Highlights:

1996: Pilot project with Lutheran World Relief. Equal Exchange is the first U.S. coffee company to actively provide pre-harvest credit to small farmer cooperatives.

1997: Equal Exchange creates Organizing Department for grassroots outreach, and launches first national advertising campaign as part of three year, intensive marketing plan.

1998: TransFair USA creates Fair Trade seal for U.S. market. Equal Exchange launches new tea line, and opens new office and warehouse in Hood River, Oregon.

1999: Rink Dickinson and Rob Everts assume Equal Exchange leadership as Co-Executive Directors. Board approves first strategic plan for 2000 - 2003.

2000: Equal Exchange receives Business Ethics magazine award for Stakeholder Relations.