Annual Report

Year Ending 31st of August 2008

EBBF – European Baha’i Business Forum info@ebbf.org www.ebbf.org

Table of Contents

Letter From the Governing Board 1

How is EBBF making a difference 3

The EBBF Organization 4

EBBF Membership 5

Giving Members Tools for Change 6

EBBF’s Content and Research 8

The Activities of EBBF Branches, Clusters and Affiliates 10

The Partnership with AIESEC 16

EBBF’s Financial Sustainability 18

Wider Online Spread and Reach 19

EBBF – European Baha’i Business Forum info@ebbf.org www.ebbf.org

Letter from the Governing Board

Dear Member,EBBF is a community that sees an opportunity and a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of humanity, and then looks

for practical ways to act upon it, giving each member an opportunity to make a difference. EBBF has been able to and must

continue to translate spiritual values into a language that the world of business and organizations of social change from all

cultures and religions can understand and feel engaged to embrace. EBBF offers broad new paradigms of management

together with practical tools that can be implemented in our workplaces. Rather than looking at what is wrong in the world

today, EBBF's aim is to show how organizations and most importantly the people in those organizations can adapt from an old

to a new world order underlining the virtues and opportunities of human beings and the way they relate with each other.

In the strategy document that the elected board prepared in January of 2008 we highlighted that to more effectively promote

the application of core values to assist business raising out of the old world order and into a new world order - we will give

more specific attention to assisting members to make a difference in the particular area where they operate. For this reason

we started a campaign to attract more resources and engagement. We aim to develop our members and to develop their

engagement and their capacity to apply EBBF’s values.

We seek to show how EBBF can contribute to their professional lives and to their jobs.

The three main strategies for EBBF, introduced last year continue to be our priorites, namely:

Empowering - Encouraging individuals to make a positive difference in their work environment. Offering responses to people

who want to create a meaningful work environment where values are not seen as an obstacle but as an opportunity for

personal and institutional progress - through projects, being part of a world network of like-minded people, through events and

courses.

Promoting - Influencing the discourse about business. Presenting scenarios exploring new ways of doing business and

imagining working models of the enterprise of the future - EBBF initiatives have included high level events, presentations, a

growing list of publications, centres of knowledge and research, an e-magazine and partnerships with leading organizations.

Educating - Inspiring Leaders of Tomorrow. On top of the other two areas of focus we also want to reach out to young

professionals, university and MBA students who are often confronted with a business environment that conflicts with their own

ideals and values. For example through MBA and university courses and presentations.

But to those broad areas of focus we have now defined eight key programmes to implement EBBF’s strategy over the next

three years:

1. We will build capacity to achieve our vision - participation of individuals who will be shaping and influencing the

organisation. Influence goes beyond the power of one striking individual EBBF leader, everyone can and should make a

difference.

2. Local development - we will further the empowerment of local branches and activities. National branches are at different

levels of development, some need to build critical mass while others need to focus on current membership, some may be

missing one or two key members to invite into the EBBF virtuous cycle. Most of the national activities are focused around

cities. CIty development has seeen the greatest success and city activities should be encouraged - activities taken at the lower

possible level, local. Developing network and activity at the most appropriate level city / region / nation.

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3. Gender balance - one key core value for EBBF and focus area around which we will attract projects, ideas and research.

4. We will remain at the cutting edge of principles - we will be searching for the most innovative concepts to bring about

organisations fit for the new world order. We will cover research for publications and the knowledge centres, but also the

education arm, and it will create/collate new presentation materials,

5. External relations - We aim to strengthen and broaden EBBF’s stature and reputation as an international player;

promoting EBBF’s values to a wider audience. Gain recognition as contributors to leading external organizations in fields

related to our core values.

6. Measuring - we will explore ways to measure achievement of our goals and contribute significantly to the implementation

of EBBF’s core values through the indicators project.

7. Financial sustainability - is the continuing concern that will be addressed,

8. Increasing perception of EBBF’s effectiveness - we will identify ways to increase members’ confidence in EBBF and its

effectiveness.

Highlights showing how EBBF fulfilled its strategy and directionBelow we list what can be described as the highlights of this past year.

- The growth of local activities promoted by the EBBF National Representatives with special successes in Canada, Finland,

Ukraine, Austria, Spain and in the cities of Berlin and Paris together with the continued successes of the Italian members.

- New improved articles, interviews and news promoting ideas and experiences of EBBF members,

- New events such as the “You Can Act Now For Tomorrow” weekend

- Important extension of EBBF´s External Affairs reach, with a special mention of the AIESEC relationship and the workshops

held at the United Nations focusing on the benefits of giving women equal opportunities in all fields of endeavour.

- Growing membership and expanding EBBF’s presence in six new nations

- The continued successes of the MBA and university EBBF courses in Italy , MBA in Spain, INSEAD, Geneva.

- The successful 2007 Annual Conference

- The “Leading From Your Values” Research and Courses Project

- New EBBF publications

- The new EBBF brochure and corporate identity template - giving further credibility to the content and membership of EBBF.

- The improved EBBF website

- The first online EBBF course project

- The progress of a new index that will evaluate companies based on their compliance with EBBF's core values

This year’s elected Governing Board would like to thank each EBBF member who has taken up the challenge of putting their

values into action. All the individuals who have found a way to align their values with their activities in their own work

environment using EBBF’s tools and network of members. As a consequence of their actions they have shown the

effectiveness of EBBF’s principles and new paradigms as successful tools to build organizations fit for a new world order .

We thank all members who through their membership fees are showing in a very practical way their support for this network

together with the over twenty individuals who have generously responded to the request for special contributions to cover the

limited budget of this almost entirely voluntary organisation.

It has been a very meaningful privilege to serve this inspiring network of people.

Respectfully Submitted

Respectfully Submitted

The EBBF Governing Board

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How is EBBF making a difference

The ultimate objective of EBBF’s action-oriented style is to truly assist individuals to

make a new positive difference in their own environment. For this reason we have

asked EBBF members to tell us how EBBF is assisting them and below you can read

some of their statements.

“EBBF activities give me the ability to understand how individuals and the organisation

as a whole work within a wider context and in a responsible manner.. I appreciate the

wider, more holistic view on questions of leadership. The sense of oneness helps me to

navigate through troubled waters.” - Uwe Tams, Germany

“The heart of any organization is the people who participate and contribute to it. For

me, the most inspirational part of the EBBF events is to openly exchange ideas with the

other members who are generous with sharing their ideas, experience and expertise in

creating businesses and organisations that expounds the values of EBBF.  I've attended

many seminars and meetings all over the world and the most impressive was the spirit

present at EBBF because of the sense of community, unity, and the spirit that we are all

there to do what we can to move towards a common goal. “ - Claire Chung, Italy

“Through EBBF I meet wonderful, inspiring individuals. Interacting with them gives me

new energy. Their input helps me expand my awareness and understanding of issues.

