In 1992, veteran commodity trader Karen Russell founded IBS Commodities. As a new venture, IBS had at its core the theory that service, reliability, and consistency are the key to gaining and retaining the trust of trading partners. In the ensuing twenty years years, IBS has proven that these characteristics do build healthy and profitable relationships, in fact, 85% of our sales is repeat business with clients of more than ten years. With the strength of our partners behind us, coupled with our dedication to service and quality, our success is borne out in our numbers: Since its inception, IBS has executed over 2,000 successful trades, involving over 70 different products, for an aggregate transaction value of roughly $150 million. IBS has represented over 200 companies spanning five continents and more than 20 different countries. IBS has less than a 2% claim rate on its transactions. Karen Russell - Biography Karen Russell has had the unique ability to combine a love of the Spanish language with a flair for deal making in the business world. As President and Founder of IBS Commodities, Ms. Russell has become one of the key suppliers of dried bean and other bulk food commodities to the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and other Latin American countries. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Boston College, Ms. Russell studied in Spain during college and upon graduation returned there to teach English and perfect her Spanish fluency. Returning to the United States, she began her business career in the international trading division of a regional food distributor. Later she moved to another local food trading company and quickly became one of the firm's top producers. In 1992, she was approached by a Boston based investment banker who ran a company called International Bank Services (IBS). Together they formed IBS Commodities as a joint enterprise, with Ms. Russell assuming the role of President. In 1998, Karen was able to purchase her partner's remaining shares in the company and become the sole owner. Ms Russell has continued to expand IBS Commodities sales and reach to new markets with many different agricultural commodities. From 1992 to 2010, company sales have grown from $3,000,000 to more than $15,000,000. Karen has been a guest speaker for the Women in World Trade Conference as well as EXIM Bank's "Exports Live" Conference. She has twice been nominated for the SBA Exporter of the Year award. She has been active with many organizations, notably, the Big Brother/Big Sister Organization, Aspect International, and the World Affairs Council. She lives with her husband and children in Newton, MA.