Tenthousandvillages.com has been named one of three finalists for “Most Innovative Site of the Year.” The award is presented by Magento, a company whose e-commerce platform serves more than 110,000 merchants worldwide. The winner will be chosen by the votes of more than 1,200 attendees at next week’s Imagine global e-commerce conference. Read More

Ten Thousand Villages’ board of directors has announced the appointment of Doug Dirks as CEO effective Monday, April 2, 2012.  

 One of the fair trade movement’s most familiar faces, Dirks has been employed by Ten Thousand Villages for nearly two decades. He brings more than 25 years of experience in international relations, fair trade and senior leadership to the CEO position.

 “Doug’s many years of service to Villages will serve us well in the coming years. He has an intuitive understanding of the artisans we serve, and is a committed champion of fair trade, “said Alex Hartzler, Board Chair. “Doug’s business acumen, history with our organization, and his deep commitment to our mission make him an ideal candidate for leading Villages into the future.”

 Dirks joined Ten Thousand Villages in 1985, when the organization was called Self Help Crafts. He served as Executive Director for Ten Thousand Villages Canada from 1996 through 2002.  Since rejoining Villages in the U.S., he has facilitated artisan relations, educational and media engagements; led learning tours to visit artisan partners; and represented Ten Thousand Villages in the broader fair trade movement. He has served on the board of directors for the Fair Trade Federation and is also the current regional representative for the World Fair Trade Organization. 

 Dirks replaces outgoing CEO Craig Schloneger who announced his resignation in December of last year, after six years leading Ten Thousand Villages.

Ten Thousand Villages was the centerpiece of a meaningful gift-giving feature on Fox 29’s Good Day Philadelphia this morning. With ten locations in the viewing area – Center City, Chestnut Hill, Ephrata, Exton, King of Prussia, Lancaster, Lehigh Valley, Media, Souderton and Wilmington, amazing gifts with a sense of social consciousness are really just around the corner (and right here at our website). Read More