The World Economic Forum nominated Etsy as one of their 2009 Technology Pioneers. Etsy’s founder Rob Kalin will be traveling to Davos, Switzerland to represent our community and to voice Etsy’s mission at the January meeting.
About the World Economic Forum:
“The World Economic Forum is an independent, international organization incorporated as a Swiss not-for-profit foundation. We are striving towards a world-class corporate governance system where values are as important a basis as rules. Our motto is ‘entrepreneurship in the global public interest’. We believe that economic progress without social development is not sustainable, while social development without economic progress is not feasible.
Our vision for the World Economic Forum is threefold. It aims to be: the foremost organization which builds and energizes leading global communities; the creative force shaping global, regional and industry strategies; the catalyst of choice for its communities when undertaking global initiatives to improve the state the world.”
We are very excited to have the chance to talk to world leaders about independent entrepreneurship and how the internet can have a supporting role. In the run-up to the meeting, the WEF invited each nominee to answer the same questions about their businesses and the roles they play in socially conscious economic development. We wanted to share Rob’s video message with the community here, as we feel strongly that Etsy’s vision remain true to the handmade movement during these economic times, and especially during the holiday shopping season. You can see more 2009 Technology Pioneers’ videos here.
Thank you to our community for making this all happen!
82 comments
Sign in to add your ownKathrynRiechert says:
Have fun in Switzerland!
3 years ago
humblebea says:
Very cool! Congrats and have a fun trip!
3 years ago
chakrapennywhistle says:
Awesome :)
3 years ago
iforgot2remember says:
Thankyou Rob Kalin!
3 years ago
papapots says:
Very cool! I have to say that scrolling through that video list is pretty funny. "Guy in a suit.. Guy with a sports coat.. Guy at a desk...um, Guy with an... octopus?" LOL
3 years ago
decklededgebindery says:
What a wonderful recognition of everyone's hard work. Congratulations Etsy!
3 years ago
NicoAndMooMoo says:
Important tip: when will have the cheese fondue drink wine, do not drink water for any reason... or you the cheese will make a monolith in your stomach! ;-P
3 years ago
glamasaurus says:
^I drink water with fondue all the time. My stomach is fine.
3 years ago
TwinDreamCreations says:
That's exciting!!!!
3 years ago
Rokali says:
I'm looking forward to everyone thinking I'm a protester that somehow got inside.
3 years ago
iragrant says:
That's a serious business, well done! And don't forget to stop over in Neuchatel, only five hours by train from Davos!:))))
3 years ago
dogties says:
Woot! Go Etsy, Go!
3 years ago
yaelfran says:
wowwwww!!!!! CONGRATS!!!!!! You deserve it so much!!!!!!
3 years ago
Vanessa says:
Rob, you're gonna have to bring that octopus with you.
3 years ago
weirdwolf says:
And tons of Etsy stickers!!
3 years ago
lapomme says:
This is enormous! Congratulations!
3 years ago
sunriselodgefiberstu says:
Thank you for making our dreams possible;) Keep up the outrageously awesome work;)!!!!!
3 years ago
laurabrownart says:
woot woo! so exciting!
3 years ago
RaeGun says:
wow that is so exciting!
3 years ago
undertheroot says:
Wow! I had no idea... Even more beautiful story than I imagined!
3 years ago
Jealousydesign says:
That is awesome!Congrats!
3 years ago
AchAchLiebling says:
That's very cool!
3 years ago
siiri says:
That's Fantastic! Many congrats!
3 years ago
enhabiten says:
awesome awesome video. very succinct and compelling. gives an artist like me lots of hope. corny...but etsy has changed my life and also my way of thinking..meaning i feel like i can do so much more now and succeed in ways i didn't think i could before with this global marketplace and democratic internet technology. congratulations Rob and all at etsy.
3 years ago
nkalexander says:
Yea!!! Yea, for local economies- Yea, for small business with a global network- Yea, for creative minds...creating a revolution. VIVA LA CRAFTOLUTION!
3 years ago
ClaudiaLord says:
Very impressive!
3 years ago
tangerinetreehouse says:
YAY! Congrats to Etsy. What a huge honor. And opportunity to show the world a different model.
3 years ago
PressedPenny says:
That is truly fantastic. Switzerland is beautiful! And you totally deserve to take a trip there! Thanks and keep up the good work!
3 years ago
noodleandlou says:
WOW!! yahooo for Etsy!!!
3 years ago
RonH says:
Super Rob, The worlds economy need the shock of knowing that there is something more than the mass produced stuff we see at the Mall (and later at the landfill). go get 'em. Bring us back some chocolate.
3 years ago
westcorinthstudio says:
Switzerland in January...brrr...don't forget your hat and mittens! Congratulations on the nomination; you really deserve it!
3 years ago
hellome says:
Wow, that is pretty impressive, to say the least. Nice to hear some good news!
3 years ago
ribbonwands says:
Fantastic! I love the vision of a global "handmade" market where we can all see these amazing things we never thought would exist. Inspirational stuff indeed!
3 years ago
MissBlackPepper says:
That's neat interesting to read what other companies got picked. Biotechnology firms, semiconductor companies, lighting manufacturers - Etsy - food industry, recycling - they've certainly covered some bases there!
