While 2010 was a year of challenge and transition for Seventh Generation, 2011 brings a sense of excitement and renewal.
Seventh Generation was founded more than 20 years ago on the idea that a business could do more than simply generate profits. Not only could a business build wealth for employees and shareholders, but it could serve all stakeholders by making the world a better place through its principles, practices and partnerships.
Growth, innovation, transparency, challenges, and successes have been the hallmark of the last 23 years at Seventh Generation. It is my honor to step into the leadership role at Seventh Generation. I feel an immense sense of duty to build our business so that it is successful for the next two decades. We will continue to profitably challenge conventional business norms and to push the envelope around sustainability, authenticity, and transparency, while delivering safe products that surprise and delight our customers and consumers.
But, with every end comes a new beginning — a chance for renewal, recommitment, fresh ideas, and new innovative approaches.
Having been through a number of leadership changes over the course of my career, I can attest to the fact that change is rarely easy. And it can be particularly difficult as a company transitions from a founder to its first new leader, particularly at a values-led company like Seventh Generation. The transition from our founder Jeffrey Hollender to Chuck Maniscalco, and then to me, was difficult, and we talk more about it later in this report. But, with every end comes a new beginning — a chance for renewal, recommitment, fresh ideas, and new innovative approaches. Our brand has emerged intact, anchored strongly to the values our consumers have always cherished in us, and positioned to make a positive difference with our products. We are embracing the change in a way that propels the business forward while remaining true to the mission and values on which it was founded. I believe 2011 will be a year of rich renewal.
We will build on our industry-leading standards and responsible business model. From our work to design plastic bottles with the highest level of recycled content, to continuing to reduce the environmental footprint of our supply chain and logistics network, we will continue to provide our consumers new and innovative products that are derived from plants not petroleum.
In addition, we are strengthening our culture by re-examining our governance practices and have taken steps to ensure long-term stewardship of the business while honing the efficiency of our near-term operations. We have re-dedicated ourselves and our business to a refreshed articulation of our values:
- Care Wholeheartedly
- Collaborate Deliberately
- Nurture Nature
- Innovate Disruptively
- Be a Trusted Brand
In 2011, for the first time, every associate’s work plan contains at least one sustainability commitment which is linked to their performance evaluation and incentive plan. And every day we continue to focus on our mission of inspiring a consumer revolution that nurtures the health of the next seven generations.
Our strategic vision today is clear. We seek to build the most trusted brand on the planet. We seek to reach more consumers, partner with like-minded retailers, and collaborate with responsible suppliers, as we double our business in the next five years. We will anchor our growth by investing in the Seventh Generation Community and our brand and by discovering exciting and innovative ways to meet consumer needs more sustainably. Finally, we will focus on building a more financially robust business model that can sustain our growth while continuing to fund our community partnerships and corporate giving programs. All of these elements allow us to have even greater impact and generate more good in the world.
As I take the helm at Seventh Generation, I’d like to thank Jeffrey, Chuck and all the passionate employees who built this company over the past two decades. I invite all of our stakeholders to join us as we journey forward paving the way for the next seven generations.
Sincerely,
John B. Replogle
President & CEO
