United States Senator Barack Obama (Illinois) visited a South African entrepreneur from an historically disadvantaged background whom USAID has supported through the South African International Business Linkages (SAIBL) project.  The client, Mr. Issy Penniken, manages the Petite Designs Factory that his parents started near Soweto 30 years ago.  Issy explained to Senator Obama that his family’s racial classification by South Africa’s apartheid system as “Colored” had inhibited where they could open the factory when they started their upholstery business in a small room.  Issy credits USAID’s SAIBL assistance for helping him to be a successful exporter today, designing and manufacturing high-end furniture for domestic and international customers.  SAIBL has assisted the company to make strategic business and marketing improvements, attend international exhibitions, and complete its ISO accreditation. The business now employs 85 staff (one-third are women).  USAID South Africa Mission Director, Carleene Dei, participated in the Senator’s visit to the company.