3 years ago
flyingzoo says:
Fantastic! Congrats!!!
3 years ago
metzypants says:
Hurray!
3 years ago
yummyink says:
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S! The slogans "Art = Capital" or "Creativity = Capital," which Beuys often used in his artworks, could be understood as shorthand notations of his ideas, and suggest that creativity and art are the new currency for the transformation of society that he envisioned. The multiple La rivoluzione siamo Noi (1972), "We are the revolution," recalls Beuys' proclamation that "Art is the only revolutionary force." In this work, the artist seems to stride boldly into the future, urging us to accompany him on his way to the revolution. I thing ETSY is on the right path! Let's do it!
3 years ago
BluCille says:
Love robots!
3 years ago
asundrynotion says:
Big time!
3 years ago
deelind says:
Congratulations on the nomination- You totally deserve it! What an incredible article, amazingly inspirational video. You've changed the world for so many here. Have a great trip Rob.
3 years ago
risabeads says:
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Thanks for Etsy:)
3 years ago
Lambert says:
Wow, that's fantastic!
3 years ago
thelittlereddoor says:
this is awesome sauce :)
3 years ago
StrongBeads says:
Great "it is just getting started" but it is soooo happening and positive and so ON!!!!!!! THANXS for creating!!!!!
3 years ago
jessiemccann says:
That is awesome!
3 years ago
nicole6697 says:
Yeah Rob! So totally my hero - go get them!
3 years ago
alfakosdesigns says:
GO etsy Go!
3 years ago
popettes says:
Represent us!
3 years ago
Studio618 says:
How cool! Thanks for representing us.
3 years ago
Angelicgems says:
I might be falling in love with etsy again :) Terrific news!
3 years ago
BluCille says:
I always wanted to go to Switzerland! Some day.... Check out my shop: free shipping with the purchase of any two or more items, no limit.
3 years ago
Sinta says:
Awesome ^_^ Handmade is finally getting recognition it deserves.
3 years ago
nanouke says:
Wonderful news! You go get them Rob! And... "VIVA LA CRAFTOLUTION!" lol :)
3 years ago
mydeepbluec says:
Very Cool ! You Go Boy !
3 years ago
beautifulbridget says:
I want that monster pillow!
3 years ago
BibBon says:
I love buying from ETSY and I love how global it is. Seriously! I get Gift Tags from the middle east, linen from Ireland, fabric from South Korea etc. And I love meeting and doing business with my local Etsians too. I just love love love it. Thanks for everything!
3 years ago
cherryvalentino says:
what an accomplishment!
3 years ago
rosybird says:
Amazing, so very amazing that this entire community has grown and thrived so quickly. Thank you!!!!
3 years ago
doodlebugsfunfabrics says:
WooHoo, this is great, Congratulations!
3 years ago
yummyandcompany says:
great video, great article and great accomlishments...u guys are rad!
3 years ago
CutieDynamite says:
Fantastic!
3 years ago
birdsandswings says:
fantastic!! a big hug to etsy!
3 years ago
birdsandswings says:
" Rokali I'm looking forward to everyone thinking I'm a protester that somehow got inside" :))))))
3 years ago
foxaz says:
One of those gigantic cowls might help keep you warm!
3 years ago
Rokali says:
Thanks for all the kind comments everyone, I'll make sure to send some dispatch news reports to the Storque while I'm there.
3 years ago
mydesertstudio says:
Great news for Etsy, worldwide!
3 years ago
mandinka says:
I appreciated the idea you expressed that while the economy has become so globalized, with Etsy it has become more intimate as well, with people interacting one on one, maker to buyer.
3 years ago
ArtoftheMoment says:
Etsy is wonderful!!!!
3 years ago
theoleanderblack says:
Rob, you rock
3 years ago
clevergirl says:
I think they have 1/2 price tickets for that 8 limbed bit of fabulous! Oh and congrats Etsy and Rob! Woooooooooooohoooooooooooooooooo!
3 years ago
WinchesterLambourne says:
Congrats Rob! Have a great time. :)
3 years ago
steve77 says:
I think you should reject the award and use any time you have in public to denounce the World Economic Forum as a PR firm for the very neoliberalism that has destroyed countless lives all over the world. You shouldn't let Etsy be used as happy face sticker placed on the ugly face of global capitalism.
3 years ago
LaCometaLab says:
gREAT!!! Viva the d-i-y ethics!
3 years ago
Art2ArtColorado says:
Bravo and Congrats! Wishing you the best on your trip!
3 years ago
ForMathilda says:
i'm actually wearing my overalls right now. Weeeeeeeee, Etsy!
3 years ago
wearthou says:
Congrats to your outstanding accomplishment!!!
3 years ago
audreys says:
Yay Etsy!!! Power to all crafty, creative, & inspiring people!
3 years ago
bluecrea says:
I looooooooove Etsy, thanks for giving us such a "wonderful world", making hope of changing things in world economy. Don't ever loose your faith! What a good thing to see very young people having aaaaahsome ideas! Greatings from Switzerland
3 years ago