Here in Berlin we have initiated regular CSR-related activities - we are starting to walk

the talk!” - Leonor Gimelfarb, Germany

"EBBF has given me the right mental and organizational support, the relevant tools, the right network as well as the visibility to

express my values in an innovative project. Values in business is possible and EBBF enables you to make it happen around

you." - Marc Avanzo, France

"Working with EBBF is a permanent reminder of its values. Attachment to such values and collaboration with such an

institution, contribution to society through consideration of its values is a true joy" - Manouchehr Yazhari, UK

“EBBF and its Canadian affiliate allow me to better connect my practices and attitudes at work with spirituality and personal

values, to ensure that I continue to live a life of happiness and integrity.” - Wesley Gee, Canada 

“To me, the set of EBBF core values resemble the foundation of values companies in general should incorporate into their

activities, explore in their discussions with stakeholders and employees and embrace as core values of their own. One way or

another, these are universal values that are closely linked to the advancement of mankind and no company will be able to

exclude itself from this development.

I am proud to be a member of such a leading organization in this field” - Adrian Kielhorn, Switzerland 

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The EBBF Organization

The EBBF Annual General Assembly was held during the Annual Conference on 30th September 2007. The following seven

members were elected to serve for the year: Zarin Buckingham, Arthur Dahl, Rüdiger Fox, Wendi Momen, Giuseppe Robiati,

George Starcher, Daniel Truran. The latter was confirmed as Secretary General for the next three years, whilst George

Starcher was confirmed as President and Treasurer and Wendi Momen as Chairman of EBBF for 2007/2008.

The elected board then decided to invite Mika Korhonen and Marieke Kersten identifying them as two very valuable individuals

able to add specific expertise to complete this year’s Board objectives. The Governing Board met three times during the year:

28th September at dePoort Conference Centre, 17 to 19th December in Bratislava, 12 - 13th June in Acuto.

The EBBF Secretariat prepares the agenda for and implements the decisions of the Governing Board, taking day to day

operational decisions. The members of the EBBF Secretariat have been confirmed as Arthur Dahl, Wendi Momen and Daniel

Truran. They met (mainly through conference calls) five times over the course of the year.

Much of the success of this past year can be traced to the strengthening of the role of our National Representatives. No fewer

than eight new individuals accepted to serve in this role. Additionally four new regions have opened to EBBF activities: Austria,

Malta, Rumania and Turkey.

The network has thus increased to 20 EBBF National Representatives covering the following key geographical areas:

Daniel Schaubacher - EBBF Representative to EU Institutions / Sarvenas Enayati - Austria / Dale Emerson - Belgium /

Greg Dahl - Bulgaria / Samantha Fowlds - Canada / Mika Korhonen - Finland, with the new nomination of Kimmo

Vesajoki as external affairs officer for Finland / the new nomination of Marc Avanzo as National Representative - France /

Uwe Tams - Germany / the new nomination of National Representative Sandra Luschi - Italy / a new area of EBBF activity

has required the nomination of a new national representative Giovanni Papalettera - Malta / another new region of activity

for EBBF has required the nomination of the new national representative Wargha Enayati - Rumania / Zarin Buckingham -

Slovakia / Sima Zahrai - Sweden / Adrian Kielhorn - Switzerland / the new nomination of national representative Roberta

Law - The Netherlands / the new nomination of Michael Baldwin - Turkey / Manouchehr Yazhari - UK / Gary Reusche -

Ukraine / Steve Hall - USA.

Additionally three new important resources have strengthened the EBBF structure: Karim Beers has been responsible for the

excellent interviews and other sections that appeared in this year’s INSPIRE e-magazine and has produced the almost daily

news on the EBBF Blog as well as managing the new EBBF Online Course project. Cristina Marqués assisting the

secretariat and responsible for the orders of publications and the new membership process. Mahmud Samandari, currently

based in Geneva, has taken on the role of liaison with AIESEC and Net Impact two of our key partners.

The increase in EBBF’s activities and reach has demanded the creation of a new Advisory Board that the elected Governing

Board and Secretariat call upon for specific advice on top level matters. Beppe Robiati, Faramarz Ettehadieh, Mahmud

Samandari and Ezzat Zahrai have been invited and have accepted to be part of this advisory circle.

The EBBF website features a members-section that allows members to view the profiles of all current and recent members.

Currently 597 profiles are listed there, an increase of almost 10% over last year. In that same members-section a section is

dedicated to members who wish to get a quick understanding of how EBBF operates together with downloadable copies of

Annual Reports, EBBF operational Guidelines, EBBF templates. Selected articles from EBBF members enrich that reserved

area of the website.

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EBBF Membership

The Expansion of EBBF’s membership and presenceVery encouraging news came from the expansion of EBBF membership beyond the current - sixty-two - nations where

EBBF is present with members from - six - new countries; namely: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Serbia,

Chile and Malaysia, Recognising that EBBF members are the key engine of this organisation it becomes all the more

encouraging to witness this expansion.

Highlights of the EBBF Membership as of the 31st of August of 2008 :

1. All of eleven nations with the highest number of members showed a positive increase in their membership over the past

year. With particular increases in the United States 43%, in Germany 38%, in Switzerland 69%, in Finland 71% and in Spain

where the membership more than doubled.

2. The increase in the number of countries with a presence of EBBF membership from 62 to 68 nations.

3. The overall 8% increase in total membership

The Evolution of EBBF Membership from 2004 to 2007

Country 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

United Kingdom 36 27 38 38 40

United States 25 35 35 30 43

Netherlands 19 23 31 38 42

Germany 10 17 21 21 29

France 29 27 20 22 25

Switzerland 10 12 10 13 22

Italy 7 21 20 15 17

Belgium 11 12 15 15 15

Canada 6 6 10 15 15

Finland 3 3 4 7 12

Spain 4 3 3 4 11

Total Members in Other Nations - 68 101 147 115

Total Paid and eligible Members - 251 305 356 386

Total Countries where present - 49 46 62 68

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Giving Members Tools for Change

EBBF is constantly looking out for the issues and opportunities that will allow EBBF members to apply their deeper values in

their work environment. The many experiences and innovations that many EBBF members are testing and implementing in

their work environment provide both an example for others to follow and also highlight some of the stumbling blocks that

prevent them and many others from finding a way to bridge their principles and ideals putting them into practice in their

organizations. For this reason EBBF aims to create a set of “Tools for Change” to assist individuals in achieving a positive

balance of profitable and meaningful work environments.

