Outdoor Specialist Backbone Media Chosen By Bank Of The West To Support Sustainability Initiatives

Backbone Media a leading active lifestyle media agency, is working with Bank of the West to increase awareness that Bank of the West has the strongest environmental stance of any major US bank. Drawing on the bank’s long-standing values of sustainability, diversity, and global impact, Backbone will assist with public relations, social media management, and association marketing to further enhance the bank’s reach.

Bank of the West has set itself apart by taking action to help build a sustainable future. By restricting the financing of fossil fuels, big tobacco, palm oil and other activities harmful to the planet, Bank of the West has taken the strongest environmental stance of any major U.S. bank. It is also the only major bank that has been accepted as a member of Protect Our Winters (POW) and 1% for the Planet, two organizations Bank of the West will team up with for a significant product launch later this summer.

“Backbone Media’s extensive work with key leaders and brands in the active lifestyle industry as well as their network in the sustainability space made them our top agency of choice to amplify our commitment to the planet,” says Ben Stuart, CMO of Bank of the West. “We have an opportunity to make the connection between how banks invest their money and the impact that creates in the world. But, by educating our customers and the active lifestyle and sustainability communities that their money doesn’t need to aid in extracting the last drops of fossil fuels from the planet, Bank of the West will succeed.”

Backbone Media has more than 20 years of experience working with sustainably-focused organizations and outdoor industry leaders. The team will support Bank of the West on initiatives educating consumers about the importance of responsible banking, and stirring the question, “what is your bank doing with your money?” In addition, Backbone will work in tandem with Bank of the West, POW and 1% For the Planet to launch an exciting product later this summer.

“Bank of the West shares a common goal of sustainability with many in the outdoor and active lifestyle communities,” says Backbone Media founder Penn Newhard. “They are leading the way in demonstrating that investments in activities that are harmful to the planet are not necessary to make a profit, and we’re glad to open our network to them. We look forward to a long working relationship together where we significantly move the needle on the positive impact that banks can have on the environment.”