Monday, October 24, 2016 was the 5th Anniversary of the unanimous passing by the Mankato City Council of a Resolution that enabled ‘Fair Trade Town’ status to be claimed according to the criteria of the national Fair Trade Campaigns, coordinating body for Fair Trade Towns, Colleges, Schools and Congregations.

Thursday, October 27, saw the holding of two Anniversary events, both addressed by Mark Ritchie, former Minnesota Secretary of State – a Conference (9:30am-2:30pm) at Minnesota State University-Mankato on the theme “Fair Trade for a Sustainable Future”, and a Celebration, 7:00-9:00pm at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Mankato.

This Article focuses only on the Conference.

Here is a summary of the keynote and panel discussion.

Picture:  Conference participants paying careful attention. Loyola Catholic School representatives in the foreground.