ISRI Convention: Image Campaign

The President’s Breakfast at the 2008 ISRI Convention & Exhibition was packed as ISRI President Robin Wiener and other guest speakers discussed the importance of the industry’s image and promoting safety in the workplace.

The recycling industry has a negative image attached to it thanks to the increased incidents of scrap theft occurring across the nation. To remove this stigma, Wiener said companies must change the way they do business and become more vocal in their communities.

One way ISRI is trying to change the image of the industry is by improving safety in the workplace. ISRI’s Safety Program strives to help company’s place safety in all of its forms (workers, drivers, customers, facilities) at the top of the management chart, even above profit. The program’s motto is “Safely or Not At All.”

To improve the industry’s image, Pat Cleary, senior vice president of Fleishman-Hillard says he believes the recyclers should do the shaping of the industry. He has toured many scrap facilities and describes people in this industry as job creators, key exporters and environmental stewards. The industry has great stories to tell and they should go out there and drive their message, Cleary said during the breakfast.