YEREVAN. – U.S. Ambassador John Heffern continues touring Armenia and presenting results of his trips on his Twitter account.

John Heffern visited Tavush Region and presented 10 lessons he learnt from the visit.

“With planning, cooperation, a little marketing and an attractive product thousands of people will come! Do it like @HDIFarmenia [Homeland Development Initiative Foundation HDIF] and Tavush Revitalization Found did for Honey+Berry Festival and you will succeed,” he tweeted.

He brought an example of Aparan Bakery as successful business, adding that Armenia’s rivers, such as Debed in north, would be excellent sites for rafting and kayaking in case of modest investment.

Ambassador Heffern pointed at cooperation of Peace Corps volunteers and HDIF’s Timothy Straight who is also Norway’s Honorary Consul in Armenia.

“Role of local authority is key. New Berd mayor boosted Honey Festival.Approach of mayors in challenging spots sets tone. Mayors face common challenges in every country. Association of mayors would be good thing. Does Community Union work?”

He also underscored the role of local priests, adding “Ter Aram in Berd works better with his people than any priest I have known.”

Ambassador Heffern believes agricultural cooperatives can work in Armenia, just like FCA-funded tractor helps farmer coop in Varagavan.