Braun was well received by a large group of SSSBA members and guests. As the owner of her own small business, Good Food Organics, a distributor of organic coffee, tea and olive oil, she was proud to boast that she had never missed a payroll.
She spoke to the group about “Capitalism and Conscience.” In her address, she gave several examples of how businesses have sought to turn a profit without much regard to how their products or services ultimately affected mankind or the environment. She pointed out that capitalism and conscience have historically been on opposite ends of the spectrum in business as well as in government. And she reminded us all that as business leaders and government officials, we should always be mindful about how our actions affect others either directly or indirectly.
And in parting, Ambassador Braun left us with this poem (writer unknown):
One song can spark a moment
One flower can wake a dream
One tree can start a forest
One bird can herald spring
One smile begins a friendship
One handclasp lifts a soul
One star can guide a ship
One thought can frame a goal
One vote can change a nation
One sunbeam lights a room
One candle wipes out darkness
One laugh will conquer gloom
One step must start each journey
One word must start each prayer
One hope will raise our spirits
One touch can show you care
One voice can speak with wisdom
One heart can know what’s true
One life can make a difference
One person just like you.
