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An Oregon Perspective on Business & Sustainability
 John Emrick
Chairman & CEO
Norm Thompson
Outfitters
As chairman and CEO of a company that has proudly called Oregon its home for 51 years, I welcome you to the Business section of the Sustainable Oregon web site. I would like to take the opportunity to highlight the benefits we share in our mutual pursuit of sustainability.
We all love our state because of its livability. And we all strive to maintain financially viable enterprises. What is now proven is that these two visions can exist in harmony. All it takes is a little ingenuity. And that's where the institution of business excels. That's why corporations can help lead the way toward ensuring quality of life, all the while improving profits.
Sustainability makes economic sense. Investing in renewable resources. Decreasing reliance on non-renewable resources. Eliminating waste. Getting rid of toxicity. These are intuitively logical practices. In a world where natural systems - on which the engine of the economy depends - are in decline, we must look toward these practical solutions. We can do this in ways that ensure financial success.
What is refreshingly vivid in the momentum toward a sustainable future is that everyone wins. We now witness convincing collaborations between the institutions of business, governmental, not-for-profit and academic sectors. Together, we will create the healthier, brighter world we all want.
To me - and to my company - sustainable business is an incredibly exciting notion. After all, who doesn't want to be part of making the world a better place? Gandhi said, "We must become the change we wish to see in the world." Thank you for your partnership in this effort.
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Darci Rhodes - Endless Rhodes
Businesses can realize a number of benefits from investing in sustainable practices. In addition to cost savings from waste reduction and pollution prevention, there is a large and growing market for socially and environmentally responsible products and services.