MECcsr talk

Learning Corporate Social Responsibility at M.E.C. : 

Learning Corporate Social Responsibility at M.E.C. Robin Schlese November 17th, 2004

Outline : 

Outline What is M.E.C.? History of M.E.C. Comparing CSR and SER. Examples of SER at M.E.C. SER Framework. SER Coordinator’s Role. Informal means of engaging staff.

What is M.E.C.?: 

What is M.E.C.? Acronym for Mountain Equipment Co-operative. Originally sold mountain equipment - hiking, ski touring, and mountaineering gear. Evolved to include products like snorkels, DJ bags, and Frisbees.

What is M.E.C.?: 

What is M.E.C.? C is for Co-operative. M.E.C. is a collectively owned and democratically controlled retail consumer co-operative. Currently over 2 million M.E.C. members. Largest member owned retail co-operative in Canada. Policies and programs developed and implemented in response to member demand.

History of M.E.C.: 

History of M.E.C. Incorporated as a co-operative on August 2, 1971 by 3 students at U.B.C. Focus has been to build on a foundation of adventure, connection to the environment and co-operative principles. 9 stores throughout Canada, with 10th planned in late 2004. Sales of $169 million (2003).

Defining CSR: 

Defining CSR Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been defined as a company’s commitment to operating in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner, while recognizing the interests of its stakeholders, including investors, customers, employees, business partners, local communities, the environment and society at large.

Defining SER: 

Defining SER Encouraging members to enjoy self-propelled wilderness recreation, and be stewards of the natural environment. Promoting wilderness conservation and responsible use of the outdoors. Improving the social and environmental impacts of our products, services and business operations. Providing leadership in the community. Empowering our members to be active participants in our co-op and other co-operative endeavors.

SER Examples: 

SER Examples Green Building Program. Analyzing Waste/Garbage Audits. Environment Fund. Involvement with the Canadian Cooperative Association, Canadian Business for Social Responsibility, Outdoor Conservation Association, Canadian Avalanche Association. Supplier Team Evaluation Process. Vendor Code of Conduct.

SER Framework: 

SER Framework Strong vision and direction. Accountability. SER Manager at Head Office. Part of Store Manager’s evaluation. SER Coordinator in each store. Part of Senior Staff Job Description. Communication. Both externally and internally.

Engaging Staff: 

Engaging Staff Hiring process. Selection is based on customer service skills, cultural fit, past performance. Knowledge of and familiarity with MEC, MEC products, SER, and cooperatives also important. Fit with culture vitally important.

Engaging Staff: 

Engaging Staff Introductory Training. Initial training lasts 2 days Involves Health and Safety, HR Policy and Procedures, and SER aspects. SER aspect looks at purpose, people, processes involved with SER at Head Office and Store level. Usually takes about 2 hours to complete.

Engaging Staff: 

Engaging Staff Departmental Training. Each department provides functions that contributes to SER commitment. Examples include backstock recycling shipping boxes, pallets, and plastic bags. Floor staff trained to recommend product and services that fulfill customers’ needs - no upselling of unneeded product/service.

Engaging Staff : 

Engaging Staff SER Coordinator’s Role. Communicates to staff ‘why’ from a business perspective AND social and environmental. Determines what staff want to do, and uses that interest to engage staff - allows staff to determine the ‘how**’,‘who’, and ‘what**’. Communicates with Store Manager, SER Manager to determine ‘when’,‘how’, and ‘what’.

Engaging Staff: 

Engaging Staff SER Coordinator’s Role. Sets up committee. 6 members plus SER Coordinator. Compliance with Head Office Procedures. Waste diversion - Garbage audit. Partners with Ambassadors. Staff volunteer to work events like Paddling Ambassador in exchange for product, tickets, …

Engaging Staff: 

Engaging Staff Informal Engagement. Field Courses Out trips Morning Meetings and All Staff Meetings. Head Office Initiatives. Staff Positions on the MEC Environment Fund Grant Review Committee. MEC Trail Employee Newsletter.

Contacts: 

Contacts Please contact me, Robin Schlese, at (780) 488-6498 or rschlese@mec.ca. Please contact Neil Haggard, the Store Manager, at (780) 488-6498 or nhaggard@mec.ca. Please contact Karina Low, the Social and Environmental Responsibility Coordinator, at (780) 488-6498 or klow@mec.ca