Julie Martin and Patton Hyman coordinated this small but illustrious group of about 15 participants. They brought with them a broad range of experience, including for example software programming, real estate development, human resource management, different forms of business consulting and business development, law and dentistry. The group set itself the objective of finding ways to further develop wealth within the Shambhala community by means of better leveraging our values and expertise.

All agreed that wealth and generosity go far beyond money. On the other hand, we should regard money as "mother's milk" according the words of the Druk Sakyong (cited from a Ratna Business Society meeting in 1981). It is good to make money based on Shambhalian principles and ethics.

To get on a more "earthy" level we identified three areas of resource that we found currently under-exploited but accessible within our community:

We agreed to take these next steps to develop these resources further:

Only your active participation can make this work! Please get listed, check and update your profile beginning July at "Members’ Pages".

• Explore conducting an international Shambhala business conference in the near future. Objectives include the sharing of experiences and ideas of doing business for profit in a Shambhalian way, bringing interested people together, making deals and discussing business ethics.

• Explore the opportunities of collaborative work via the internet within our community.

• Explore setting up a virtual marketplace offering online marketing and selling opportunities to small Shambhala businesses and creating a venue for "Shambhala classifieds".

• Explore setting up a Shambhalian venture capital fund and other investment vehicles: Objective is to offer Shambhalians opportunities to invest for-profit into start-ups and companies which are consistent with our principles and may also serve our community directly, e.g. in technology, health care, or senior living.

Please get into contact with the people mentioned if you are interested and/or can contribute to the activities. We look forward to hearing from you!