Going to Utah!

So, my tickets have been purchased, and next weekend i'll be heading down to the grand old city of Salt Lake. I'll be impressed with their large city block system and the magnificent way that the valley holds in the smog of the oil refineries surrounding the city. I'll marvel at the city center where a ginormous church stands, and supposedly you need special underwear to enter on sundays.

Really though, i actually am excited. I'll be going to continue work with the Eco-Working Group and to present the approved phase 1 documents for the Product Manufacturing Sub-Group. I've worked with the EWG for over two years, so it's really exciting for me to finally see the work that both myself and many many others have done is finally out there for our first round of public review.

So, if you happen to be at OR or in the Salt Lake area on August 2nd & 3rd, come on by the Eco-Working Group Seminar at the Marriot downtown. Information provided by the OIA/EWG is as follows:

Eco Index Pilot Program Announced
In order to gather the stakeholder feedback necessary to refine the Eco Index in advance of the formal Phase 1 launch (anticipated early 2011), a pilot program will be conducted, set to begin in August 2010. The pilot program will allow outdoor industry companies to test the Eco Index in its current form and provide feedback to ensure its usability. Details on the pilot program will be confirmed shortly. If your company is interested in participating, please email Beth Jensen, Corporate Responsibility Manager, OIA at bjensen@outdoorindustry.org .

Pilot program participants are strongly encouraged to attend one of the Eco Index workshops at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City:

Monday, August 2: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Eco Index Workshop — This four-hour workshop is aimed at training suppliers and product designers how to use the Eco Index and will include an overview of the pilot program. The workshop will be held at the Downtown Marriott, Salons D-E. Register here. http://www.outdoorindustry.org/events.php?category_id=3

Tuesday, August 3: Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Eco Index Seminar: Brands — This seminar is aimed at educating outdoor brands about the Eco Index, and will be held at the Downtown Marriott, Salon F. Register here.

Thursday, August 5: Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Eco Index Seminar: Suppliers — This seminar is aimed at suppliers and will be held at the Downtown Marriott, Salon F. Register here.


More information on the Eco-Working group can be found here.