently in the review of the business plans submitted phase. When comparing the incubator in Macedonia to the incubator in Wilkes-Barre I found that they both offer the same services to the start up businesses. Some services are; low rent office space (which include utilities, desk, computer, and internet access), tax support, and business planning support.
Our fourth day started with class where we defined social, economic, and political objectives within our regions. Region for the American students is defined as Northeastern Pennsylvania with a population of 1,500,000 people, and for the Macedonian students the region is the country of Macedonia with a population of 2,500,000. Although there is a difference in population both defined regions are looking for their "economic" niche by promoting entrepreneurship with public policy. Both regions need to determine their resources such as land, labor, capital, and entrepreneuship when establishing their public policy.
Billy said...
After months of anticipation we are finally here in Macedonia.The mountains (many snow covered), scenery, and people (very pleasnt and kind) are all amazing. It would be a crime for me to forget the food here. Fresh fruit, vegitables, and bread, are the connerstone to any meal here. Also when you are waliking up and down the streets you are bombarded with the pleasant smells of gyros, meat, and other Macedonian cusines I cannot pronounce. After two days in the capital our group moved to a smaller city, Tetovo. Here we continued our alcuturation in Macedonia while begining our studies. At the university, we had the pleasure of meeting other economic students like oursleves as well as meeting with the director of the business incubator here in Tetovo.
Comparing our observations of Macedonian business here with business back in the US, it is safe to say we are not that different. For example, both our countries look to influence the economy through business creation. Furthermore, both our incubators provide simmilar services like: cheap rent, phone, internet, and consultants. These services represent the common problems most business have when they start. Wehther they are in North America or Eastern Europe.
Tetovo and Macedonia are exciting plaes to vist. I mean today we are looking to travel up a mountain to vist a very old Turkish fort. Back at the capital we had the chance to vist a very old church and fort before comming to Tetovo. I hope to have more information to post over the next few days in terms of what we are learning about public policy and economic development so I can continue my comparison to the United States. Also I hope to have more cultural experinces here to write about.
Frank said...
There were a few noticable differences between the capital Skopje and the city of Tetova where we are studying. The first is the language; with Macedonian being the primary language in the capital, while Albanian is much more prominent in Tetova. We had a conversation or two in the capital concerning local business, as well as, possible business ventures into Macedonia. The tone was were very encouraging; with little concern of beaurocratic hinderance nor legal issues. An established networking system appears to in place amongst the business community. While we were eating at the resturant owned by a friend or our contact, we discused other businessmen in industries that were of interest to us - all of whom were also personal friends. I was given contact information for a small CNC machining facility - (which relates to my business responsibilities in the US).The description we were given of the business enviroment in Tetova was not as "rosey." This is not to say that it was negative, but, probably just more realistic. There was more mention of beauocracy concerns. I should note however, that much of this description came from an ex-patriot who was pointing out differences between the local system and usual expectations of US businessmen. As we met in class and discussed the economic concerns of the area, it is interesting that they are not really that much different than those of Northeastern Pennsylvania. As such, there is a similarity between some of the entrepreneurial development programs starting here with those in the US.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
FIRST WEEK IN MACEDONIA
I have been traveling for two weeks and arrived in Macedonia just a week ago. Have some observations to make, based on travels in this part of the world for more than 30 years now.
1. Macedonians are watching the US elections very carefully – especially to see who may be their friend and who may not. The friendship test is all about who will be most likely to support them in their dispute with Greece over their country’s name. I share this observation so I can tell you the following stories.
I had a one of those really great chance meetings that happens when traveling. It was my conversation with him - his name is Vlado - that gave rise to the above observation. On to the story.
When I arrived at the Greek-Macedonia border, I learned that the Greek border guards were on strike and there was no transport from the Greek border checkpoint to the Macedonian checkpoint – a distance of about 1000 meters. I started to cross on foot and to my delight my Greek cab driver ran about 100 meters in front of me into the zone between the two border checkpoints and flagged down another cab being manned by an enterprising Macedonian who obviously saw the strike as an business opportunity and located his cab in a place where travelers such as I would need help in moving body and luggage 1000 uphill meters. Cost me 5 Euros for the help and worth every cent!
Back to the meeting. I needed to make a phone call to my colleagues from the University who were to pick me up at the border – but could find no public phone. I found this gentleman about to enter his business office (in Macedonia at the border) and asked his help in placing the phone call. He said yes, cheerfully. Phone call was successful.
Using the universal technique of saying thanks, I offered buy him a beer at the bar next door to his office. Before the offer had spun off my lips he was shutting down his office and walking with me, side by side, to the bar.
We chose a table outdoors. I bought a few bottles of Skopsko (the home brew), fired up fine Cuban cigar I bought in Istanbul and the conversation begun.