The first EBBF Online CoursesThe workshops that EBBF members have offered during the course of the year and the increased demand for courses that

could reach members and contacts spread in over 60 nations has convinced EBBF to invest in a new online format that will

initially offer two courses.

Karim Beers is coordinating our first general EBBF online course. It will focus on the role of the individual, that of the

organization and of society at large in implementing new values-based practices in enterprises. A combination of practical

applications and thought provoking concepts will form the basis of this course that will be delivered towards the end of

2008. Case studies coming from the experiences of EBBF’s own members in their organizations and reading materials that

are being collected from diverse sources including EBBF publications will form the basis of the course materials.

A second course will offer the online version of the “Leading from your values” workshops that have been successfully

offered in two European cities and which are shown in the following section.

“Leading From Your Values” ProjectThis EBBF project consisted of a number of workshops in Paris and one in Bratislava. They offered a set of practical tools

that will assist individuals to redefine their role in today's work environment. It aims to empower participants to become

leaders (irrespective of their formal position in their organization) capable of nurturing their personal ethical development while

enhancing their effectiveness in serving the organizational and common good.

Now the course will also be offered in an online version. These courses aim to break common mental models, offer a new

conceptual framework for values based leadership and provide practical tools that individuals can apply in their everyday

situations at work. They aim to refine leadership skills by enabling a systematic exploration of personal core values and by

challenging to learn new concepts and skills.

The core team that has been creating the materials, offering the workshops and working on the online course is composed

of: Alain Noghiu, Marc Avanzo, Caroline Sawicki, and from this year Maike Verhagen.

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EBBF Indicators projectEBBF is a partner in a project funded by the European Union to develop indicators and assessment tools for values-based

education for sustainable development. This will help EBBF over the next two years to find indicators of the changes EBBF

core values help bring about in businesses and organizations of social change.

EBBF and the International Environment Forum have jointly established an internal consultative group on values-based

indicators through which leading experts in the field are helping to guide the process in this area. This project has already

strengthened the partnerships with like-minded organizations that are also working on this project and has also allowed

EBBF to enter the selected group of organizations approved for EU funding.

The ultimate idea is for companies and organizations of social change to then be able to measure and be measured

according to how well they apply EBBF’s core values.

Values-Based Bonus SchemeAn EBBF member’s opportunity to create a new bonus scheme in his company was brought to EBBF. The company has

asked Kimmo Vesajoki to develop a scheme that will compensate employees on the basis of how successfully they have

implemented a set of values in their daily work decisions and relations.

This new project that first started as an opportunity to practically assist an EBBF member is now being developed into a

wider EBBF project that aims to offer similar values-based schemes to other companies interested in underlining their

commitment to values and ethics both internally to its staff and externally as role models of innovative positive incentives.

Opportunities of Feminine Wisdom - Gender Balance projectOne of the highlights of this area of focus for EBBF has been the series of workshops that EBBF offered at the United

Nations during the Commission on the Status of Women event in spring of 2008. EBBF was invited to host two events there

both co-hosted by UNIFEM-UK and the Baha’i International Community:

- `Business Empowers Women? Who Adapts to Whom?’ outlining the issues but looking beyond the obvious challenges

such as childcare for women workers in western countries and into those faced by women in other countries and in other

sectors

- `Empowering Women through Meaningful Work’. It was built on the premise that one of the things private enterprise can do

to ensure women are mainstreamed in national budgeting programmes is to ensure that women have a fair and equal

chance to work at all levels of a company and that their remuneration is on a par with men doing the same job.

This year two new publications have been produced by EBBF’s research team and have strengthened the content and new

ideas that EBBF offers in this area. You will see in the following Research Area of this Annual Report specific mention of the

brand new publication “Towards A Partnership Of Women And Men” by George Starcher and the revised edition of Diane

Starcher’s “Women Entrepreneurs - Catalysts For Transformation” publication.

Additionally Rebecca Teclemariam Mesbah has been running a project analysing specific traits of women entrepreneurs in

specific areas of Europe.

All of the above is just the beginning of a project that will contintue its development during the next three years.

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EBBF’s Content and Research

The Research groupThe Research Group consists of Arthur Dahl, Marjo Lips-Wiersma, Jean-Pierre Méan, Gary Reusche, and George

Starcher. This report summarizes the status of existing research centers, new publications, and several projects currently

underway.

Knowledge CentresThis is a summary of the six existing Knowledge Centers on the EBBF Web Site (www.ebbf.org/knowledge.html)

Consultative Decision Making:Authoritative approaches to management are no longer appropriate in knowledge and

service-based organizations. Consultative decision making, one of the core values of EBBF, is described in this publication

by Gary Reusche. This approach seeks participation and consensus in making decisions and unity in execution.

Responsible Entrepreneurship: is a concept and a process whereby entrepreneurial

enterprises integrate social and environmental concerns in their operations and their relations

with stakeholders. This center highlights the importance of SMEs, illustrates ways in which they

can be engaged, and presents a compelling business case for responsible business practices.

Sustainable Development: This center contains a very comprehensive review of the concept

of sustainable development, its ethical implications, and the challenges and opportunities for

companies to become more sustainable. It offers and excellent powerpoint presentation, an

EBBF publication by Arthur Dahl that can be downloaded, and an extensive bibliography and

list of links to other sources of information.

Social Entrepreneurship: is a dynamic process that incorporates a viable business model

with a sound social mission. This Center offers a comprehensive guide on how to start and

develop as a social entrepreneur.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) offers a publication, a Powerpoint presentation on “An Introduction to CSR”, an

extensive bibliography and lists of leading organizations and web sites.

Ethical Finance: highlights the role of financial institutions in addressing global social, environmental and governance

challenges.

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New PublicationsIn addition to these knowledge centers, EBBF has produced two recent publications:

”Women Entrepreneurs: Catalysts for Transformation” by Diane Starcher, revised in

2008.

Describes the dramatic rise in importance of women entrepreneurs and how feminine

qualities contribute to their success.

”Partnership of Women and Men: Source of Excellence in a Global Economy” by

George Starcher, 2008. 90 pages

This, the most recent publication of EBBF, describes one of its core values: the partnership of

women and men. The business case for this concept of partnership leadership is compelling.

It involves equal access of women and men to all levels of management, to all functions, and

to all career paths. Its implementation also calls for a better balance in between feminine and

masculine qualities as well as changes in strategy, policies, structures, and management

practices.

