Contact for more information:
Bonnie Meck
570-366-0531 ext 525
FesslerUSA Executive Addresses Apparel and Footwear Professionals at INSIGHT08
Las Vegas, NV (October 29,2008) Bonnie Meck, FesslerUSA’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer was a keynote speaker at INSIGHT08, sponsored by CGS (Computer Generated Solutions, Inc) held this week at The Venetian & Palazzo Resort Hotel and Casino.
"Bonnie shared with our BlueCherry customers her passion for sustainability and the many concrete initiatives she has implemented at FesslerUSA to reduce her company's carbon footprint while maintaining a healthy business," commented Paul Magel, senior vice president of application solutions at CGS, Inc.
“The FesslerUSA Corporate Sustainability Program began several years ago when customers began requesting garments made from organically grown cotton,” said Meck. Recently the company was awarded a $1million grant from the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA) to help fund the installation of Phase I of its Solar Energy Project.
"By beginning with small changes to its business practices and creating employee awareness about the company's impact on the environment, Bonnie has effectively transformed the company culture and made FesslerUSA a genuine example of how being 'green' is not only good for the planet but also good for businesses, employees and communities. We admire Bonnie's leadership and are grateful for her willingness to share her passion with our business community," added Mr. Magel.
“FesslerUSA has always been a market leader in innovation and technology; it was only natural to be a leader in Corporate Sustainability as well. Our Corporate Sustainability Program formalizes and expands upon some of the things we have always done to care for our people and to be good corporate citizens in our communities, as well as good stewards of our environment,” said Meck. “It ties directly into our core values, especially the one that states “We do the right thing.” Sustainability is just the right thing to do,” she added.
Meck, who developed the company’s Sustainability Policy, is quick to note that its success is based on works, not words. “Companies should not proceed with a policy unless they really believe in it. Just creating a policy for the sake of appearances is ‘green-washing’ and if your actions do not match your words, it can hurt your company’s reputation more than saying or doing nothing at all,” said Meck.
FesslerUSA’s actions aimed at minimizing the Company’s effect on the environment include: Investing in T5 lighting, energy efficient reflective paint, and HVAC throughout their facility, aggressively pursuing waste minimization and recycling opportunities, purchasing primarily domestically grown and produced raw materials and supplies and using local vendors and contractors whenever available.
“America’s small businesses have always been leaders in innovation and forward thinking – since our government is moving slowly in this area, I believe it is imperative for business to lead the charge,” said Meck.
FesslerUSA is a leading producer of exclusively American made quality knitwear and fabrics. Continuously operating for over 108 years, its products are made in Pennsylvania and shipped globally. More information on FesslerUSA can be found at www.FesslerUSA.com .
Established in 1984, CGS is headquartered in New York City and maintains a worldwide presence with 18 offices in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information on BlueCherry or CGS please visit http://www.cgsinc.com.
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