Sustainability & The Supply Chain
Public Broadcast Live: October 6 starting at 2:30pm PT / 5:30 ET
All are welcome to view this panel discussing how the collective industries and communities who thrive on the outdoors are being impacted by the coronavirus and the surge in solitary outdoor activities. Our industry panelists will review the struggles to maintain inventory, the challenges in pushing forward towards a smaller footprint for companies and customers alike, and perspectives on what may be ahead for us all beyond our front door in the days and months to come.
Watch here or jump to Flexport’s YouTube
In recent years, customers have become increasingly aware that products do not “just” appear on stores shelves. Even prior to the pandemic, trade wars and related headline stories made apparent the global interdependence required to bring products to market. The historically “behind the scenes” machinations of product companies, their vendors, and the logistics that tie it all together are more in the spotlight than ever before. And with that heightened consumer awareness comes questions regarding the sustainability and ethical nature of how resources are processed into products and delivered to the your door. We’ve brought together industry leaders who have audited, analyzed, and reworked their companies operations to reduce their footprint, increase positive impact, and ultimately set an example for a better, more sustainable way of doing business. Get ready to jump in with:
Kathleen Hegyesi is a Senior Program Manager at Flexport.org, the impact team within Flexport. She empowers companies of all sizes to bring sustainability into the core of their supply chains, and is passionate about fighting our climate crisis. Prior to joining Flexport, Kathleen worked in nonprofit finance and received her B.A. in Sustainability from Arizona State University.
As global CEO at icebreaker, under the VF Corp ownership, Greg’s key task is to drive icebreaker’s move to natural – with a vision to be plastic-free by 2023. It’s a big ask. But in times of great challenge, humans and industry are at their most innovative. We can’t reverse the damage that humans have caused so far to our natural world, but we can work as a collective to help reduce future damage. It’s the actions and improvements of people that will ultimately drive less impact on our planet. Being part of a passionate New Zealand brand with an authentic purpose is important to Greg. “Add to that, a commitment to its people and sustainable ethical business practices, and I have my dream job.”
As Director of Brand and Impact at Cotopaxi, Annie directs all brand positioning and campaigns, and leading impact to promote mission at all levels of our company and storytelling. She represents Cotopaxi at a variety of conferences and press opportunities to help advance the principles of conscious capitalism and draw awareness to Cotopaxi’s brand and giving model.
Anders Bergstrom is the global general manager of Teva Footwear, part of the Performance Lifestyle Group at Deckers Brands. Anders has led the Global Teva organization for two years, and prior to that held leadership positions in Global Marketing Consumer Insights, and Strategy Development across the Deckers organization, where he has worked for 17 years.
Serkan Anders is Vice President of Marketing for Solo New York, the creator of thoughtfully-designed bags and tablet cases for work, school and play. Serkan leads the company’s brand strategy and marketing in close collaboration with global manufacturing and sales teams, managing a large portfolio of products designed for customers ranging from Fortune 100 businesses to savvy teens, and he has helped support the company’s growth into one of the largest bag brands in North America.
Enjoy Outdoors, Now & Tomorrow
Public Broadcasts Live: April 29 & 30 starting at 12pm PT
The Great Outdoors – April 29, 12pm-1pm PT
Presented by Sufferfest Beer
How are we pivoting our outdoor engagement and “responsibly recreating” in these different times? The outdoors has an extra special allure right now, but as outdoor experts, how do we define “responsible recreation” and how are we engaging with our community to educate around this? Will we see a different future for the outdoor industry and outdoor spaces as a result of the current situation? Key thought-leaders weigh in!
