PHILOMATH, Ore., June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Softstar Shoes, a family-owned manufacturer of handcrafted shoes in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, has now achieved accolades from Oregon Business for the second consecutive year. In 2016 and 2017, the magazine ranked Softstar as one of Oregon’s 100 Best Companies to Work for. In the 100 Best Green Companies in Oregon category, the magazine ranked Softstar 10th in 2016 and 13th in 2017.
According to Oregon Business, the “[100 Best Green Companies] list showcases which organizations are going above and beyond the traditional concepts of sustainability—recycling, composting, energy conservation — to create environmentally sound enterprises.” Softstar has achieved 11 straight years of growth and profitability, and this recognition is a welcome honor to those working hard to make the company a positive place to work.
Softstar: Sustainable Values
Sustainability has always been at the heart of Softstar. Many employees personally emulate the eco-friendly values owners Tricia Salcido, and Larkin Holavarri built into the company. Among other sustainable efforts, the company offers alternative transportation incentives for employees. They also source leather from ecologically responsible tanneries and use minimal packaging to reduce waste. A recent addition to Softstar’s green initiatives was the renovation of a new workshop. Softstar began in 1985 and had previously been located in Corvallis, Oregon. In order to keep up with steady growth and increasing demand, Tricia and Larkin renovated a historic building. The building is in the neighboring town of Philomath. With the move, Softstar now has a much larger space to call home.
The new workshop is a 12,000-square-foot building that previously operated as a skating rink in the 1950s. The renovation process includes eco-friendly additions, such as radiant heat flooring, sustainable building materials, and energy-efficient lighting. Softstar also has plans to install solar panels, water reclamation for irrigation, bee habitats, and a raised vegetable garden behind the workshop. As Softstar grows, these efforts ensure that the health of the earth will remain a priority for the company now and in the future.
Softstar Shoes produces handmade soft leather shoes for babies, children, and adults. The company is committed to using natural, eco-friendly materials and to developing direct relationships with its customers. Made in the USA: 100% of Softstar’s shoes are handcrafted by American leather artisans in their Oregon workshop.
SOURCE Softstar Shoes
