Sierra Leone Investment Forum

Charles Berrin, has for the past 40 years been actively involved in designing and administering economic development projects at the local, national and international level in the areas of health, education, senior services, youth programs, housing development and business development.

Most recently facilitated the development of a partnership between a small US business and a West African business that resulted in a $46 million affordable housing contract.

Currently working on diverse projects in France, Romania, Belgium, Czech Republic, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone.

In October 2005, coordinated The First Ambassador’s Day event in Maryland that generated ongoing discussions between Maryland businesses and government officials from The Bahamas, Belarus, Benin, Bosnia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Cote d'Ivoire, Czech Republic, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, The Republic of The, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Japan, Kenya, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mali, Niger , Nigeria, Russia, S. Korea, Saint Lucia, Sierra Leon, Slovenia, Swaziland, Taiwan, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago, and Uganda.

As CEO of The Berrin Group LLC, Mr. Berrin has been responsible for organizing an implementing trade missions, facilitating discussions between US businesses and national governments, providing international trade management services, managing Berrin Amer-Afric Holdings, Inc an international trade business registered and operating in Freetown, Sierra Leone, providing consultant services in Europe and Africa, and overseeing various charitable and humanitarian efforts through Berrin International Charities.

INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE

Organized events and opportunities for international business development. Organized and conducted Trade Missions (most recent project to The Gambia—February 2004). A trade mission which resulted in 11 Memoranda of Understanding, and one $46 million affordable housing contract between a Prince George’s County construction company and a Gambian company.

In organizing these development opportunities identify target markets, define the profiles of relationships and determine the profiles for potential partners. Potential partners may be investors, joint venture candidates, manufacturers, developers, importers, suppliers, distributors, or agents. Identify potential business partners, arrange meetings with government officials, attorneys, accountants, public relations and advertising agencies, and provide translators for any meetings, whether they are one-on-one in a private setting or if they are conducted by teleconference.

As a Board Member of Hayes Mondial Gambia LTD (The Gambia, West Africa) and as Managing Director of International Pelican Seafood, LLC actively participated in every aspect of feasibility studies, plant acquisition, certification, process improvement, product development, marketing and sales activities. Responsible in The Gambia for staff of 81 people including Americans, Canadians and Gambians.

Management and development of U.S. operations and foreign subsidiaries in Africa. Demonstrated ability to understand and respect African -cultures, values, religions, the markets and business community in promoting American investments in Africa and effectively consummating successfully business relations with African governments and the private sector.

Responsible for development of new business, hiring staff, managing and overseeing U.S. commodities and equipment exports to Africa, managing minerals imports from Africa to the U.S. Responsible for lobbying and public relations for African governments as well as interacting with foreign heads of states, ministers and other officials to promote stability, self reliance and human rights in Africa (e.g. The Gambia, The Republic of Sierra Leone, The Republic of Guinea, Cameroon, Togo, Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania)

Promoter of The Gambia and Member of the National Coordinating Committee, Banjul, The Gambia, West Africa, appointed by The Ministry of Tourism & Culture to promote The Gambia as and investment option for US businesses and to promote The Gambia as a destination of choice for travel. As a member of this committee had direct responsibility for organizing and implementing the annual government sponsored Roots Homecoming Festival and tourism and culture in The Gambia. Involves government, corporate and private solicitations; marketing and public relations activities; and on the ground logistics design and implementation on an international level.

Organized and hosted series of business and promotional related activities including technical trade mission to The Gambia, business forums, and State Dinners in the US for His Excellency, Dr. Alhaji Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh.

Appointed a Promoter of the Guinea, West Africa. By Special Dispensation, to enhance investments and trade partnerships between the Guinea and the United States of America and to promote Guinea and its economic and social development.

Board Member and Over Seas Representative for Consolidated Juvenile & Human Resources Development Programme.

As Honorary Advisory Board Member of Droit de Cite, Paris France (a youth advocacy organization consisting of European, US, Canadian, and African member organizations and individuals), participate in shaping international development and implementation of youth initiatives as they are directed and reflecting global conditions.

As a Governance Board Member of Schools for Progress, Banjul, West Africa, directly orchestrate fund raising and management of funding for scholarship programs and school construction in both urban developed areas and in rural undeveloped areas in The Gambia, West Africa.

As a Board Member, Special Envoy for Business Development in Togo, Chairman of Fundraising, and Official Representative in Washington DC of the Foli-Bebe A. Ayi Foundation, I am responsible for all phases of public relations and resource development. Participate in ongoing dialogue and development of Free Zone business promotion and related economic development in line with the Foundations mission. I represent the Foundation at various business, diplomatic, national and international affairs. Have responsibility for orchestrating various resources to procure food, clothing, medical supplies and other emergency relief items for shipment and distribution in Africa and other parts of the world where deprivation is present.

Mr. Berrin currently serves as the Chief Operations Officer for Saint Paul Community Development Corporation in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Saint Paul Community Development Corporation is recognized as a leader in award winning senior housing, quality affordable multifamily housing development, and is acknowledged for its emphasis on economic development and community wealth building. Saint Paul Community Development Corporation is approximately $200 million in active and developing projects. As Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Berrin is the liaison between Saint Paul Community Development Corporation and other organizations, and he provides direct technical assistance to housing development and community development organizations in the Washington Metropolitan area as well as to organizations in other areas (e.g., Virgin Island Housing Authority on affordable senior housing, project referrals in South America, Caribbean and Africa). Mr. Berrin also provides direct technical support to other development entities and participates in conferences, workshops, and seminars that focus on affordable housing and community development. He was a (1) Co-Presenter (Federal Housing Finance Board) on The National Low Income Housing Coalition Policy Conference session on “The FHLB Affordable Housing Program” (Wash., DC); (2) Presenter at the Florida A&M’ Institute on Urban Policy and Commerce’s Annual Statewide Conference for Community Development Corporations and Community and Faith-Based Organizations on the panel “The Part Research Plays in Affordable Housing” (Jacksonville, FL); (3) Presenter at the Inter-American Development Banks Forum on Partnerships (attended by 24 Latin American Leaders); (4) Presenter at the Mayor’s Faith-Based Conference on Economic Development and Neighborhood Revitalization on the session “Senior Housing, transitional living, and economic support systems;” (5) Presenter at Mastering Ministry Conference leading session on “Establishing a Senior Living and Adult Day Care Center;” and (6) Collective Banking Group Conference “Community Development Startup.”

Some of Mr. Berrin’s current affliations related to present job position: Member Of Advisory Council Of Federal Home Bank Of Atlanta, Board of Trustees of Thomas House (Baptist Senior Adult Ministries an affiliate of American Baptist Homes of the West), Co-Chair, Prince George’s County International Business Strategy Council, Board Member, South County Economic Development Association (SCEDA), Prince George’s County, Maryland, Board Member, Lithonia Development Corporation, Lithonia, Georgia, USA., Advisory Board Member, Prince George’s Community Capital Corporation, Co Chair, Prince George’s County QUILT—Region wide organization addressing issue of education, particularly related to early childhood development, Member of National Housing & Rehabilitation Association, Co-Founder of the Prince George’s Collaborative of Community Development Organizations and related Non-Profits, Member of Leadership Summit Business Development Action Committee of Southern County (Prince George’s County), and Mr. Berrin is the Recipient of “The Isaac Bracey, Jr. Leadership Award” (Economic & Community Development)—presented by Bank of America and The Development Training Institute.