by Keith Shortall
MPBN radio news story
Jim Wellehan acknowledges the conflict in his life: The president of the Auburn-based shoe retailer Lamey-Wellehan describes himself as a fiscal conservative, who makes money by encouraging consumption. But he’s also an outspoken environmentalist who is on a mission to convince other Maine companies to slow the process of climate change by reducing their carbon footprint. Wellehan says that no matter what a CEO’s political beliefs, it’s clear that investing in carbon reduction makes good business sense.
Lamey-Wellehan’s corporate goal is to reduce its carbon emissions 50 percent by the year 2020. And the business benefits, says Jim Wellehan, are already being realized in the form of lower energy costs. Which prompts the question: If carbon reduction is such a great business strategy, why isn’t it a priority for Maine companies?
Jim Wellehan is president of Maine shoe retailer Lamey Wellehan, which will host an energy fair this Saturday at its Auburn store.
