(Burbank, CA ­ September 24, 2002) Russian fashion and design executives will visit Woodbury University as part of a three-week tour exploring the thriving Los Angeles fashion industry.

In partnership with Woodbury, the Pasadena Rotary Club is hosting the 13-member delegation September 30 through October 17. The program is sponsored by Center for Citizen Innovations/Productivity Enhancement Program (CCI/PEP), a non-profit organization that pairs American businesses and civic clubs with Russians who are striving to develop and improve the post-Communist economy.

Delegates will spend most of their trip visiting fashion-related businesses such as manufacturers, design houses, retail outlets, famous shopping districts and the California Mart to learn first-hand about the industry from experts in the field. During several days on the Woodbury campus, the delegation will get an overview of the Los Angeles fashion scene and participate in discussions led by Woodbury professors about fashion entrpreneurship and fashion and American culture. Other Woodbury activities include classes on advertising, fashion journalism, fashion promotion and computer-assisted design. The International Costumers' Guild also will make a presentation at Woodbury for the delegation.

"This trip provides tremendous opportunities to learn about specific business techniques and trends. But, just as importantly, it offers a way for us to connect on a human level with our Russian counterparts," says Karen Kaigler-Walker, Ph.D., an organizer of the event and chair of the Department of Marketing, Woodbury University.

Founded in 1884, Woodbury University is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Southern California. An accredited, nonprofit university, Woodbury is located on a 22-acre residential campus in Burbank and offers bachelor's degrees from the School of Architecture and Design, Business and Management, and Arts and Sciences. Woodbury also offers a master of business administration as well as weekend and evening study for working adults. A San Diego campus was established in 1998 to offer bachelor of architecture degrees.