Our Church Connection
Village Markets is a dynamic Fair Trade initiative with roots in the Lutheran Church.
STARTUP: Our Fair Trade business model was conceived with the help of the business school at Wittenberg University, a Lutheran University in Springfield, Ohio. Years later, Wittenberg used our business model to help establish the university's Entrepreneurship Studies program.
Learn more here: http://www5.wittenberg.edu/academics/entrepreneurs/ventures.html
WAREHOUSING: Our US-based warehouse is hosted by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Dublin, Ohio. (http://princeofpeacedublin.org/) We are blessed to be partners in mission and we are grateful for all of their volunteers who handle our warehousing and shipping. Prince of Peace is an amazing congregation with dynamic global and local mission outreach programs. If you're in the area, drop by and talk to Pr. John Morris about getting involved!
CORPORATE: Our business office is located in Orlando/Kissimmee, Florida and is connected with Trinity Lutheran Church and School (http://www.trinitychurchandschool.com/). Trinity is an exciting congregation with a dynamic ministry and we are blessed to be a part of their mission emphasis. Talk to Pr. Bob Schmalzle about getting involved!
PRODUCTS: We source our Fair Trade products through artisan cooperatives that are organized and managed by church missions around the world: Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Haiti...etc
SALES: We offer churches all over the United States an easy way to get involved in the Fair Trade movement. Watch our YouTube video for more information:
Through Trinity Lutheran Church in Kissimmee, FL (www.trinitychurchandschool.com) and St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Longwood, FL (http://www.ststephen.org/), we have created an opportunity for congregations in the Florida-Bahamas Synod of the ELCA to be a part of the Fair Trade movement. Click here for more info: http://www.fbsynod.com/resources/communication/e-spirit-blog/1643-village-markets
