Casey Sheahan Opens RILA Environmental Sustainability and Compliance Conference
San Diego, CA - The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) kicked off the educational programming for its third annual Environmental Sustainability and Compliance Conference (ESCC) with an inspiring keynote address from Casey Sheahan, CEO of Patagonia.
One of the pioneers of sustainability, Patagonia is widely known for its commitment to product quality and environmental responsibility. Sheahan described the company’s founding by climber and environmentalist Yvon Chouinard, and its subsequent growth, the result of a dedicated focus on its mission: Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. Widely known for its quality outdoors products, its excellent work environment and generous benefits, and its dedication to environmental stewardship, the company has a loyal and expanding customer base and growing sales.
"Being green and socially responsible are essential, but it will become equally important to lead with mindfulness, compassion, and soul. As Patagonia has become more conscious of the impact of its business practices, we have been rewarded with increasing prosperity. There is no business to be done on a dead planet," said Sheahan.
“Casey’s story of Patagonia provided a poignant message about how strong sustainability leadership has built an ultra-loyal customer community and attracted a passionate and devoted employee base – both of which contribute significantly to any retailer’s bottom line,” said Adam Siegel, vice president of sustainability and retail operations.
Also presenting was Linda Povey, vice president of strategic consulting for the Natural Marketing Institute, who spoke on the evolution of consumer attitudes toward environmental issues. Her research demonstrates how the values of the ultra-green consumers are increasingly becoming mainstream, as the general public’s views are trending toward and converging with the Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS). Her research helped attendees’ understand what is most important to today’s consumers, and how corporations can tap into public desires to help the planet and drive their own sales.
On tap for later in the afternoon, members of the the Sustainability Consortium will discuss the group’s mission, accomplishments and future direction. Panelists include Mary Capozzi, senior director of corporate responsibility for Best Buy; Fred Bedore, senior director of sustainability for Walmart and Jonathan L. Johnson, professor of sustainability at the University of Arkansas. Launched in 2009, the Sustainability Consortium is an independent organization of diverse global participants who work collaboratively to build a scientific, life-cycle based foundation to drive consumer product innovation.
RILA is the trade association of the world’s largest and most innovative retail companies. RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers domestically and abroad.
