Posted on 02/04/2010 3:44:50 PM PST by SandRat
JOINT BASE BALAD – Strengthening the area's economy and creating jobs to help curb unemployment were benefits cited by both local Iraqi business leaders and U.S. military commanders during a ceremony to recognize the changeover of vendors at the Iraqi Bazaar here, Feb. 1. Eleven Sahwa leaders from Yethrib and four tribal shaykhs from Dujayl were invited on base to attend the ceremony and the local agricultural minister thanked JBB representatives for the opportunity to help them with their continuing rebuilding efforts.
"Our daily interactions shape the eventual strategic partnership between our two nations," said Army Capt. Paul Thomas, commander, D Company "Destroyers", 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment. "The ceremony conveyed our appreciation to these local leaders for their service to their people and their efforts to cooperate with us."
Previously, the Iraqi Bazaar operated under eight local vendors. However, with the signing of new contracts, the bazaar has expanded to allow 11 merchants the opportunity to sell their goods on base.
"All but three vendors have been changed to bring in new faces," said Thomas. "Many of the old bazaar workers were re-hired by the new management, so there will be some continuity with the patrons."
The vendors are contracted for six months to allow JBB leaders in charge of the Iraqi Bazaar a chance to rotate the opportunity to different businesses throughout the local community.
A requirement in the contract is that a portion of the profit made from the bazaar is put toward funding community projects.
"This bazaar contributes directly to the operation of the tribal and agricultural unions and covers the operating expenses of the Concerned Local Citizen [group that] provides much of the security around the base," said Thomas.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Craig Franklin, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander, and Army Lt. Col. Eric Timmerman, commander, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment "Black Lions," presided over the ceremony. More than 50 service members and local guests attended the ribbon-cutting event.
"We look forward to the teamwork the bazaar will bring and [this is] one small step in a larger strategy to lessen unemployment," said Franklin.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.