The Emerging Markets Institute (EMI) at the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management has joined the U.S.--Russia Business Council (USRBC).

The USRBC, with offices in Washington, D.C., and Moscow, provides senior American managers a forum to monitor Russian market strategies. For Russian companies, the USRBC leverages relationships with major industry players, international finance organizations and U.S. government agencies to assist in strategic planning and partner searches. EMI's membership to the council will provide Johnson and the institute unique access to corporations with business interests in Russia, said EMI Executive Director Richard Coyle, MBA '86.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Johnson and EMI," said Coyle. "We greatly look forward to tapping into the myriad ways this membership can enhance EMI, its students and other stakeholders. Russia has a rapidly growing economy and membership to the USRBC will increase the opportunities for Johnson students, alumni and faculty to imprint this emerging market."

Ed Verona, president of the USRBC, said: "I am very pleased to welcome the Emerging Markets Institute as a member of the U.S.-Russia Business Council. Their participation will bring valuable insights and expertise to our organization, and broaden the range of our contacts with a leading business school."

EMI will participate in Russia on the Cusp, the 2011 USRBC annual meeting in Chicago, Oct. 3-5. Coyle said EMI's participation will provide networking and learning opportunities. EMI will offer the USRBC participation in industry-oriented conferences, forums and roundtables, access to EMI research and discussions of global emerging markets.