Girl Scouts criticized for new sourcing strategy

Girl Scouts criticized for new sourcing strategy    The Girl Scouts, an iconic American institution dedicated to empowering girls and social responsibility, is considering outsourcing production of uniforms worn by its members to an overseas manufacturer, possibly in China.
   A new bid process could end the organization's long-term relationship with a small manufacturer in New Jersey and force the company out of business.
   That doesn't sit well with Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J., who represents the district in which Jackie Evans Inc. is located.
   In a letter to Girl Scouts President Connie Lindsey, dated Oct. 28, Pascrell wrote, 'It is very surprising that an American organization, which was founded in 1912 and represents 2.4 million girls in all 50 states, would even consider sending this work to China. I am asking that you take the time to seriously consider this decision and work with Jackie Evans Inc. to keep our Girl Scouts outfitted with uniforms made in America — and keep 90 jobs in the United States.'
   The Girl Scouts are the sole customer for family-owned Jackie Evans Inc., based in Passaic, N.J. The company plans to submit by the mid-November deadline and is exploring grants or government help to help keep prices affordable, according to the Associated Press.
   The story was first reported by the Herald News in local Woodland Park.
   The scouting organization is soliciting bids from four companies, Barry Horowtiz, vice president and general manager for merchandise, told the AP. Two are overseas, including one in China. He said the group needs to test the market to make sure it is getting the best value for its members.
   Jackie Evans has produced sashes and vests under contract for the Girl Scouts for 10 years.
   The Girl Scouts decision reflects the overall decline in the U.S. apparel manufacturing sector, which has drastically shrunk during the past 30 years as factories relocate to other parts of the world where production costs are cheaper.
   'I sincerely ask that any competitive bidding process be fair and consider factors other than just simply the bottom line cost of production. Considering your long working relationship with Jackie Evans Inc., I hope you will resolve this issue with them for the benefit of your organization and your members,' Pascrell wrote. He complained about the short notice given to Jackie Evans about the contract bid process and the fact that its employees could be laid off before the holidays.
   He also issued a veiled threat, saying the issue deserves scrutiny because the Girl Scouts of America enjoy federal status as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and has been the recipient of direct federal funding. The Girls Scouts was chartered by Congress in 1950.
   The New Jersey congressman also raised the specter that the new uniforms could be made by child labor in China.
   'I am dismayed that an organization like the Girl Scouts of America, which prides itself on honesty and fairness, would even think of moving their business from a family-run and veteran-owned small business in New Jersey to China. While production costs may go down slightly for goods made in China, it is well known that the quality of that product may suffer and that the product itself may be produced under questionable labor standards. To be quite blunt, if you decide to transfer production of these uniforms abroad it is not at all inconceivable to think that our American Girl Scouts could soon be wearing uniforms made abroad in part by young girls who would be deemed not old enough to work in the United States.
   Horowitz told the AP that the Girl Scouts has strict rules for its suppliers to follow all applicable laws.
   'I sincerely ask that any competitive bidding process be fair and consider factors other than just simply the bottom line cost of production. Considering your long working relationship with Jackie Evans Inc., I hope you will resolve this issue with them for the benefit of your organization and your members,' Pascrell said.
   Passaic Mayor Alex Blanco toured the factory last week and said he would also press the Girl Scouts to keep production in the city, according to the Herald News. ' Eric Kulisch