Fair Trade Federation is inviting fair traders and supporters in North America to its annual conference from 21 to 23 May 2012, in Bellevue, Washington. This year's conference will highlight the practical strategies for growing ethical and Fair Trade businesses. There will be speakers who will share their techniques in improving socially responsible businesses, how to start a Fair Trade retail store, and how to navigate in changing product safety regulations for wholesalers. If you are willing to start a Fair Trade business, or develop and sustain your current Fair Trade venture, the sessions will be useful to you!

Indonesian fair traders had a productive lunch meeting with teachers of Denpasar in Bali last 21 January. Members of Fair Trade Forum Indonesia, composed mainly of members of WFTO Asia and WFTO Global, had the opportunity to discuss Fair Trade and its principles with 30 junior and senior high school teachers of Denpasar over a delicious Fair Trade lunch. “Some of them said that the explanation of Fair Trade helped them to improve their understanding that trade can be used to fight poverty. This is the first time they heard a description of the practical value of Fair Trade,” said in a communiqué from FTF-Indonesia. The teachers had fun during the discussion. After the meeting, some of them bought organic and Fair Trade products at the shop of FTF-Indonesia.

On 11 January 2012, the Fair Trade Group Nepal (FTGN) was awarded with the “Best Commodity Association Award” by the Federation of Handicraft Association of Nepal (FHAN) for the year 2011. The award was received by the Chair, Mr. Kiran Bahadur Khadgi, from the Nepalese Minister of Industry. On receiving the award, Khadgi said, “this award proves that the Nepalese Fair Trade organizations have successfully worked together in order to promote the Nepalese handicrafts, and it will enhance further discussions to elaborate new policies in collaboration with the Nepalese government.”

Ten Thousand Villages seeks values-driven CEO with organizational leadership and international experience to lead mission of creating opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income through long-term fair trading relationships and a growing network of more than 150 U.S. retail outlets. Quantitative analytical, strategic planning and inspired decision-making abilities. Marketing or retail experience preferred. Successful candidate will provide vision and direction for long-term success and growth of North America's leading fair trade retailer. If you are a qualified individual interested in this leadership opportunity at Ten Thousand Villages, please review the job description on our website at http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/about-careers/ and submit your resume and letter of interest to CEOsearch[@]tenthousandvillages.com.