Fair Trade: Harnessing the Power of the Market to Create Economic Opportunities

Paul Rice, President & CEO, Fair Trade USA
Ahmed Rahim, CEO, Co-founder and Master Blender, Numi Organic Tea
Elizabeth Carney, Executive Producer, Tribal Code - Moderator

Fair trade began modestly in the 1960s with a few committed individuals who believed that access to markets could transform the lives of those struggling under the crushing hand of poverty. The idea was simple: Through commerce, people in developing countries could realize the benefits of the market that we take for granted in the developed world. It has since developed into an effective market-based approach to alleviate poverty in ways that are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable. Through this model, fair trade not only positively impacts the lives of farming families and protects the environment but it can transform the way companies think about sustainable agriculture and ethical sourcing. Join two of the country's most accomplished social entrepreneurs on the impact of fair trade and the power of triple-bottom-line business.

MLF: Business & Leadership 
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. networking reception, 6 p.m. program
Cost: $20 standard, $12 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Program Organizer:  Kevin O'Malley