Waterloo, ON – Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) is bringing its vision of reducing poverty through economic development with plans to open an office in Germany – its first foray into the European market.

"Our MEDA supporters in Europe have encouraged us to build up a base among companies there," says president Allan Sauder, "and create a MEDA presence among European funding agencies. As a first step in that direction, we are excited to announce that Titus Horsch has agreed to join us as director of MEDA in Europe to expand MEDA's contribution as an industry leader in economic development in Europe."

In this new role, Horsch will be inviting business people to support MEDA's mission of creating business solutions to poverty and engaging with large European donor agencies. But his first tasks will be to set up an office, carry out legal registration and begin to build relationships in the European community as part of a two-year market development initiative.

Horsch is a graduate of the University of Applied Sciences, Ludwigshafen (MBA equivalent). He brings to MEDA a strong background in business development, with particular strength in start-ups and turn-arounds. Prior to joining MEDA, Horsch served as CEO of Thomashof Conference Centre, and business manager of the Geschaftsfuhrer Institute for Family Therapy. His experience also includes development of green energy projects and investment advisory services.

The initiative's success could mean the creation of a full member-based MEDA organization in Europe integrated with the North American model.

"We are capturing the positive and growing energy within MEDA to expand into new markets at this time," notes Gerhard Pries, MEDA's director of international fund development. "While the culture of donations that we enjoy in North America is not as prevalent in Europe, we are confident that European business people will embrace our vision."