October 22, 2010—The Atlas Economic Research Foundation has honored the Independent Institute’s publication of Lessons from the Poor: Triumph of the Entrepreneurial Spirit, edited by Senior Fellow Alvaro Vargas Llosa (2008), with the 2010 Templeton Freedom Award for “Free Market Solutions to Poverty.”
“By publishing the book�Lessons from the Poor. . . . the�Independent Institute�in Oakland, CA uncovered compelling evidence of the entrepreneurial energy that is the true catalyst of economic progress. In this book Alvaro Vargas Llosa and a select group of economists examined real world examples of successful entrepreneurship. They argue that instead of distributing wealth, developing countries should work to create it. The book examines the business strategies that have enabled individuals with very little means except a wealth of vision and tenacity, to flourish beyond all reasonable expectations. The story-telling style of the book and its effective way of connecting with the general public increases its appeal.”
The Templeton Freedom Award, named for the late investor and philanthropist Sir John Templeton, was established in 2003 and is now the largest international prize program that celebrates organizational contributions to the understanding of liberty. This year’s awards program grants a $10,000 price to each winner from eight different categories, including Free Market Solutions to Poverty, Social Entrepreneurship, Ethics and Values, Student Outreach, Initiative in Public Relations, Innovative Media, and Awards for Special Achievement by a University-based Center and Young Institute.
The Atlas Economic Research Foundation is hosting a special Templeton Freedom Awards Luncheon to honor the award winners as part of the 2010 Liberty Forum conference on November 9th at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C.� Honorees will also be featured as speakers throughout the 2010 Liberty Forum Conference on November 9th and 10th.
For media inquiries, please contact Lindsay Boyd, Director of Communications, at 202.225.7722 or [email protected].
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