From the Are You Kidding Me Files: Pharm Giant Sales Force Goes Green With High Fashion Handbags
As a blogger I get on average 2-3 press releases per day from publicists who want me to pick up their releases and publish them on BioJobBlog. I usually pass. But, the one that I received from a publicist who represents eco-friendly and politically-correct Red Handed Bags was too good not to share with my readers (see below)
Pharm giant sales force goes green with high fashion handbags
Raleigh NC-based fashion designers Aaron Turney and Tracy Russomano are used to working with fashion conscious women. But this year, they devoted their special talents efforts to addressing the special needs of a unique group of highly specialized handbag users – pharmaceutical sales reps.
GlaxoSmithKline asked them to design an environmentally friendly work bag specifically for their pharmaceutical sales reps to use on the job.
Redhanded Bags has created a line of beautiful handbags using green technologies, animal free materials, and sweat free manufacturing facilities and workforces.
“It’s pretty admirable that they’ve set themselves a goal for using handbags that don’t hurt animals, don’t pollute the environment and don’t exploit anyone,” said Tracy Russomano. “We worked directly with the sales people to design the ideal pharm sales rep bag. When we were done, GSKs onsite ergonomist gives the bags an excellent rating for ergonomic design.”
“Handbags should turn heads, bring out inner beauty, and contribute to a sustainable environment,” said Ms. Russomano. “Pharmaceutical sales reps can look great and be eco-friendly.” I am partial to the middle bag; which one is your fav?
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I find it admirable that GSK is thinking environmentally. However, are several thousand eco-friendly handbags for sales reps really going to make a difference? I think it would behoove GSK and other drug makers to invest in developing green manufacturing technologies and facilities if they are truly concerned about reducing the size of their carbon foot prints.
After visiting the Red Handed bags website, I agree with Ms Russomano, that pharma reps (who still have jobs) will look great and turn some head while sporting the new bags (exactly what GSK wants). That said, it is extremely gratifying to know that the environment is safe, no animals were killed and no workers were exploited to help sales reps sell drugs to their customers!
Until next time...
Good Luck and Good Shopping (check out the handcuff clutch)
I'm glad you like our products, but you were a little tough on GSK. It's sometimes easy to assume that a large company is disingenous in its effort to be stewards of the environment, etc. In GSK's case, this is a home run--we didn't charge them a dime to design the bag, and our bags are priced to reduce GSKs handbag costs. It certainly wasn't some elitist move on GSKs part to be more fashionable. Don't forget also that GSK had us design bags with ergonomics in mind so that their sales force can enjoy better health and wellness.
As far as your cynicism toward GSK goes, I certainly can identify with wanting to vilify large corporatins, but GSK isn't showboating. The folks we dealt with sincerely care about what they're doing. Making an effort such as this is significant. Individual behavior changes that reduce pollution (such as carrying eco-friendly handbags) are very important and shouldn't be understated. And experimenting with eco-friendly sales bags isn't GSKs only endeavor; check the Advair disc recycling program or the long list of GSKs community efforts such as Ronald McDonald house.
Again, thanks for your kind words about Redhanded Bags. Keep 'em coming!
Sincerely,
Aaron Turney
Co-owner, Redhanded Bags
www.redhandedbags.com
Dear Biojobblog,
I just want to ensure that your readers understand that the parenthetical "those who still have jobs" within my quote about pharma sales reps was yours and not mine. I wouldn't know anything about pharma sales employment rates. Your blog makes it look like I said it, which I didn't.
Regards,
Tracy Russomano
Designer, Redhanded Bags
eco-friendly handbags for every personality!