Research ProjectsThere are several research projects underway or seeking leaders that should eventually become knowledge centers and/or

EBBF publications.

- Updating the CSR Research Center (seeking project leader)

- Business Ethics (no one assigned, seeking project leader)

- Bribery & Corruption (Jean-Pierre Méan)

- Partnership of Women and Men (George Starcher)

- The Role of Business in Poverty Alleviation (Robin Maule)

- Trust (in suspense)

- The Role of Business Positively Influencing Human Rights (seeking participants)

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Branches, Clusters and Affi l iates

Increasing activities and geographical presenceThe most important improvement in EBBF’s activities and effectiveness in communicating its values and concepts came

from the activities of EBBF’s nominated EBBF National Representatives. The increase in activities has required the

nomination of new National Representatives (See the THE EBBF ORGANIZATION section of this report) so that now we have

a family of 20 individuals acting as the promoters of EBBF’s values and activities in their local areas of activity. Here follow a

few highlights.

EBBF Austria

An excellent EBBF/AIESEC seminar was held in Vienna, organized by Sarvenas Enayati, Alexia Eremia and Nora Tönnis and

the AIESEC Austria Member Committee, and held in the conference room at Partner Bank. Arthur Dahl gave a lecture on

"Sustainability for a Globalizing World: adding an ethical dimension" for an overflow crowd of over 40 AIESECers, AIESEC

alumni and some other friends. Many stayed on for dinner afterwards. Then an all-day seminar for about 20 AIESECers on

"The Human Element of Sustainability". … Most of the AIESEC Austria MC was present, with both present and incoming

presidents who had heard Arthur Dahl at the AIESEC International President’s Meeting. Afterwards the AIESECers spent two

hours planning their activities for the next year based on what they had learned.

This was the first event under the new agreement through which EBBF has become a formal learning partner of AIESEC

Austria. It should be another strong and fruitful collaboration.

Two Wings invited a large group of AIESEC Austria students to a Cafe Talk on

"hands-on development" with some of the participants of the Fundaec Course.

The AIESECers were so impressed that they asked if they would be allowed to

also study some of the Curriculum of Fundaec. Fundaec then mentioned that

maybe the first part of the curricullum on Promoters of Community Wellbeing

might be useful for AIESEC Austria, namely the material "Discourse on Social

Action", which has about 80 pages. With the support of Bita Correa, Coordinator and Trainer in Fundaec, we will offer this

seminar "Discourse on Social Action" for AIESEC Austria students in the beginning of November. Our goal will be to offer this

course twice a year for the AIESEC students who are interested in social action and are looking for a framework for that. The

students had the opportunity to become acquainted with the sustainable development activities of collaborators such as the

Badi Foundation in China, Fundaec from Columbia, Inshindo Foundation from Zambia, ACEM from Costa Rica, and

Emergence Foundation for Education and Development from Cameroon.

EBBF Brussels

This year the EBBF Representative to EU Institutions, Daniel Schaubacher, was invited to an important number of events in

Brussels moving forward EBBF’s presence in that key area for our network at the centre of European Institutions.

George Starcher met over a business lunch at INSEAD's business school, Tom Dodd, Director General for Enterprise at the

European Union. The conversation moved on the importance of introducing more innovation to and from the younger players

in the European Union. The interest of DG Enterprise was such that EBBF was invited to visit Tom Dodd. George Starcher

not only met with Tom but also introduced him to AIESEC and Jade two young professionals and values-based student

organizations that EBBF has enjoyed a fruitful long term relationship with.  Daniel Schaubacher also organized a number of

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events making the most of the opportunity of George visiting Brussels including a luncheon with Emanuel Gavert (AIESEC),

the President and a member of the Int'l Board of JADE, a representative from the Junior Chamber Int'l. Then the meeting

with Tom Dodd and then a very interesting group of 25 for the evening programme which Daniel organized at Dale

Emerson's house - standing room only. Emanuel Gavert from AIESEC spoke well, and I followed up, following by a great

discussion. 

Then George and Daniel visited the CSREurope “circus” which was also beautifully organized, 650 participants, 90 CSR

related projects, and 16 "learning laboratories"... a very active event. The majority of the projects were on social actions,

relatively few on the environment and climate change.

Additional EBBF activities included a one-day session with AIESEC by Graham Boyd and Marc Avanzo at their Natco2.

Graham Boyd then represented EBBF at the 60th anniversary of AIESEC. Once again the letter of agreement between EBBF

in Belgium and the national AIESEC counterpart has been signed confirming the continued strong relationship between the

two networks.

Key relationships have been forged or improved with like-minded networks such as SPES Forum, CSREurope and the Caux

Roundtable and Business Initiatives. In addition to this fundamental external affairs activity, the members of EBBF in Brussels

have organised another year of “Brussels Lunches” and “Brussels Evenings” where presenters are invited to smaller

gatherings where EBBF members and contacts can learn and interact with the speakers. Over ten such meetings took place

during the course of the year.

EBBF keeps being represented by Daniel Schaubacher on the board of the Brussels/EU Chapter of the Club of Rome and

on the board of Jade International.

The Expansion of the Canadian affiliate of EBBF: CBBF

One of the aims of the European Bahai Business Forum remains that of encouraging and supporting the creation of new

branches and independent affiliates in different countries. After the creation of the Canadian

affiliate of EBBF this year saw an important development of activities of CBBF. They planned

and organized a second annual meeting and created an area dedicated to CBBF activities on

EBBF’s website. In Toronto they held nine events, rotating their locations and speakers and

topics (in the image on the left one of the events held in very informal and flowing style)

In Ottawa a new chapter was started and a first meeting of interested individuals proved very

successful. CBBF members also took active part in last year’s EBBF Annual Conference and

in the Acuto “Creating the Enterprise of the Future” EBBF weekend.

CBBF increased its outreach collaborating with AIESEC, the International Environment Forum

(IEF) and the Centre for Spirituality at Work.

After the first CBBF board was elected in March of 2007, it adopted the official statutes and met 7 times (including strategic

planning and some conference planning). It also held a 1 day strategic planning meeting in September 2007.

This past year the elected CBBF Board members were: Francois Couillard (Chair), Wesley Gee (Secretary), Valerie Davis,

David Parker, Samantha Fowlds

EBBF in Croatia

Caroline Sawicki has lead initiatives in Croatia meeting and opening relationships with a number of like-minded organisations

in Zagreb such as the Caux Round Table. She was deeply involved as a member of the executive team of EBBF’s - Leading

From Your Values - project.

