Patagonia has put its money where its politics are.
The popular outdoor sportswear company with a reputation for environmental activism says it will no longer sell its merchandise to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming after its owner hosted a fundraising event for Congress’ far-right Freedom Caucus.
One of the resort’s owners, Jay Kemmerer, hosted the $2,000 per-couple event on August 5, and featured Georgia Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene, Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan and former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. All three were active promoters of former President Trump’s fraudulent and unproven claims of election fraud. Greene and Jordan actually voted against certifying Joe Biden’s electoral victory.
Patagonia confirmed that it is ending its relationship with the resort company, which operates several retail stores in the area. In a statement, company spokesperson Corley Kenna said the decision to cut ties with Jackson Hole Mountain resort was made because of the importance Patagonia places on using its brand and business practices to advocate for its priorities.
“It is our largest customer in an area — that’s really critical. That tells you something about the importance of this relationship. We don’t take ending it lightly.”
Environmental concerns appeared to have as much to do with the decision to sever ties with the resort as political issues. Environmental groups have panned all three for their stances on conservation issues. Jordan and Meadows — who was a former Congressman before joining the Trump WH — received 3% and 2% scores, respectively, for their voting records on conservation issues from the League of Conservation Voters. Greene lost her committee assignments for spreading misinformation and bigoted messaging.
Kemmerer’s political leanings have been problematic for the company for some time. There’s this from the Wyoming news site Wyofile:
Resort management has struggled to separate itself and its operations from Kemmerer’s political views. Members of the corporation’s board published an opinion piece in the local paper touting the company’s own environmental priorities and its commitment to the community and guests and the welcoming of a diversity of views.
Patagonia has left the door open to resume business with the resort, but only if it re-assesses its political stances to focus on issues that help the planet.
“This is very much about staying true to our strong feeling and our responsibility as a benefit corporationto stand up for and advance our priorities, our policies to protect our planet and our communities.”