Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and The North Face today announced that Andrew Winston, environmental strategist, globally recognized expert on green business, and author of Green to Gold and Green Recovery, will keynote the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market Industry Breakfast on Thursday, January 19 from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. in the Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown Ballroom.
Winston, an authority on top sustainability trends, will discuss current environmental pressures and economic trends, what they mean for companies, and how they are driving a movement toward smarter, more sustainable business practices. Outdoor industry companies are increasingly contributing to global green practices, noted as part of the Top 10 Green Business Stories of 2011 by the Harvard Business Review, making Winston’s presence at the Outdoor Retailer trade show particularly timely.
Companies worldwide face resource constraints, rising prices, and growing transparency demands in sustainability. Winston will discuss pathways for companies to navigate such challenges while capitalizing on opportunities for increased efficiency and innovation.
“Despite population growth and diminishing natural resources, businesses rarely pay for the full impact of their operations. The outdoor industry is committed to achieving a better understanding of the environmental and social impacts of producing and selling product,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of Outdoor Industry Association.
“Outdoor industry companies, especially those involved in the industry’s ground-breaking Eco Index work, are leading the global charge toward more efficient, effective supply chains and business practices.”
Winston is a globally recognized expert and speaker on the business benefits of going green. His firm, Winston Eco-Strategies, advises some of the world’s leading companies on how to profit from environmental thinking.
The North Face is the lead sponsor of the industry breakfast, which kicks off the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market each year.
“As an outdoor brand, it is our responsibility to protect the places we love to explore. As a business, acting environmentally and socially responsible is not only the right thing to do but also makes smart business sense,” said Todd Spaletto, president of The North Face. “We view sustainability as an expedition that requires a collaborative team to succeed. In addition to working closely with like-minded businesses in the outdoor industry, we welcome outside experts like Andrew Winston for insight and inspiration. We look forward to his perspective on sustainable business practices as they relate to the outdoor industry.”
For the full line-up of OIA events, educational workshops and activities at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, visit outdoorindustry.org/or.
Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colorado, Outdoor Industry Association® is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA supports the growth and success of more than 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers of outdoor recreation apparel, footwear, equipment and services. For more information go to outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.
The North Face
The North Face, a division of VF Outdoor, Inc., was founded in 1968. Headquartered in San Leandro, California, the company offers the most technically advanced products in the market to accomplished climbers, mountaineers, snowsport athletes, endurance athletes, and explorers. The company's products are sold in specialty mountaineering, backpacking, running and snowsport retailers, premium-sporting goods retailers and major outdoor specialty retail chains.
