Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC)
2000 M Street NW
Suite 250
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: 202-589-2600
Email: iesc@iesc.org
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Senator Richard Blumenthal
"Congratulations to the Board, the volunteers, and all the staff - past and present - of International Executive Service Corps on reaching your 50th anniversary. This is a tremendous achievement, of which IESC and all Americans should be very proud. IESC has come a long way from its humble beginnings in Connecticut in 1964, when David Rockefeller first came up with the idea of sending American entrepreneurs to developing countries to share their skills and experiences. Since then, the volunteers and staff of IESC, often working in close collaboration with federal agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development, have implemented thousands of programs in over 130 countries. These development projects leave behind a remarkable legacy of increased economic stability and skills, burgeoning private businesses, and strengthened public and private institutions. Every individual volunteer you send abroad gives the world a first-hand experience of America's ingenuity and expertise. From helping local farmers to feed the growing population of Afghanistan to training the fledgling diplomatic corps of Southern Sudan, IESC's recent achievements show that your volunteer experts continue to be invaluable. As a representative of the people of Connecticut in the United States Senate, I am proud that an organization as successful as IESC started life in our great state. Again, many congratulations to the IESC community on your 50th anniversary. I have no doubt that IESC will continue to go from strength to strength, helping entrepreneurs and communities in developing countries to prosper, while making new friends and trading partners for the United States."
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With access to capital, a Lebanese farmer watches his business grow
Badr is a 48-year-old father of six, is a Lebanese farmer who has grown and marketed organic vegetables in Akkar, North Lebanon for the past 25 years.
Due to political instability and recent bad weather conditions, it was becoming more difficult for Badr to sustain and grow his operations. Additionally, Badr was having increasing difficulty to channeling and distributing his harvest while competing with cheaper products from other markets.
Badr applied for a loan from the USAID-funded Lebanon Investment in Microfinance Program partner Vitas and obtained $2,300. Using the loan, Badr purchased plant nurseries for the coming season and built greenhouses. This has enabled him to diversify his products and increase his output. The greenhouses provide his customers with a diverse and steady quality of vegetables throughout the season.
Badr employed his son to support the greenhouses' increased production. As a result of investing in greenhouses, the quality of his products improved which helped him market his organic vegetables. At the end of the second year, Badr's monthly sales increased by 30 percent and the loan increased his monthly income by an additional $300. Badr pointed out that 'the loan helped me increase profit which has resulted in improving my family's livelihood.' He deeply benefited from the investment and is considering applying for another loan to expand his business further.
The Lebanon Investment in Microfinance Program is awarded through the Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance and funded by USAID. IESC implements the program in country.
November 4, 2013/by actualize studioBadr is a 48-year-old father of six, is a Lebanese farmer who has grown and marketed organic vegetables in Akkar, North Lebanon for the past 25 years.
Due to political instability and recent bad weather conditions, it was becoming more difficult for Badr to sustain and grow his operations. Additionally, Badr was having increasing difficulty to channeling and distributing his harvest while competing with cheaper products from other markets.
Badr applied for a loan from the USAID-funded Lebanon Investment in Microfinance Program partner Vitas and obtained $2,300. Using the loan, Badr purchased plant nurseries for the coming season and built greenhouses. This has enabled him to diversify his products and increase his output. The greenhouses provide his customers with a diverse and steady quality of vegetables throughout the season.
Badr employed his son to support the greenhouses' increased production. As a result of investing in greenhouses, the quality of his products improved which helped him market his organic vegetables. At the end of the second year, Badr's monthly sales increased by 30 percent and the loan increased his monthly income by an additional $300. Badr pointed out that 'the loan helped me increase profit which has resulted in improving my family's livelihood.' He deeply benefited from the investment and is considering applying for another loan to expand his business further.
The Lebanon Investment in Microfinance Program is awarded through the Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance and funded by USAID. IESC implements the program in country.
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