Boulder, CO – July 2023 — On June 6th, in Boulder, Colorado, history was made. At the Pet Sustainability Coalition’s signature, industry-leading Impact Unleashed conference, three competitors (Animal Supply Company, Pet Food Experts, and Phillips Pet Food and Supplies) took the stage to launch the first-ever philanthropic campaign to invest in PSC and its work to advance business through profitable environmental and social practices. Themed DOUBLE THE IMPACT, these industry giants each pledged $25,000 in matching funds in support of PSC’s 10 Year Anniversary fundraising campaign to further support its groundbreaking initiatives.
Though fierce competitors in the distribution channel for the pet products industry, Pet Food Experts CEO Michael Baker, John Lawton, Vice President of Business Development at Phillips Pet Food and Supplies, and Derek Walther, Director of Operations at Animal Supply Company reached beyond business boundaries in an effort to unify the industry toward a bigger purpose.
“Impact Unleashed was the perfect occasion for the three of us to take the stage in solidarity to move our industry toward a better future for pets, people, and the planet. Together, as PSC Icon members, we recognize the transformative power of collaboration as it underscores our deep commitment to driving systemic change that will have a lasting impact for generations to come,” says Michael Baker.
“This idea that collaboration can unlock bigger solutions is why we have come together as matching funders of the Pet Sustainability Coalition’s 10th-anniversary donation fund,” states Derek Walther. “The Pet Sustainability Coalition is celebrating 10 years of service to our industry. Their programs help our industry develop and implement solutions to our biggest planetary challenges, a job that is no small undertaking.”
Thanks to the generous contributions of both pet businesses and individuals, the campaign raised more than $100,000 in less than 24 hours, a crucial boost for PSC’s industry-leading sustainability campaigns. Spurred on through the seed gifts of the three distributors, the campaign has totaled more than $217,000 to date, paving the way for PSC to expand its programming to support the advancement of sustainable packaging, sustainable ingredients, and corporate social responsibility.
“The Pet Sustainability Coalition is an organization that takes action,” asserts John Lawton. “As Icon Members, we too have decided to take action by inspiring donations from our generous community. We continue to encourage the rest of the industry, both companies, and individuals, to further invest in a better future for our industry and the Earth by making a donation to the Pet Sustainability Coalition.”
“With aspirational ambition, PSC in partnership with these generous distributors will set the bar even higher by increasing our 2023 goal based on the unprecedented initial success,” says Caitlyn Dudas, Senior Advisor and Co-Founder at PSC. “As PSC celebrates 10 years of impact, we also celebrate the power of the collective effort of these competitive businesses to solve our industry’s most pressing challenges.”
To help support this historic campaign, please visit www.petsustainability.org/donate.
About the Pet Sustainability Coalition
The Pet Sustainability Coalition advances business through profitable environmental and social business practices. Founded in 2013 by eight companies, PSC now serves more than 200 member companies across the pet industry, helping them achieve progress on their sustainability practices, set and strive for ambitious goals, and report on their achievements. Additionally, the PSC leads retailers, distributors, brands, manufacturers, and suppliers in pursuing collaborative solutions to some of the largest industry-wide issues, such as sustainable packaging and protein sourcing. Connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Learn more at www.petsustainability.org.
About Animal Supply Company
Animal Supply Company is the national leader in Local Everywhere® pet food and supplies distribution serving retailers throughout the United States and the Caribbean. Animal Supply Company’s mission is to share our passion for animals through trusted partnerships that connect the brands and customers we serve to those who love pets. We envision a world where every pet is happy, healthy, and safe, and we work through our teammates, customers, and vendors to realize this goal.
About Pet Food Experts
Pet Food Experts (PFX) has been putting people first for over 35 years and has grown to become a leading distributor of pet food and supplies throughout the U.S. Recognized as an award-winning, relationship-driven service innovator, PFX offers an unmatched brand portfolio, best-in-class service, and delivers long-term success for its growing network of 6,500 independent pet retailers in 39 states nationwide. Learn more at PetFoodExperts.com, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or blog.
About Phillips Pet Food and Supply
Phillips Pet Food & Supplies business started as a single feed store in 1938 and now has 11 distribution centers strategically located across the United States. Phillips proudly serves the Pet Specialty Industry and is committed to providing customers with the products and services that will contribute to the growth and profitability of their businesses. For more info, visit PhillipsPet.com.