The conversation was a marvelous thing. We drew upon four different languages (English, Macedonian, Slovak and Serbian) and proceeded to have a rather interesting conversation about candidates Obama and McCain. Bottom line is that according to Vlado, whoever was elected he hoped they would be sympathetic to Macedonia’ s desire to use the name Macedonia. This name issue should be taken seriously by the rest of the world and hopefully Pres Bush’s special advisor on the matter, Mr. Nimetz (sic), can help bring the problem to a close to the satisfaction of both parties. National pride is the issue which makes the name more than symbolic.
2. My apartment is in the middle of Tetovo’s daily farmer’s market. Marvelous to see the examples of small business people trying to sell their farm products, handicrafts like wisk brooms and tons of cheap consumer goods imported from China. They offer essentially the same farm products – huge bags of red peppers, potatoes and eggs. No real attempts to differentiate and no idea how the local folk decide from whom to buy. It would be fun to research the decision making paradigms locals use to decide on their vendor.
3. I started traveling in Eastern Europe in the mid 70’s with my father. Back in those days when visiting a new town the first thing we had to do was visit the local police station and register our presence. That practice ended in Slovakia in the 80’s; it persists here. For example, I had to travel to Thessaloniki, Greece to pick up my daughter at the airport. Because I was leaving the country – even if only for a few hours – I had to go to the police station and let them know. Today, this afternoon, I will return to the police station and register my return. I get the impression from some Macedonian citizens with whom I have spoken, that such regulations are withering and will likely be forgotten altogether, soon.
My Misericordia University students arrive in a few days and with the great help by everyone here, we are about to have a great learning experience with conversations with Macedonian officials, local business people and US Embassy staff about growing jobs, income and Macedonian prosperity through the promotion of entrepreneurship. Can’t wait!
1. Macedonians are watching the US elections very carefully – especially to see who may be their friend and who may not. The friendship test is all about who will be most likely to support them in their dispute with Greece over their country’s name. I share this observation so I can tell you the following stories.
I had a one of those really great chance meetings that happens when traveling. It was my conversation with him - his name is Vlado - that gave rise to the above observation. On to the story.
When I arrived at the Greek-Macedonia border, I learned that the Greek border guards were on strike and there was no transport from the Greek border checkpoint to the Macedonian checkpoint – a distance of about 1000 meters. I started to cross on foot and to my delight my Greek cab driver ran about 100 meters in front of me into the zone between the two border checkpoints and flagged down another cab being manned by an enterprising Macedonian who obviously saw the strike as an business opportunity and located his cab in a place where travelers such as I would need help in moving body and luggage 1000 uphill meters. Cost me 5 Euros for the help and worth every cent!
Back to the meeting. I needed to make a phone call to my colleagues from the University who were to pick me up at the border – but could find no public phone. I found this gentleman about to enter his business office (in Macedonia at the border) and asked his help in placing the phone call. He said yes, cheerfully. Phone call was successful.
Using the universal technique of saying thanks, I offered buy him a beer at the bar next door to his office. Before the offer had spun off my lips he was shutting down his office and walking with me, side by side, to the bar.
We chose a table outdoors. I bought a few bottles of Skopsko (the home brew), fired up fine Cuban cigar I bought in Istanbul and the conversation begun.
The conversation was a marvelous thing. We drew upon four different languages (English, Macedonian, Slovak and Serbian) and proceeded to have a rather interesting conversation about candidates Obama and McCain. Bottom line is that according to Vlado, whoever was elected he hoped they would be sympathetic to Macedonia’ s desire to use the name Macedonia. This name issue should be taken seriously by the rest of the world and hopefully Pres Bush’s special advisor on the matter, Mr. Nimetz (sic), can help bring the problem to a close to the satisfaction of both parties. National pride is the issue which makes the name more than symbolic.
2. My apartment is in the middle of Tetovo’s daily farmer’s market. Marvelous to see the examples of small business people trying to sell their farm products, handicrafts like wisk brooms and tons of cheap consumer goods imported from China. They offer essentially the same farm products – huge bags of red peppers, potatoes and eggs. No real attempts to differentiate and no idea how the local folk decide from whom to buy. It would be fun to research the decision making paradigms locals use to decide on their vendor.
3. I started traveling in Eastern Europe in the mid 70’s with my father. Back in those days when visiting a new town the first thing we had to do was visit the local police station and register our presence. That practice ended in Slovakia in the 80’s; it persists here. For example, I had to travel to Thessaloniki, Greece to pick up my daughter at the airport. Because I was leaving the country – even if only for a few hours – I had to go to the police station and let them know. Today, this afternoon, I will return to the police station and register my return. I get the impression from some Macedonian citizens with whom I have spoken, that such regulations are withering and will likely be forgotten altogether, soon.
My Misericordia University students arrive in a few days and with the great help by everyone here, we are about to have a great learning experience with conversations with Macedonian officials, local business people and US Embassy staff about growing jobs, income and Macedonian prosperity through the promotion of entrepreneurship. Can’t wait!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
