With time free market ideas are taking root in Lithuania and becoming an essential part of many people's lives. An ever-increasing circle of LFMI's fellows is the best proof that people believe that the implementation of free market principles is the only way to achieve economic and social well-being. More important, LFMI's fellows actively participate in business liberalisation. They work on joint projects, take part in public debates, seminars and conferences, read and disseminate free market publications and build the material ground for the pursuit of LFMI's mission. By doing so, they provide an invaluable input to the spread of free market ideas in Lithuania and beyond.

Seeking to maintain close relationships with corporations and individuals who support a free market, LFMI established the Supporters Circle. The Supporters Circle piqued tremendous interest. In two years thirty-six corporations of different type and size and ten individuals have become its members. On May 27, 1999 the first meeting of the Supporters Circle was held. The aim was to present more widely the Institute's activities, achievements and new programmes and to provide an opportunity for our supporters to offer their opinion about, and suggestions for, our future initiatives. For their input into freeing business and people in Lithuania, the supporters were awarded LFMI's honorary diplomas.

The following presents some of the ideas expressed by the members of the Supporters Circle during our first meeting.

Rimantas Stankevičius, Drauda: If we can call the Lithuanian market an opera, a free market, an aria, then I would say the Lithuanian Free Market Institute is singing solo in this opera.

Lloyd Roach, Indiana, USA: Yes, you now have your political freedom and you are making great progress on your economic freedom. The mechanism is here to insure that Lithuania continues on the track to economic prosperity. This successful mechanism is the Lithuanian Free Market Institute! Few of us have a chance to directly affect the futures of our Children, Grandchildren or future generations to come. You, as Supporters have this unique chance to positively insure the economic success of Lithuania. […] LFMI must be supported by the people of Lithuania directly! Any organization is accountable to its supporters. If the Government were the supporter, all actions would, of necessity, be "in tune" with government policy. LFMI must continue to be an organization that will "tell it like it is"! Many times the truth hurts and LFMI must sometimes present unpopular views. Many times "change" is like good medicine. "It tastes really bad but it makes you well"! Many of the ideas of LFMI "get people out of their comfort zone". LFMI must have supporters that will permit LFMI to operate freely without being obligated to the Government or other special interest groups. […] I do have a deep internal love for Lithuania and its people. And yes, I do feel honoured greatly to support LFMI - hopefully for many years.

Ramūnas Lenčiauskas, Linas: The competence of entrepreneurs, unlike that of state officials, can be seen immediately. If you are an incompetent businessman, you go broke; if you are an incompetent politician, there is no measure that can be used to evaluate your competence. That is why I welcome the work of the Lithuanian Free Market Institute. They are raising officials' competence. Co-operation with LFMI tells us at what speed we are moving.

Don Manges, Pittsburgh, USA: "This group of economic specialists has impressed me because they are independent thinkers who have arrived at the perfect place and time. They take their work seriously, stay in the forefront of economic reform, stating their ideas forcefully, bringing new thinking to the government and to the people. And they are a watchdog of government. […] The Supporters Circle is another example of LFMI helping business speak with a stronger voice to the government, and also to exchange ideas among themselves for the "best ways" - most cost-effective and cost-efficient - to work. […] Corporations, lawyers, accountants, successful individuals and international foundations need to examine the successes of this think tank and what it does for Lithuania and then support it - annually. This way, ideas can grow in the Lithuanian laboratory and then become stars on the international economic stage."

Valdas Monkus, IBM: I find it very useful to participate in LFMI's conferences and seminars. I believe that the most effective way to solve problems is for all those who influence economic policy and processes to sit at a round table, to compile a list of problems and together to find solutions.