EBBF Finland

Another region that has shown tremendous growth both in quantity and quality of its events is Finland. The EBBF National

Representative Mika Korhonen together with the constant partnership of ideas and implementation of Kimmo Vesajoki has

ensured the following events:

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- Shortly after the 2007 EBBF Annual Conference Kimmo Vesajoki appeared on fellow EBBF member Aram Aflatuni’s prime-

time TV talk show and brought his values-based insights to bear on the business dilemma treated on the show. The popular

Monday night program, “Härkää Sarvista”, or "Grab the Bull by the Horns", with a viewership of over 200,000, begins with a

problem, and then has a panel of experts try to solve it using consultation and cooperation. The topic under discussion was

centered on a real moral dilemma in a company, and Kimmo, who had been in a similar situation, was invited to share his

views on the topic. Following the TV program Kimmo was approached by a number of Finnish CEO’s asking them to receive

presentations from Kimmo on how to implement moral and ethical principles in their own companies.

- "The AIESEC SUCCESS 2008 in Helsinki, Finland, 28-30 March 2008, was held at a high school premises on the outskirts

of city of Helsinki. EBBF was invited to give two workshops in the conference by AIESEC Vice President of External Relations

and Finance Jouni Peppanen. There were 180 participants mainly from Finland but also from Germany, Norway, India and

China. The conference was mainly targeted for students to get ready for their next leadership year within the local chapters

of AIESEC in Finland. The sessions and workshops were designed to give practical advice in being successful in those

upcoming tasks. Workshops given by EBBF Finland representative Mr. Mika Korhonen and EBBF member Mr. Janne

Lemettinen were titled "Group decision-making" and "In search of a meaningful career".

- On the 2nd May, 2008, Helsinki University of Economics, Finland - Arthur Dahl gave a memorable speech in Helsinki. The

session was hosted by Ms Kira Anttila, AIESEC KY, Helsinki. Mr. Dahl's presentation gave a good insight on how the world is

now running and what we need to do to make it better. The most important thing on this session was the message that we

as each individual have an opportunity to make the changes to act more sustainable. The world changes when we change.

- At the AIESEC Helsinki office, EBBF External Relations Representative in Finland was asked to give a presentation to the

AIESEC team on the topic of "Sales and Ethics". A nicely mixed group of AIESECers from Pakistan, Laos and Finland were

ready to receive Kimmo. EBBF arranged an informal dicussion on sales and ethics. This was a follow up to the values based

leadership event held in August. Kimmo Vesajoki presented EBBF briefly and gave an introduction to the topic after which a

lively discussion followed. The evening went very well and the discussion continued ½ hour overtime after which the EBBF

Annual Conference program was briefly explained and the AIESEC officers invited EBBF to participate in their national

Access seminar, held in Oulu in the beginning of November. Also a mentoring session to AIESEC salespeople was

suggested to be held.

EBBF Germany

End of 2006 the call to action was spontaneously and positively responded to by a number of German EBBF members. A

conference committee started to network via conference calls. Telephone conferences were held on a monthly basis to

organize the first German speaking EBBF conference. This conference, considered as a kick-off event for increasing EBBF

activities in Germany, was considered as success. Seventy business leaders, concerned citizens, consultants and students

from Germany, Austria and Switzerland responded to the invitation to attend the conference on “Führung in einer globalen

Wirtschaft – Erfolgsfaktor Mensch(lichkeit)” (“Leadership in a Globalized Economy – Humane Values : Key to Success”),

October 26-28, 2007 in Berlin.

Overwhelmed and inspired by the positive response the German cluster decided soon to organize the 2nd German speaking

conference. This conference was planned to share experience how companies and organization can play a major role in

transforming social consciousness. Again, distinguished speakers had confirmed their participation. Unfortunately, this

conference, scheduled from June 20-22, 2008, has been postponed due to organizational reasons. Before a new

conference date is confirmed the conference committee started a consultation process to strategize first the planned EBBF

activities in Germany. Sabine Bredemeyer and Peter Spiegel met end of July 2008 to draft a strategy document.

As a result of the 1st German speaking conference a new EBBF chapter Berlin was formed. This group organized regular

local workshops and meetings during the last 12 months. Nearly 20 people attended the inauguration event on April 5,

2008, a workshop on Social Responsibility. The EBBF Berlin chapter is planning a new workshop series entitled

"Wert(e)schöpfung" ("Creating Value(s)"). The first workshop will be held on Saturday, 4th October, on "Thinking structures"

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and how these influence the acceptance of values in business. Peter Spiegel deserves a big thank you for providing a

beautiful venue at his newly founded Genesis Insitute for social business. Further workshops will take place every other

month (November, January). Several meetings took place with students and contact was taken with a University Institute on

the topic of ethics education.

The activities of the Berlin chapter and the 1st German EBBF conference opened up the dialogue and collaboration with

AIESEC on a national level. AIESEC Germany invited EBBF to run a CSR workshop at their "Strategic Autumn Meeting

2007", a national conference attended by 300 local board representatives. The invitation has been repeated in 2008 and at

least two workshops, on Energy and on Social Innovations, will be run next October. Big thanks to Fritz Kluber and Shervin

Setareh for accepting to contribute their time and experience to sensitize committed students on global issues.

EBBF Italia

Another record year has once again shown EBBF Italy presenting at over 50 events in the past twelve months, confirming its

position as EBBF’s most active region.

Encouraging news of new EBBF presenters having been trained and immediately

active in offering talks and courses just about able to cope with the demand for EBBF

ideas and principles in four main areas:

- MBA courses: whilst the IFOA MBA course offered by EBBF continued in its third

year running, This year An EBBF introduction was offered by Sandra Luschi in a new

MBA, the Master of Business Administration at the Universitá Pontificia.

- University of Bari chair with a semester course titled “Business Ethics for a new

World Order” now in its tenth year and a particularly intense program this year with two lessons per week.

- AIESEC related events in many universities, such as Rome, Palermo, Perugia,

Naples, Torino, Trento, Reggio Emilia, Genoa and Bari,

- Other keynotes such as the one given in the prestigious 6ª Executives Net-Growing

Dinner on the theme «Social Responsibility in our Companies», where Beppe Robiati

was the keynoter

- Once again the EBBF Italy conference that is organised at the Acuto conference

centre specially prepared for the AIESEC national team has sold out with representa-

tives from over 15 Italian Universities attending.

