The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) announced that Casey Sheahan, CEO of Patagonia, will present at RILA's annual Environmental Sustainability and Compliance Conference (ESCC), September 22-24, 2010 in San Diego, California.
Sheahan will share with attendees the story of Patagonia's journey to success, and dedication to the environment, which rests at the heart of their business model.
Sheahan is a veteran of the outdoor products and retail industry, having previously served at Kelty, Merrell Footwear and Nike ACG. He is also aligned with a number of environmental organizations and served as president of the Conservation Alliance, a non-profit organization of outdoor businesses whose membership dues support grassroots citizen-action groups and their efforts to protect wild and natural areas. Sheahan's presentation will share the story of Patagonia's success, changing attitudes in retail and his vision for the future of sustainability.
Also on the program is Linda Povey, vice president of strategic consulting for the Natural Marketing Institute. Povey will speak on consumer attitudes toward environmental issues. Her background and research work will help retailers understand how to leverage customer expectations and desires. Her talk will focus on the transition of sustainability from a “niche” concept for marketers and retailers to a rapidly growing mainstream model.
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. Attendees at the conference will hear from representatives of the Sustainability Consortium, including Mary Capozzi, senior director of corporate responsibility for Best Buy; Rand Waddoups, senior director of corporate strategy & sustainability for Walmart; as well as leading consortium academics. This session will focus on the goals and mission of the Sustainability Consortium and its success to date in developing transparent methodologies, tools and strategies to drive a new generation of products and supply networks that address environmental, social and economic imperatives.
Closing the conference will be actor and environmental activist Ed Begley Jr., who is well known in Hollywood for his dedication to the environment. Known for turning up at Hollywood events on his bicycle, Begley sits on the board of countless environmental groups and hosts his own TV show, espousing a true belief in the power of green living. He will talk about his activism and devotion to environmental sustainably with conference attendees.
“We have put together a dynamic program, with a line-up of fantastic speakers and sessions covering everything from environmental compliance to product stewardship, facility design and energy management,” said Casey Chroust, executive vice president of retail operations. “Attendees can look forward to a great event and an exclusive forum to address the latest challenges and opportunities in sustainability.”
In addition to the general sessions noted above, the conference will also include breakout sessions led by retailers and other sustainability experts on the key operational aspects of environmental sustainability and compliance for the retail industry, including sessions on energy, water conservation, store operations, product stewardship, facilities design, supply chain issues, and opportunities for improving corporate social responsibility.
