Sweetwater Publishes 2023 Impact Report

Efforts fueled by a passion for serving others and using music as a force for good

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (June 25, 2024) – Sweetwater, the No. 1 online retailer for music makers, released its 2023 Impact Report. Anchored in Sweetwater’s core value of “always doing the right thing,” Sweetwater’s 2023 report reflects efforts in the categories of Environment, Supply Chain Responsibility, People and Community.

As outlined in its second annual impact report, Sweetwater continues upon its decades of efforts, builds upon the previous year’s report, and highlights new initiatives where Sweetwater can further its impact.

“We work hard to positively impact our world and the lives of our employees, our customers, our partners, and our communities. Nurturing these relationships and serving others is at the heart of what we call the Sweetwater Difference,” explained Mike Clem, CEO of Sweetwater. “In the same way that the creation of great music involves a journey, we recognize that our work will never be completely done.”

Environment
Sweetwater’s heart for serving others is manifest in the company’s intentional efforts and care to manage the resources and the environmental impact of its operations. Rooted in the goal of creating a better future for the planet, in 2023, Sweetwater:
• Generated 1.4 million kilowatt hours of electricity across 93,000 feet of solar panels on Sweetwater’s Fort Wayne Fulfillment Center
• Recycled nearly 14 tons of scrap metal, 25 tons of e-waste, 445 tons of plastic, and 1128 tons of cardboard
• Accelerated its LED transition, with the Fort Wayne campus being 75% LED powered, and on track to reach its goal of becoming 100% LED powered

Supply Chain Responsibility
Sweetwater prides itself on working with partners equally committed to corporate responsibility—partners spanning the music industry, shipping, manufacturing, and beyond. In 2023, Sweetwater proactively sourced and evaluated collective environmental practices across its vendors and shared industry-leading resources to help partners advance their efforts in key areas. Among the findings:
• 91% of vendors have at least one initiative focused on energy utilization
• 80% of vendors are engaged in waste reduction efforts
• 55% of vendors have packaging reduction initiatives

People
The Sweetwater Difference is fueled by the company’s people, united by a passion for serving others and using music as a force for good. This starts by fostering a stronger sense of inclusion and belonging. Sweetwater again earned national recognition for leading the way in caring for its employees and creating an outstanding work environment. Highlights of 2023 efforts:
• Promoted 485 team members, a 24 percent increase from 2022, through increased focus on career paths and development opportunities
• Increased the number of diverse hires by 25 percent from 2022, including key additions at all levels, including senior leadership
• Earned recognition as a 2023 Carolyn C. Mattingly Mental Health in the Workplace National Honoree; Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2023; Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023, and eight Comparably Awards
• Added a new Adoption Reimbursement Program, further expanding longtime commitment to supporting team members' families
• Hosted inaugural ‘Be Well’ Expo, inviting dozens of nonprofit and wellbeing vendors to campus to give back to employees and support their holistic wellbeing

Community
Sweetwater’s commitment to making a difference extends far beyond the walls of its buildings. Proof positive of using music as a force for good, Sweetwater is amplifying change through music, lifting up communities by creating, empowering, and caring about the music makers of tomorrow and today. More specifically, in 2023 the company:
• Donated more than $800,000 in funding, gear, and volunteer support to non-profit organizations in Fort Wayne and across the country
• Partnered with over 200 local, regional, and national organizations to have a significant impact on the lives of others

To learn more, Sweetwater’s 2023 Impact Report is available on the company’s website at https://www.sweetwater.com/environmental-social-responsibility/

About Sweetwater
The No. 1 online retailer for music makers, Sweetwater is trusted and beloved by millions of musicians, sound engineers, band and orchestra directors, and podcasters who rely on the company to help advance their musical and creative journeys. From beginners to rock stars, music makers everywhere seek out Sweetwater’s industry-leading expertise, including in-depth product videos to inform their purchases and unrivaled post-care support. Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and founded in 1979, Sweetwater Sound, LLC credits its four decades of profitability to its now 3,000 employees and its deep understanding of the profound connection that music makers have with their craft, their gear and the creative process. Sweetwater is amplifying change through music, lifting up communities by creating, empowering, and caring about the music makers of tomorrow and today. For more information, visit: https://www.sweetwater.com/.

# # #

- End -