Pamela Watanabe-Gerdes

Pan American Develop-ment Foundation (PADF): This nonprofit organization that creates public-private partnerships to assist disadvantaged people in Latin America and the Caribbean has launched a print catalog of corporate social responsibility and cause-related marketing opportunities in those regions. The 28-page book provides an overview of PADF projects that are well-suited for private-sector participation.

In a comfortable corner of Omaha, NE, designers, woodworkers and seamstresses create more than 600 new home decor and giftware products each year. Founded by Pamela Watanabe-Gerdes in 1987, Tender Heart Treasures considers its in-house design staff one of the company’s strongest competitive advantages and a major reason for its success. Today, the company produces two catalogs: Tender Heart Treasures, which offers country-style giftware and home accents, and A Special Place, which features more romantic, European-inspired gifts and home decor items. In addition to its catalogs, the company markets its products to wholesale customers through trade shows and two showrooms. Started with just