Business of Sustainability Certificate
Learn more about Georgetown’s new Business of Sustainability Certificate program to gain the tools and frameworks needed to advance sustainability efforts for your organization.
Learn MoreLeading on Sustainability: Peter Blommer (C’85)
Peter Blommer (C’85), vice chairman of the Blommer Chocolate Company, sat down with Vishal Agrawal, the Henry J. Blommer Family Endowed Chair in Sustainable Business, to discuss the evolution of sustainable business practices in the confectionery industry.
The event, Leading on Sustainability, was hosted by the Stanton Distinguished Leaders Series and the Business of Sustainability Initiative – an initiative championed by the Blommer family through a faculty chair position, held by Agrawal, to advance thought leadership and research in this field.
Since the earliest days of Blommer Chocolate, the company has been a shining example of how organizations can use business to positively impact their communities. Blommer shared the story of his grandfather, Henry J. Blommer (C’26), who pioneered sustainability practices in Blommer Chocolate well before the term sustainability was recognized as a common business practice. “Our grandfather was at the forefront of this concept of sustainability,” said Blommer. His grandfather’s grassroots efforts in cocoa communities later evolved into the World Cocoa Foundation – the primary organization driving sustainability in the cocoa sector.
As a family business, the importance of sustainable business practices at Blommer Chocolate have carried forward over generations and still remain foundational to the company’s mission. During the discussion, Blommer explained the importance of integrating sustainability into the business model and overarching strategy.
“I’m a true believer that business can be used as a force for good,” said Blommer. “Instead of thinking narrowly about sustainability, think about sustainability across the entire landscape of the business. When you look at the long-term view of profitability and take into consideration of all the stakeholders, sustainability and profits are compatible.”
Blommer and Agrawal addressed a full room of students, alumni, faculty, and staff spanning all academic levels and disciplines who are committed to advancing sustainable business practices. The audience had the opportunity to engage with Blommer in a Q&A session, followed by a reception.
Made possible by the support of Georgetown parents Daniel and Mary Stanton (P’12, P’14), the Stanton Distinguished Leaders Series connects students and alumni with renowned leaders who share their unique experiences and engage in dialogue about leadership in an ever-changing world. To learn more about the Stanton Series, visit https://msb.georgetown.edu/corporate-partnerships/stanton-distinguished-leaders-series/