EBBF UK - London

EBBF in the UK introduced a new process for EBBF, an internal national election of the executive team where all UK

members were involved in a voting process void of any campaigning where each and every member was eligilble for

membership. The successful process elected the following executive team members: Manouchehr Yazhari, Farzin Rahmani,

Kim Rogers Belson, Suyash Prasad and Saeed Ziaie.

Two events were organised at the Swiss Cottage library in London attracting on both occasions a good number of

participants on different topics related to ethics and ethical behaviours in business.

- At the invitation of the UK EBBF group, Gary Reusche from Ukraine lead two discussions on the theme of “consultative

decision making.” The main emphasis for both events was the same, but adapted for the

respective audiences in Oxford and London. The first part of the discussion focused on the

relevance of consultative decision making to businesses and organizations, and its central role as a

decision making mechanism for a wide variety of popular management theories and practices, the

second part focused on the pre-requisites for this methodology to be implemented and employed.

- A new relationship has been set up with the University of York with Augusto Lopez Claros’

keynote held there invited by Hooshmand Badi’i.

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EBBF in Macedonia

After last year’s set of interviews of EBBF members on Macedonian TV and Radio activities in Macedonia continued this

year thanks to the active participation of Katerina Vasileska and Pippa Cookson. Particularly interesting was the involvement

of other EBBF members in the creation of a new microcredit enterprise structure to benefit young entrepreneurs.

Other highlights include the growing relationship with AIESEC there with the key International event in Lake Ohrid seeing the

participation of both Greg and Arthur Dahl.

EBBF in The Netherlands

Roberta Law was nominated as EBBF National Representative. Together with the Dutch EBBF Board Member Marieke

Kersten they kicked off both an important first national event of EBBF and a very active participation in the EBBF workshops

help at the United Nations in New York under the Centre for the Advancement of Women’s event.

Netherlands gathered in The Hague for a lively networking day. The participants looked at the theme of the day, which was

“Work and Ethics”, from several different perspectives. Mrs. Marga Martens, entrepreneur and academic, gave an

introduction to the subject by defining “Ethics” for us. Mrs. Marieke Kersten told us about her development from young

academic to young entrepreneur. The primary tool of “Moral Leadership”, she said, is consultation, a mode of collective

decision-making. Mrs. Margre Wiarda, also an entrepreneur, told us about her work with the group “Business and

Professional Women”. She told us about a course on “Leadership” she gave and shared many examples from the lives of the

participants. During the networking lunch, and thereafter in the “World Café”, participants shared their personal stories and

told how they wrestled with ethical dilemmas in their work and business life.

A number of external affairs activities particularly focused on gender issues and the role of women enriched this excellent

year of the Dutch branch.

EBBF in Paris

As part of external affairs activities Marguerite Lacoste and Marc Avanzo attended the Laboratory meeting organised by

CSR Europe on "Panels and tools of implementation" which took place at Deloitte in Paris.

- Additionally a number of evenings were organized at the Rue Pergolese venue.

- Marc Avanzo presented the Moral Leaderhsip workshops at the INSEAD business school and in another six month long

course with selected individuals in Paris.

EBBF in Romania

The first major national event of EBBF was organized by Wargha Enayati, also EBBF National Representative there. In his

own words: “We have tried to show you a different facet of the business world, a facet which is already noticeable in the

Romanian business environment too. We are referring to an alternate way of running a business so that you would be able to

find a balance between aggressive business development, ethics and social

responsibility. With the help of a group of experienced speakers we brought to your

attention the challenges of creating an efficient work environment. The speakers

expertise ranged from Design to the IT business, from Banking to Training and even

student organizations and so did their presentation stiles”

The presenters included EBBF members, Wargha Enayati, General Manager CMU,

Kazem Samandari, President Given Imaging Limited - “Challenges of responsible and

ethical entrepreneurship: From concept to implementation”, Massimo D’Attoma,

Program Management Consultant, SAP Italia - “Innovative ways of bringing values and

value to business”, Paul Hughes, Strategic Director, General Manager and Partner of Lava Graphic Studio, Netherland -

“Design Thinking; You can analyze the past but you have to design the future”.

We received positive feedback from those that stayed and this can only determine us to invite you to our future events!”

EBBF in Slovakia

The EBBF National Representative for Slovakia and Board Member Zarin Buckingham has hosted the - Leading From Your

Values - workshop in Bratislava. She also kicked off a new EBBF empowerment of women group that EBBF aims to extend

to other regions following the feedback from this first trial. She was appointed to the External Advisory Board of AIESEC

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Slovakia. Zarin also arranged with a meeting of potential members from Hungary to visit Slovakia and address joining the

EBBF,  and discuss how the wealth of valuable perspectives accumulated within the organization can help them with their

many projects and goals.

EBBF in Spain

Very good news from Spain where the combination of a series of evenings organized with a high-level audience at Augusto

Lopez Claros’ home, the keynotes offered at the IE Business School MBAs and the usual AIESEC / EBBF relationship have

given very good results.

The National Members Committee of AIESEC Spain asked EBBF to facilitate a session aimed at deepening the

understanding and ownership amongst the leaders of AIESEC in Spain of the new world wide AIESEC code of ethics. For

this reason EBBF member and IBM Management Development Leader Cristina Marquès facilitated a three hour session with

the AIESEC national team.

EBBF in Switzerland

EBBF invited to the first European Event of Net Impact held in Geneva saw the participation of local member Mahmud

Samandari. Hundreds of MBA students and alumni crowded the halls of Geneva's Conference Centre looking at their future

role in making a real positive impact in today and tomorrow's business world. The excellent relationship with this worldwide

organization has allowed EBBF to be present in more ways than one. Offering EBBF publications that quickly sold out at the

event and in the practical case study of EBBF members Denise Cumella who offered a workshop on ethical communication

based on her own work experience heading a European PR Communication team focused on highlighting and campaigning

the strong values of its Lush brand.

Additionally two meetings were held amongst members of EBBF in the city of Geneva opening a new series of events and

opportunities amongst this region with important potential and a growing number of EBBF members.

EBBF in Ukraine

It initiated the registration of the non-governmental organization "European Business Forum EBBF-Ukraine." EBBF-Ukraine

mirrors the charter, goals, and organization of the EBBF. The first president and secretary general are Gary Reusche and

Tetyana Taran respectively. Monthly meetings started in July and will encourage members to share their individual

professional and service activities and to search for ways to work together on common projects.

- EBBF for the second year is an official development partner of AIESEC in Ukraine and sits on the advisory committee.

Collaboration includes workshops and keynote presentations at AIESEC National and Regional events. Gary Reusche gave

the keynote presentation at an international conference held in Kyiv, and facilitated an videoconference between Ukrainian

students studying in the USA and their fellow students in Ukraine. 

