Sales and Marketing News

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BIG NEWS!! Juan Pablo Segundo Sewing Cooperative Is Now a Member of the Fair Trade Federation!!

What is the Fair Trade Federation (FTF)?

The FTF is an association of fair trade wholesalers, retailers, and producers whose members are committed to providing fair wages and good employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide.

FTF directly links low-income producers with consumer markets and educates consumers about the importance of purchasing fairly traded products which support living wages and safe and healthy conditions for workers in the developing world.

FTF also acts as a clearinghouse for information on fair trade and provides resources and networking opportunities for its members. By adhering to social criteria and environmental principles, Fair Trade Organizations (FTOs) foster a more equitable and sustainable system of production and trade that benefits people and their communities.

What does this mean for the co-op?

Now the co-op can market products to 10,000 Villages, Global Exchange, SERRV, Aid to Artisans, and other retail and on-line stores.

Thanks to David Ashby, who wrote a letter of support in the application process.

Also, many thanks to David for his on-going support of the co-op through his other philanthropic endeavours in Honduras. David introduced a large group of medical mission doctors to the co-op in early 2005, which brought in more than $2000 in sales!! Thank you, David!

Help from a Super-Volunteer

Former Un Mundo on-site facilitator and JPII volunteer, Kate Venner, who is now living and doing rural development work in her native England, continues to market co-op products overseas. Thank you, Kate!

Volunteers Needed!

If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a REGIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE, we sure could use you! This means visiting local shops with brochures and product and seeing if they are interested in carrying the quilts and other handcrafts. It could also mean promoting products and Juan Pablo Segundo philosophy with family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, strangers! Or hosting a Fair Trade party a la Tupperware. Or donating a quilt to a local school, hospital, restaurant, church raffle, etc. Do it your way, but get the word out there!!!

If you are involved with a school, church or other organization that might be interested in a quilt EXHIBIT or a PRESENTATION on the importance of supporting microbusinesses like this one, please contact us.