Muhammad Yunus - revolutionizing economic and social development worldwide
Posted on 3/27/2008
 On Wednesday, April 30, The Chamber will continue its tradition of hosting some of the most respected world-renowned figures in today's society for an evening of enlightenment and entertainment with Muhammad Yunus delivering his message on building a model of prosperity through entrepreneurialism and innovative thinking at the 136th Annual Dinner. The event will be held at the Franklin & Marshall College Alumni Sports & Fitness Center beginning at 5 p.m.
Yunus, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize recipient and founder of Grameen Bank, has shown himself to be a leader who can translate his vision into powerful reality for the benefit of millions. The Nobel Peace Prize was bestowed upon him for his entrepreneurial efforts and innovative thinking as he single handedly revolutionized economic and social development worldwide.
In 1983, he founded the Grameen Bank, extending credit to people who would never traditionally receive it, and teaching them sound financial principles so they can help themselves. In the process, he created a system that empowered the poor by helping them to become entrepreneurs. His true entrepreneurial spirit and steadfast determination aided him in pioneering the way for micro-credit programs, an innovative banking program that provides individuals with small loans to launch businesses and help lift their families out of poverty.
Today, the Grameen Bank has more than 2,500 branches operating in 100 countries. The bank has lent out an estimated $6.8 billion to millions of borrowers, and nearly 98 percent of the loans have been paid back. Many replicas of the Grameen Bank micro-credit model now operate worldwide. Recently, Grameen America opened up in New York City, the first in the United States, making investments in poor, aspiring entrepreneurs with the drive and ambition to do great things.
Yunus has also created many for-profit companies, known as social businesses, in Bangladesh - Grameen Capial Management, Grameen Textile and Grameen Business Promotion, among others, to promote development and reduce poverty. Social businesses seek to profit from acts that generate social improvements and serve a broader human development purpose. As social businesses increase revenues, it corresponds to an instrumental social enhancement.
His perseverance has not gone unnoticed. He has received awards and honors from dozens of countries over the span of 30 years, and has teamed up with Mircosoft CEO Bill Gates and leaders from companies such as eBay and Intel to focus on innovation and the world economy.
Yunus was born in 1940 in Chittagong, India. He studied economics at Vanderbilt University and received his Ph.D. in economics. The following year he became an assistant professor of economics at Middle Tennessee State University. He later returned to Bangladesh to head the economics department at Chittagong University.
Through the unveiling of our Mission and Vision at our Annual Business Meeting in February, The Chamber has challenged our members to engage in innovative thinking to ensure that, as a community, we're poised for positive changes in Lancaster County and can maximize the opportunities that come from change. Yunus' message will help reinforce our strategic direction and inspire and enlighten you to engage in new thinking and new approaches to accelerate progress and build Lancaster County into a model of prosperity for 21st Century America.
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.lancasterchamber.com/dinner.
Meet our Annual Dinner Platinum Sponsor:
The following visionary companies have demonstrated their sincere commitment to the growth and vitality of Lancaster County’s business community through their role as Signature Investors.
 
Contact Jessica Sparkes
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