USAID-Jordan SABEQ

Plexus Consulting Group, LLC
1620 Eye Street, NW
Suite 210
Washington, DC 20006
Phone:  202-785-8940
Fax:      202-785-8949
Email:   info@plexusconsulting.com

Plexus Consulting Group (Plexus), as part of a team lead by BearingPoint on the USAID-Jordan Sustainable Achievement of Business Expansion and Quality Program (SABEQ) worked (beginning 2007) on association development in Jordan. The first portion of this project looked at the design and implementation of a process to improve business associations for specific industry sectors, crosscutting and governmental based associations in Jordan. Plexus consultants spent two weeks in Jordan carrying out preliminary research on selected associations in order to develop a four year plan. Upon completion of this plan, the goal is to ensure market relevance for these associations as well as the ability to be self-sustaining through the sale of products and services they offer or could offer.

In order to accomplish this goal, the Plexus team embarked on a project to design a plan that encompasses the development of each association’s capacities in the following areas: market research, strategic planning, standards, education and advocacy. Along with this capacity development, Plexus consultants will be twinning/matchmaking Jordanian associations with their counterparts in the United States. Plexus consultants will also be undertaking periodic audits to measure progress and identify areas where there may be problems.

The associations included in this project are:

A. Associations by Sector:
• Architecture & Engineering Business Council
• Jordan Exporters & Producers of Fruits and Vegetables
• Jordanian Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
• Private Hospitals Associations
• INT@J
• JGATE/FIA
• Banks Association

B. Cross Cutting Associations:
• Jordan’s Exports Association
• Ajloun Businessmen Association
• Jordan’s Intellectual Property Association
• AmCham
• Young Entrepreneurs Association
• Business & Profession Women Association
• Jordan Federation for Business & Profession Women Association

C. Governmental Based Associations:
• Jordan’s Chamber of Industry
• Amman Chamber of Commerce
• Irbid Chamber of Commerce
• Irbid Chamber of Industry
• Karak Chamber of Commerce & Industry

During the course of this project that will extend over a four year period of time. Plexus will involve US- based associations that are participating in its AIMD program (www.aimd.net).