True Confessions are one of the centerpieces of SVI. Speakers are industry leaders and innovators who share their triumphs and challenges in building and running a socially-responsible business.

Every year, SVIers are inspired by the intensity and intimacy with which speakers tell their True Confessions. Leading edge, inspiring, and transformational, True Confessions are a “don’t miss” event.

We are pleased to welcome Gary Hirshberg, President and CE-YO of Stonyfield Farm; Lisa Lorimer, former President and majority owner of Vermont Bread Company; and Dave Mowat, President and CEO of ATB Financial as True Confessions speakers.

Gary Hirshberg is President and CE-YO of Stonyfield Farm, the leading manufacturer of all-natural and organic yogurt in the US. Gary has overseen the company’s growth from infancy to its current $300 million annual sales level with distribution in all 50 states, often leading with an innovative marketing edge that combines the social, environmental, and financial missions of the company.

Lisa Lorimer is the former President and majority owner of Vermont Bread Company, which sold in 2005. Her company is an all-natural and certified organic wholesale bakery serving supermarkets and natural product stores in the northeastern US.

Dave Mowat is President and CEO of ATB Financial, a full-service financial institution headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, with total assets of $20.3 billion. Prior to coming to ATB Financial, Dave served as Chief Executive Officer for Vancity, the largest credit union in English Canada, based in Vancouver.

Past SVI speakers have included:

David Berge, Underdog Ventures
Nancy Bradshaw, Spark Strategies
Amy Domini, Domini Social Investments
Mark Finser, RSF Social Finance
Margot Franssen, Body Shop Canada
Jeffrey Hollender, Seventh Generation
Valerie Hussey, Kids Can Press
Alice Klein, Now Magazine
Susan Kurz, Dr. Hauschka Skincare
David Levi, Working Opportunity Fund
Julia & Ed Levy, QLT Inc.
Drummond Pike, Tides Foundation
Jonathan Poneman, Sub Pop Records
Bruce Poon Tip, G.A.P. Adventures
Russel Precious, Capers
Peter Robinson, Mountain Equipment Co-Op
Peter Roy, Whole Food Markets
Aqueela Sherills, CSDI
Tami Simon, Sounds True
Greg Steltenpohl, Odwalla
Nina Utne, Utne Reader
Julius Walls, Greyston Bakery
Judy Wicks, White Dog Cafe
Bill Young, Social Capital Partners