As a global sales director for the outdoor industry with over 20 years of experience, Katie Hawkins led teams and growth initiatives for outdoor brands such as Marmot, Black Diamond Equipment, and Gregory Mountain Products. Katie currently spearheads the advocacy and policy efforts for Outdoor Alliance in California. Her recommended resources for this moment are:
– How to Get Outside (During a Pandemic)
– Support the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA)
Gloria Liu is the features editor at Outside magazine, and a former editor for BICYCLING. Her writing has also appeared in publications including The Red Bulletin, Runner’s World, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Lonely Planet, Conde Nast Traveler, and more. Her recommended resources for this moment are:
– The New Rules of Social Distancing for Trail Users
– Outdoor Meccas Are Not a Social Distancing Hack
– It’s OK to Eat More and Exercise Less During Quarantine
– Yes, Your Tired Mind Is Slowing You Down
Teresa is the founder of the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge, which is in place to help guide outdoor brands, agencies and organizations along the path of equitable inclusion within their businesses and outdoor landscapes. Her recommended resources are:
– In Solidarity Project
– Black Faces White Spaces
– Cycling Industry Pledge
– An Open Letter To The Outdoor Industry
Noted by The Root 100 as one of the most influential African Americans ages 25 to 45, Latoya Shauntay Snell is a sponsored endurance athlete, body politics activist, motivational speaker and the food and fitness blogger of Running Fat Chef. Her recommended resources for the moment are:
– Stop Torturing Yourself with Quarantine Diets
– How to Make Mental Health a Priority During the Coronavirus Pandemic
– Runners: Please Practice Social Distancing
– National Eating Disorders Resources for Covid-19
Kristen is the Director of Emerging Leaders Programs at the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), where she runs the Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy (FLA) and works at the intersection of industry and education to make careers paths in the outdoor industry more accessible, sustainable, and fulfilling.
– That Discomfort You’re Feeling Is Grief
– The Restorative Power of Nature During a Stressful Time
– As We Limit Outdoor Access, Consider the Impact on Underrepresented Communities.
– How To Be A Values-Based Leader In Times Of Trial
On Two Wheels – April 30, 12pm-1pm PT
Presented by Sierra Nevada
The supply chain is disrupted, bikes are selling out all over the country, more riders are out on trails and the roads alike. Is this a moment? Will the cycling mini-boom last? Is this the start of a new reality for a sport that has seen popularity rise and fall before? How can small mountain towns deal with tourism, which brings the income and now potentially a deadly virus? Will tourists only be from their home state? Or will the pilgrimage to our favorite riding destinations come back to life?
With over 15 years of PR experience, Billy lives and breathes the bike. As VP at ECHOS, Mr. Sinkford manages ECHOS cycling portfolio. When not banging out emails to editors or planning a product launch, you can find Billy in the saddle enjoying every moment riding the wheels. He also feels these are some programs worth supporting:
– Roval SOS Program
– SBC Essential Worker
– Endura 1 Million Trees
Greg leads the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship. He is a descendent of a lost Miwok tribe and has spent his life living by the examples of his fore fathers–developing a passion for clean streams, big mountains and long trails. Greg is responsible for building sustainable recreation-based communities through stewardship, job creation and world-class events. Providing quality outdoor experiences through trail construction and maintenance in the Lost Sierra. Check out all they are up to here:
– Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship
– Builders for Builders 2020
Mandi McKay is the Sustainability Manager for Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. where she leads the company’s environmental initiatives aimed at building an enduring and resilient company. Mandi manages efforts to reduce greenhouse gas impacts within the company’s two breweries as well as across the supply chain including energy and water conservation, renewable energy, zero waste, and alternative transportation. She recommends:
– California Bike License Plate
– CalBike
– Protect Our Winters
– League of American Bicyclists
Paul Price has been designing and machining exceptional high quality bicycle parts in Chico California since 1989. Since then he’s been involved with Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship providing aid stations at events and contributing the unique brand of Paul Component culture around the world. He thinks that Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is the best beer ever made. Thinks you should check out:
– Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship
– WTF Bike Explorers
Jennifer Kriske is the founder of Machines For Freedom, the apparel brand known for shaking up the cycling industry. Machines’ thoughtful approach to design, paired with their radical take on inclusivity, has won the hearts and minds of cyclists around the globe and set a new bar for the industry. A couple of her recommended resources are:
– The Issue Is…Cycling’s Body Problem
Grab a cold one and join us for lunch.
