Here is the company's public statement, issued today:  "Since this issue was brought to our attention by the International Labor Rights Forum, we have begun contacting suppliers to convey to them that we do not intend to use Uzbekistan cotton. We have also agreed to join a coalition of organizations working with ILRF to develop next steps toward the elimination of Uzbekistan cotton in the supply chain. This is a complex issue that we believe is best addressed on a collaborative basis. We are pleased to work with ILRF, and others, to find solutions. "
 
To be sure, the cotton supply chain is complex and we don't anticipate that the company will be able to clean up its supply chain overnight.  But given this new commitment, the company is moving in the right direction.  We look forward to working with the staff of LL Bean and hope to be able to report good news on this company to our supporters soon.