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Arlington, VA: The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA, a trade organization that includes retailers, product manufacturers and service suppliers, has announced the unveiling of its new RILA Sustainability Initiative (RSI). Environmental sustainability is a key focus for the association, according to its strategic plan approved by the board of directors in January 2007. In addition to incorporating sustainability within its functional areas, such as supply chain, RILA also researched how to establish a framework that allows discussion and movement of the topic on its own. This research led to the development of the RSI.

The RSI will have two main objectives: 1) to advance socially sustainable activities and business practices relevant to the retail industry; and 2) to ensure that RSI members are recognized by customers and policymakers for providing leadership in environmental stewardship.

"For years, our members have been embracing stewardship and sustainability," explains RILA president Sandy Kennedy. "Through the RSI, we will gather the leading retail companies in the country to advance activities and business practices that will move the industry forward as a whole."

"RSI will become the leading forum for the retail industry to design programs and solutions for environmental compliance and voluntary sustainability leadership," notes Casey Chroust, RILA's senior vice president of retail operations. "The new initiative is unique in its action versus discussion approach." Chroust will be spearheading the RSI for the association.