- EBBF Ukraine (Tatyana Taran) participated in an International Forum for NGOs in Ukraine: "Ethical and spiritual aspects of

human and social development." A presentation was made on "Baha'i Experiences in Virtues Training for Children and

Youth" in the section: "Child-Family: New paradigms for relations."

Produced the mini-drama "Cultural Dialogs" that was performed in the city centre for "European Day in Ukraine" and helped

with a booth promoting the same theme. Undertaken in association with the "International Organization for Migration in the

European cities."

- Two members of EBBF-Ukraine (Larisa Boiko and Victor Dimanya) participated in the European conference for positive

psychotherapy in Germany.

- Facilitated and provided expert services (Tetyana Taran) to stage the final concert of the "All Ukrainian Festival of Arts for

Children and Youth with Health Problems" in the city of Lugansk in Eastern Ukraine.

- Systematically worked to increase contacts and develop partnerships with like-minded organizations in Ukraine that are

interested to collaborate with EBBF Ukraine. The following contacts were made and are actively being developed:

· International Charitable Organization : "Transatlantic Partners against AIDS”, NGO Information Resource Centre "Gurt",

Private Company: "Management, Training, Promotion", Consulting Group: "Business Systems", Assembly of NGOs in

Ukraine, Association of Positive Psychotherapists.

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The Partnership with AIESEC

Sharing common values with 32,000 Leaders of TomorrowThis has been a truly exceptional year in our relationship and activities with AIESEC. This international organization of over

32,000 students of business and economics in more than 100 countries share many of our values and global outlook. Our

collaboration, which began in 1996 – 12 years ago – is thus of strategic importance to EBBF as it offers numerous

opportunities to our own members to empower, promote, and educate these future leaders … and to make a difference. Our

activities are significant both at the international, national and local levels.

NEW EBBF COORDINATOR: The Governing Board has appointed Mahmud Samandari to be the International Coordinator

of our activities with AIESEC. Effective July 1st, 2008 he replaced George Starcher, who has assumed this responsibility

during the past 12 years since our first meeting with AIESEC in Istanbul in 1996. George Starcher has been the driving force

behind this EBBF - AIESEC growing relationship and together with the many EBBF individuals who have presented and

organized local activities he has taken this relationship to this year’s peak of activities. We wish to deeply thank George for

his years of dedication to this relationship and welcome Mahmud’s involvement. Mahmud was right away put into action

appointed to the AIESEC International Advisory Council. Mahmud’s experience with AIESEC goes back 9 years as he was

the leading external advisor to AIESEC in Ecuador.

INTERNATIONALLY our activities with AIESEC have included the following:

1. Preparation and presentation of an 8-page report on EBBF collaboration with AIESEC during the past 12 months. It

highlights over 50 events at which EBBF contributed keynote speakers, workshop leaders, advice on annual plans, external

relations support, various consultations, and mentoring.

2. Participation in annual International Conferences. In August 2007 George Starcher attended the conference in Istanbul

and on that occasion gave a presentation on values-based leadership to the alumni meeting, led a workshop on Responsible

Entrepreneurship at which CDs with full text of this EBBF publication were given to participants. Of particular importance

were meetings with AIESEC delegates from 30 countries to consult on collaboration during the coming year. In August 2008,

Mahmud Samandari represented EBBF at the International Conference and meeting of the International Advisory Council in

Sao Paolo, Brazil. He met with representatives from 19 countries, discussing collaboration possibilities, led a workshop on

Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility and held a separate meeting with a dozen business women and men from

Brazil, encouraging them to join EBBF and start activities in Brazil, with a view to establishing a Business Forum there.

3. A new web site has gone on stream: www.ebbf.org/aiesec.html - This excellent initiative of Leonor Gimelfarb will permit

members of both EBBF and AIESEC to exchange news about their respective experiences in collaboration.

4. George, Arthur Dahl and Mahmud had a very productive meeting in July in Geneva with the outgoing AIESEC liaison with

EBBF, Emanuel Gavert, and Lucy Symons, the incoming liaison. This meeting covered a review of the past year’s

collaboration and plans for the coming year, including AIESEC participation at the EBBF Annual Conference and other

events.

WITH NATIONAL AIESEC MEMBER COMMITTEES (MCs) our ongoing relationships continue to blossom while several

initiatives have developed new and significant partnerships. Our relationships vary in nature and content, but generally fall in

one of three categories: A. Those countries with which we have formal partnership and learning agreements; B. Countries

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where recent contacts seem to open significant opportunities during the coming year and for which we have appointed

national coordinators; and C. Countries which seem to offer opportunities to open up contacts.

A. Among our most active and ongoing relationships with MCs (national member committees of AIESEC) and in most cases

with whom we have formal partnership agreements are Italy, Austria, Belgium, Ukraine, Slovakia and Finland.

• Italy: A model partnership developed during the past ten years. Each year is kicked off by Beppe Robiati’s dinner for the

outgoing and incoming AIESEC leadership teams to plan the year’s collaboration. In addition to providing keynote

speakers and workshop leaders in a dozen universities, the three-day seminar for 50 to 60 AIESEC leaders at Acuto has

become a tradition, as have the annual lectures at the University of Bari, given this year by Sandra Luschi.

• Austria: Following various joint activities EBBF signed the National Learning Partnership and EBBF national representative

Sarvenas Enayati was appointed to the Advisory Board of AIESEC Austria.

• Belgium: Under the very active leadership of Daniel Schaubacher and Dale Emerson, active collaboration continues in the

form of keynote presentations and workshops, inclusion of AIESEC leaders in EBBF activities, and mentoring.

• Slovakia: Zarin Buckingham remains active as an external advisor and showers the MC with wise counsel and initiatives.

• Ukraine: Gary Reusche has completed drafting a formal partnership agreement and remains an active external advisor

and participant in many of the events.

• Finland: A number of joint events and ethical mentorship were offered and EBBF was a partner in AIESEC’s Be A Change

initiative there.

B. Several new partnerships developed during the year that give great promise for the coming year.

• Germany: Under the active leadership of Leonor Gimelfarb, herself an AIESEC alumnus, EBBF has gained recognition

with AIESEC Germany, one of the strongest AIESEC organizations in the world.

• Switzerland: EBBF continues to contribute keynote speakers and workshops at national conferences. A first: Arthur Dahl

was invited to be the external member of the committee that screened (in a two day meeting) and proposed members of

the national MC.

• Macedonia: Katerina Grozdani with the support of Metodija Trajkovski provided significant support to this MC during the

year.

