“The FTF is a community of fair trade enterprises that models the true spirit of “coopetition” and the Candy Factory is an independently owned & operated co-working space made up of diverse individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations. Finding a home here was a no-brainer, and we are committed to helping shape, learn from, and be inspired by this unique and vibrant co-working community. “
Chris Solt
Fair Trade Federation –Executive Director
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As Executive Director, Chris manages the strategic, administrative, and programmatic aspects of the Fair Trade Federation. Chris has dedicated much of his professional career toward strengthening fair trade businesses and advancing the goals of the larger fair trade movement. Prior to joining the FTF staff in 2016, Chris worked with Ten Thousand Villages for 10 years as Regional Sales Manager and Director of Learning and Development which included coordinating and driving educational events, conferences, and fair trade promotion globally.
After joining the FTF in early 2016, Chris has helped shape member education programs, led the coordination and planning for FTF Conferences, and represented the FTF at events across the US and Canada. He has developed relationships with fair trade professionals from all over the world, including travels to India, Nepal, Peru, and Guatemala, where he has seen the impact of fair trade, first hand. On September 19, 2019, the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) elected Chris as their Pacific Representative on the WFTO’s Global Board for a four-year term.
Chris earned a BA in Social Science at Cleveland State University and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership with a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources from Southern New Hampshire University.
Chris and his wife moved to the northeast neighborhood of Lancaster City in September 2018. He is passionate about tennis, bicycling, travel, food, gardening, brewing beer, and playing music.
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The Candy Factory is a coworking space established in 2010 and located in the heart of Downtown Lancaster PA. We are a community of professionals who have found a new way to work. Coworking and shared workspaces help promote business growth, creative thinking, shared brilliance and collaboration while offering an affordable office solution for small businesses, freelancers, remote workers, and non-profits.
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