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| Green To The Core | |||||
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Being socially responsible is more then just reacting to a market focus on the environment. Certainly the environment is a very important part of social responsibility but we believe it needs to go deeper then that, it really begins at the core of who you are and what you believe. Eight years ago we engaged a process of documenting the core beliefs upon which Signature was founded. This process included surveying our associates, our associate’s families, our customers, and our vendors. We wanted to reach everyone who regularly comes in contact with us and has a stake in our success. We wanted their feedback on not only our “talk”, but also our “walk”. From these surveys emerged five very clear themes relating to quality, innovation, competency, integrity, and people. These themes were developed into clear statements that today represent our Core Values. In our five core values you will find statements like “there must be a better way”, “only the best will do”, “the relentless pursuit of excellence”, “doing what you say you will do even when nobody is watching”, “facing moral obligation”, “sharing responsibility for the wellbeing of all”, “serving the needs of the total person- spirit, mind, body & soul” and “envisioning a better future...one day at a time”. In hindsight, we now see that these five core values help shape our broader concept of social responsibility that drives us to do what is right for the planet as well as for it’s inhabitants. Last year, we decided to pursue our industry’s “green” certification (Environmental Stewardship Certification) through the Kitchen Cabinet Manufactures Association and were approved on our first application. This was an encouraging testimony to a company culture that has always focused on minimizing hazards to people and the environment. When our dealers and designers began asking us questions about the “green” aspects of our products, we simply needed to tell them the truth about what we have been doing and what we are committed to continue doing as a result of being values-driven and socially responsible. The message was enthusiastically received and embraced. We highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce our waste stream though recycling efforts and process improvement. We pointed out that all our wood dust and wood shavings are used by local dairy farmers as cattle bedding, that wood scraps are used by a local greenhouse to generate heat in their plant growing operations, and that all of our solvents are distilled and reused in our own manufacturing process. What can not be reclaimed is sent to a manufacturer of concrete blocks and used to fuel their dry kilns in the curing process. We also discussed where water-based and UV curing finish technology is used in our products to further eliminate hazardous materials from the environment. These are just a few examples of what we are doing in our business to be more “green” and to be socially responsible.
Devon Martin Article as it appeared in the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Publication
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©Copyright Signature Custom Cabinetry, Inc., all rights reserved |
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