ct gasoline businesses help an afghan woman start a new business

[Cromwell, CT] Last summer ICPA was contacted by the Business Council for Peace, an international group of business volunteers who help women entrepreneurs in post-conflict countries start or expand businesses, create jobs and build a peaceful future for their communities. 

When Hossai (not her real name) came to the U.S. in October as part of BART, she reported how thugs, crime and kidnappings were destabilizing the formerly very safe Afghan province of Herat. Security has improved a bit since then and so has the quality of life thanks to Hossai. She just opened one of Afghanistan's first gas-station convenience stores, thanks to ideas she picked up while at host companies during BART (Bpeace Apprentice Road Trip) and the $3,000 she won for the best Bpeace Forward Plan. ICPA contacted some of our motor fuels members and Hossai's host companies became Mr. Joe Petrowski, President of Gulf Oil out of Newton, Massachusetts, Mr. John Gargano of Alliance Energy in Branford, Connecticut and Mr. Steven Shaer of Mutual Oil Company in Brockton, Massachusetts. (At right, that's a happy customer, not Hossai who we can't show for security reasons.)  

In only four months, Hossai conducted a market survey; rented space next to one of her client's gas stations; improved the fixtures; stocked it with food, drinks and other items; and hired a store manager--a man from an extremely poor family who is supporting 8 people. As anyone who has been to Afghanistan can attest, by the looks of this photo, this is one spiffy looking convenience store. The cultural exchange was as important as the business exchange, as our c-store people learned much about Hossai and her country.

ICPA wishes to thank Gulf Oil, Alliance Energy and Mutual Oil for agreeing to allow Hossai to intern in their companies and learn about American business and generosity. We also wish Hossai all the best in her new business venture and for the peace her country is now trying to build for her and her citizens.

• Mr. Joe Petrowski, Gulf Oil Co., (617) 454-9380

• Mr. John Gargano, Alliance Energy, (203) 488-6068

• Mr. Steven Shaer, Mutual Oil Co., (508) 583-5777

• Marla Gitterman
  Program Director
  Business Council for Peace
  (212) 696-9696
  

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ICPA represents more than 550 Connecticut based independent businesses. These businesses employ 13,000 Connecticut citizens and supply the majority of our state's 1,600 motor fuels outlets and 350 heating fuels dealers. ICPA's offices are at 10 Alcap Ridge, Cromwell, CT  06416.  For more information about today's Press Release, contact Gene Guilford or Chris Herb.