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

(Justmeans.com) May 11, 2011 – New York, NY – Justmeans is proud to announce the participation of Equal Exchange at the Certification Consumption and Change Conference on May 24 in Washington DC, an event that will bring together thought leaders from ethical certifications, leading brands, and NGOs to discuss the future of ethical certification.

Rodney North has worked at Equal Exchange for the past 15 years and is the organization’s Answer Man, an all-purpose resource for his colleagues, the public, researchers and the media. Mr. North spent six years on the employee-led Board of Directors. As an employee-owner of the for-profit co-operative, Mr. North works to import and distribute Fair Trade coffee, tea, chocolate and bananas, as well as healthy snacks sourced from US farmers.

Equal Exchange was founded in 1986 by Rink Dickinson, Jonathan Rosenthal and Michael Rozyne. Today, Equal Exchange continues to find new and powerful ways to build a better food system. Products now include fairly traded and organic coffee, tea, chocolate and snacks from farmers all over the world, including here in the United States. The worker-owned co-op is based in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Equal Exchange partners with co-operatives of small-scale farmers who make their own decisions on business and community matters.

Attendees of the Certification Consumption and Change Conference will hear Mr. North in conversation with Michael Conroy, Chairman Emeritus of Fair Trade USA, 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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