Conference to drive discussion on the opportunities and challenges of scaling ethical certifications

(Justmeans.com) May 10, 2011 – New York, NY – Justmeans is excited to announce the participation of Fair Trade USA at the Certification Consumption and Change Conference on May 24 in Washington DC, an event that will bring together thought leaders from ethical certifications, social enterprises, leading brands, and certifying bodies to discuss and plan the future of ethical certification.

Michael Conroy, Chairman Emeritus of Fair Trade USA, is also a co-founder of Colibri Consulting - Certification for Sustainable Development, based in Austin, Texas and Oaxaca, Mexico. Dr. Conroy holds an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research has focused on the promotion of corporate social and environmental accountability through the development of certification systems, like Fair Trade. He recently retired from his positions as Senior Lecturer and Senior Research Scholar at Yale University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

Fair Trade USA is the leading third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States. Through their work, consumers are able make informed decisions and effect social change with their dollars. Instead of creating dependency on aid, Fair Trade USA encourages and supports the use a market-based approach that provides farmers fair prices, workers safe conditions, and entire communities resources for fair, healthy and sustainable lives.

Attendees of the Certification Consumption and Change Conference will hear Dr. Conroy in conversation with Rodney North, Answer Man for Equal Exchange, and Kelly Goodejohn, Director of Starbucks Coffee Company. The format of the conference allows attendees an extended period to question the panelists following a moderated discussion.

The Certification Consumption and Change Conference will take place May 24th at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The conference will bring together 150 representatives from top brands that source certified ingredients and eco-label their products, leading ethical certifiers, government agencies and NGOs, and the service providers that make reporting and compliance possible. Conference attendees will enjoy a full day of panel discussions that will shape the future of ethical certifications.

To find out more or register to attend this conference, go to: http://bit.ly/i0RJ6W

About Justmeans

Justmeans is the world's leading source of information and connections for people doing business better. With over 2 million unique visitors, a growing community of over 250,000 registered users, and distribution to millions – Justmeans is the leading marketing and communications platform for sustainable businesses. The Justmeans News Distribution services is helping companies around the world leverage the widest and most cost effective method promoting their news through Justmeans.com, affiliate websites, approved aggregators, focused social media networks, and green e-newsletter subscribers.

Website: http://www.justmeans.com

For more information or press inquiries, contact:
Justmeans
Chip Wood, VP Conferences
650.291.0423, PST
cwood@justmeans.com

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