PARKER CLAY WINS COVETED AWARD FROM U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
The Department of State gives three annual Secretary of State awards to U.S. companies doing business in other countries, recognizing those that show leadership in their foreign operations and whose operating practices and decision-making exemplify American values and international best practice. Parker Clay, a leader in premium fashion and manufacturing based in Santa Barbara, CA, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has made a significant impact in the sustainable fashion space as a certified B-Corp.
“Congratulations to Parker Clay on receiving the prestigious Award for Corporate Excellence from the U.S. Secretary of State. This is a remarkable achievement, and it’s a testament to your dedication and impactful work, both in Ethiopia and globally,” said Melaku Alebel, Minister of Industry in Ethiopia.
Over the past decade, Parker Clay has become the single largest exporter of leather goods in Ethiopia, while funding career training, financial literacy, and healthy lunch programs for its employees. Ethiopia is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and Africa is positioned to become the global manufacturing hub of the future. Parker Clay is in on the ground floor, laying the foundations for that manufacturing boom to be more sustainable, more ethical, and more impactful for all stakeholders.
“I am honored to congratulate Parker Clay for winning the Award for Corporate Excellence in Women’s Economic Security,” said Ervin Massinga, U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia. “We nominated Parker Clay for its work countering human trafficking by empowering Ethiopian women to use traditional skills and local materials to create world-class products. Parker Clay ensures its workers earn wages that support their families and provides them with the tools to lift up their communities on their own terms. Congratulations again to Brittany, Ian, and the entire Parker Clay team on this well-deserved award.”
Parker Clay Co-founder & CEO, Ian Bentley, shared, “We believe that creating better choices for consumers and brands does not have to be complicated. Our business model began with a commitment to empowering women in Ethiopia with living wages, benefits, and more, and we’ve shown that this model is not an act of charity – it’s just good business in a world with increasingly mindful consumers. We’ve crafted a better bag, in a way that’s better for the people who create it. Now it’s time to take that model to the world. We’re building the future of fashion and manufacturing in Africa, and we want our community along with other global brands looking for alternatives in manufacturing to join us.”