PAWTUCKET, Rhode Island – Cooley Group, a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of high performance, sustainable, engineered membranes for some of the world’s highest-profile advertising, chemical containment, military, environmental protection and roofing initiatives, announced today additional developments that underscore the Company’s commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. The developments are part of a larger and continuous social responsibility commitment by Cooley to lead the industry’s sustainability efforts; better serve its customers through the sustainable solutions the Company deploys; support the communities where Cooley works; and protect the broader environment.
First, Dan Dwight, Cooley President and Chief Executive Officer, has been named to the Board of Directors of Family Service of Rhode Island (www.familyserviceri.org.) With a 120-year history, the Providence-based non-profit is one of the oldest and largest human service agencies in the state, helping approximately 9,000 children and adults annually live independently, advocate for themselves and better their own lives. The appointment highlights Cooley’s leadership commitment to the local communities in which the Company operates.
Second, Deb Bedrosian, a 7-year Cooley Group human resource leader, has been promoted to Director of Human Resources and Social Responsibility. Committed to attracting, maintaining and growing Cooley’s talent, Ms. Bedrosian’s new role includes identifying opportunities where Cooley’s people can support the Company’s local communities and broader social responsibility initiatives, as well as ensure Cooley’s vendors and strategic partners adhere to the same level of sustainability and corporate social responsibility as Cooley.
“Cooley’s social responsibility commitment is very much aligned with Howard Shultz, CEO, Starbucks (and a Cooley customer) that ‘Companies should not have a singular view of profitability,'” said Mr. Dwight. “We are serious about attracting and growing the best talent, and ensuring that talent contributes in an authentic and impactful way to Cooley’s broader social responsibility objectives.”
Cooley’s social responsibility commitment is demonstrated through its people, products and processes. The Company’s well-known community service initiatives include partnering with the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) for the last 5 years on their annual holiday gift giving and school supply campaigns. Other initiatives include working with the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Centers to collect and donate more than 120 cell phones to victims of domestic violence, and working with HOPE of Lancaster, SC on a clothing drive, among other community service efforts. Also, through a truly unique initiative, select Cooley employees and their families hand made winter scarves throughout the year. In 2011, 550 scarves were provided to DCYF and Crossroads — a non-profit that provides basic emergency needs and services to homeless families and individuals in Rhode Island.
From a product standpoint, Cooley has implemented a number of best practices that help preserve the world’s natural resources and improve human health. Most recently, Cooley created Enviroflex PE- the world’s first non-PVC, 100% recyclable print media leading the way in the six billion square meter commercial print media market, as well as the world’s first 5-meter wide water reservoir covers and liners to protect scarce water supplies. The Company also expanded development of industry-leading chemical containment solutions for hydraulic natural gas fracking and other chemical containment applications.
The Company also has modified the chemistry of some of its core products to contain increase levels of recycled product re-grinds, making its manufacturing processes more environmentally friendly. Additionally, Cooley is continuously upgrading and improving its manufacturing facilities; most recently replacing manufacturing facility lighting with more energy-efficient lights. By the end of this year, Cooley will have used almost 25 million pounds of recycled product that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill. The Company also has reduced its gas energy consumption by 75% and its material waste generation during production by 70%.
“Cooley’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility has been part of our DNA for more than 85 years,” said Mr. Dwight. “It begins with the actions of the senior leadership team and manifests through every person we employ, product we develop and process we improve,” said Mr. Dwight. “Our commitment is strategic and multi-leveled and therefore, so is our approach.”
About Cooley Group
Founded in 1926, Cooley Group designs, develops and manufactures high-performance, sustainable engineered membranes used in applications including some of the world’s most notable outdoor advertising, water, fuel and chemical containment, military and commercial roofing initiatives. Headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and with multiple manufacturing facilities across the United States, Cooley Group markets and distributes its products worldwide and also works with multi-national partners to develop proprietary products and solutions. More information about Cooley Group can be found here.