• Austria: Sarvanaz Enayati collaborated on a number of occasions and has built an excellent rapport with the MC.

C. A number of promising opportunities have opened which seem promising for the coming year. In these countries the

Governing Board has appointed national coordinators.

• Bulgaria: Greg Dahl has taken the initiative to meet with the members of the MC to offer support.

• Denmark: With the arrival of Shervin Setareh we are hopeful that a relationship can be developed with the MC.

• France: Marc Avanzo has given several sessions on values-based leadership and through this initiative developed

promising relationships with the new MCP (AIESEC language for the President of a national team).

• Ireland: Ardawin Lalui having just moved back to Ireland, and having been a significant partner of AIESEC in the Czech

Republic, we hope a meaningful relationship may develop.

• Malta: Giovanni Pappalettera, after hosting a dinner for the MC, came away optimistic about opportunities for the coming

year.

• Romania: AIESEC was involved in a very successful public conference organized by Wargha Enayati with the support of

Metodija Trajkovski a recent AIESEC alumnus, now resident in Romania.

• Serbia: Within days of his move from Norway to Serbia, Riaz Rafat met with members of the MC and made plans for the

coming year with them.

• Spain: Cristina Marqués run a workshop with the MC team deepening their code of ethics and both Augusto Lopez

Claros and Daniel Truran presented at their IBERO AMERICA event in Barcelona.

We look forward to having more EBBF members establish a relationship with this dynamic, promising and

growing group of values-driven Leaders of Tomorrow.

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EBBF’s Financial Sustainabil ity

The EBBF elected board has put a special emphasis on improving EBBF’s financial sustainability. This priority comes from

the need to allow the values-driven activities of the organisations to continue but also to offer proof of good management to

members and donors alike. Once again only thanks to the generous personal contributions of some twenty individuals who

have responded to EBBF’s request for secretariat-specific funding has EBBF been able to continue operating. Without those

special contributions we would not have been able to cover EBBF’s small budget.

We therefore wish to thank these special donors and all the EBBF members who have renewed their membership: you have

made it possible for EBBF to continue improving its activities and extend them to new countries in the world - influencing a

growing number of people towards an innovative values-based new paradigm of management aimed at enhancing the

wellbeing and prosperity of humankind. Here follow a few highlights of new sources of funding to complement the above:

- A new donate webpage has proven successful with donors particularly interested in offering donations earmarked to

specific EBBF projects and needs: http://ebbf.org/donate.html

- The objective of EBBF events accounting for some 20% of EBBF’s income has almost been reached. That is despite

EBBF’s continued wish to balance its need for financial resources with the wish to have EBBF events accessible to a wide

range of individuals with different financial situations: hence EBBF conference fees well below the market standard.

- A 59% increase in the sale of publications due to the quality of new titles and the improved marketing of this EBBF content.

- The application for EU funding continues and we are hoping to receive next year part of a grant that was applied for back in

2007 supporting the creation of the EU sustainability index.

2007 / 2008 Actual 12 Months Financial Results

(all figures in Euros)

Incoming Resources Resources Expended

Membership subscription 18,284 Books and Subscriptions 1,876

Special contributions for Secretariat (2) 48,970 Secretariat & Year of Service 46,050

Conference Fees 14,390 Conference Costs 5,919

Bank Interest 3,309 Conference Travel and External Relations 7,298

Sale of books, publications and CDs 2,707 Publications and CDs 2,474

Other Income 0 Tel, Internet Postage & Stationery 3,480

Paypal & Bank Charges 1,152

Local Branches costs 629

Online EBBF courses costs 1,200

Total Incoming Resources 87,660 Total Resources Expended 70,078

(2) Includes some special contributions for 2009 and 2010 that will not be repeated then.

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Wider Online CommunicationThe Improved WebsiteThe EBBF website has seen a number of notable improvements,

particularly in the area reserved to members and in the event

organizing facilities. Recognizing the fast evolution of online

technology EBBF has started an online evolution project, lead by

board member Mika Korhonen to not only design the next version

of the website but more broadly to put in place an process of

continuous technological evolution that will affect the website, the

interaction with members and the communication tools to the

wider audience.

The Online ContentKarim Beers has taken the responsibility to cover the interviews and collection of case studies that this year have greatly

improved the content of both the INSPIRE e-magazine and of the EBBF blog which have seen a continuous improvement

both in terms of number of visitors and in the number of nations connecting to these communication channels.

The Facebook Group and the new You Tube Video ChannelEBBF have been exploring new ways to increase the opportunities for interaction for EBBF members and contacts and of

offering daily news of what EBBF members are up to and the issues they

are facing and inspirations they are encountering. We have now reached

over 450 individuals registered participants in the EBBF Facebook

Group.

Aware of the need to offer new ways to communicate EBBF has this

year introduced a new You Tube Video Channel: youtube.com/

EBBFvideo.

Last but not least two online innovations, the new EBBF Online Courses

platform that is being designed and will be officially introduced in the

2008/2009 financial year together with the testing of the e-conference

experience for individuals not able to attend EBBF conferences but keen to view video contents and article from the events.

The additional advantage being the possibility of interaction with those taking part in the event and with other individuals

interested in the topics of the conference.

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EBBF is a non-profit organisation that attracts a community of people passionate about bringing

ethical values, personal virtues and moral leadership into their workplaces.

Its membership is diverse and crosses generations, borders, sectors and beliefs.

- - - - -

EBBF’s vision is to enhance the well-being and prosperity of humankind.

It believes that positively influencing the world of business,

starting from the inspiration of action by each of its members,

is an important step in this direction.

- - - - -

EBBF moves towards its vision through three main thrusts:

Empowering

Encouraging individuals to make a positive difference in their work environment

EBBF offers responses to people who want to create a meaningful work environment

where values are not seen as an obstacle but as an opportunity for personal and institutional progress.

Promoting

Providing a new paradigm of business

Presenting scenarios exploring new ways of doing business and imagining working models of

the enterprise of the future.

EBBF initiatives include high level events, presentations, publications, centres of knowledge and research,

an e-magazine, partnerships with leading organizations.

Educating

Inspiring leaders of tomorrow

Reaching out to young professionals, university and MBA students who are often confronted with

a business environment that conflicts with their own ideals and values.

Offering MBA, University and Leadership courses and workshops

- - - - -

EBBF promotes seven core values

that it feels are of strategic importance in enhancing business performance:

Business Ethics

Corporate Social Responsibility

Sustainable Development

Partnership of Women and Men

A New Paradigm of Work

Consultation in Decision-Making

Values-Based Leadership

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