U.S. Department of State

Thirteen finalists have been selected for the Secretary of State’s prestigious 2011 Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE). These U.S. companies were chosen from 62 nominations submitted by American Ambassadors around the world. ACE finalists are international business leaders who recognize the vital role that U.S. businesses play abroad as good corporate citizens. This year’s finalists are:

• Amway in China – for the manufacturing and distribution company’s contribution to the overall growth and development of the local economy in China by building up the business acumen and human capital of independent distributors; fostering entrepreneurship; recruiting locally, investing in building its workforce abilities, promoting its management staff from within; and fostering an environment of volunteerism
   
• ANOVA Food, LLC in Indonesia – for the seafood company’s contribution to a critical component of the economy by improving the viability of the seafood industry in Indonesia, upgrading fish product safety, and promoting environmental stewardship efforts which support sustainable fishing by economically disadvantaged fishermen

• Archer Daniels Midland Company in Paraguay – for the agriculture company’s investment in the local communities’ social, environmental, and economic sustainability through means such as improving local transportation infrastructure; giving local farmers access to credit and improved production resources; and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect natural biospheres, and promote the sustainable use of land

• Cargill in India – for the agriculture company’s work to address food security issues and improve access to nutritious food; partnering with global organizations to prevent malnutrition in infants and children; developing innovative educational programs to benefit underprivileged children; and efforts to maintain employee safety in the workplace

• General Motors in Uzbekistan – for the automaker’s humanitarian assistance to displaced refugees; water purification technology; promotion of workplace safety in its facilities and of its local suppliers; and contributing to the local market of skilled labor force by enforcing merit-based hiring policies

• Grenada Chocolate Company in Grenada – for the chocolate micro-manufacturer’s contribution to the sustainable growth of rural economies by establishing Grenadian products in international markets; pioneering agro-tourism; outstanding environmental conservation efforts; and promotion of organic farming

• Intel in Vietnam – for the semiconductor company’s creation of public-private partnerships that foster education reform, development of a skilled workforce, increased opportunities for women in the sciences, and promoting awareness of environmental as well as volunteerism; reducing its environmental footprint; spurring the adaptation of IT; and building technological capabilities of local universities

• Johnson & Johnson in Russia – for the health care product manufacturer’s commitment to building local capacity to address critical social and health problems; contributions to improving the well-being of children; HIV/AIDS programs; and revolutionary health information programs for expectant and new mothers

• Joy Global in South Africa – for the mining equipment manufacturer’s development of the local workforce using apprenticeship programs that provide male and female South Africans advanced skills in technical, mechanical, and electrical engineering disciplines; fostering economic empowerment opportunities for those effected by years of apartheid; and partnerships to support vulnerable populations through a variety of means including a child care center and a HIV/AIDS clinic

• Procter & Gamble in Nigeria – for the consumer products company’s efforts to improve local communities’ water supply through education and purification technology; provision for a safe and healthy working environment; supporting the health and well-being of new and expectant mothers and children through mobile clinics; and innovative educational programs for teenage girls

• Procter & Gamble in Pakistan – for the consumer products company’s humanitarian assistance efforts that provided clean drinking water, food, hygiene products, medical care, and laundry services after unprecedented floods in the region; sustainable partnerships to establish a network of schools, early education programs, and support for orphanages; implementation of science and technology standards; reduction of carbon dioxide emissions at its facilities; and collaboration with universities to develop young business leaders

• Sahlman Seafoods in Nicaragua – for the shrimp farming company’s promotion of sustainable aquaculture and environmental awareness in local communities; protection of endangered species of wildlife; community involvement by improving school facilities, providing meals to children on non-traditional school days, and offering free medical treatment to farm workers

• Tiger Machinery in Russia – for the heavy equipment manufacturer’s compliance with local and international laws; leadership in workplace safety, skills training, and hiring practices; contributions to increased U.S. exports; and efforts to enhance the lives of children, especially orphans

The Secretary of State has awarded the ACE since 1999 to recognize American companies who are leaders in socially responsible activities and contribute to the overall growth and development of the local economy in which they work. The Department of State is committed to working with business to further these best practices worldwide and to recognize efforts to improve lives at home and abroad. The 2011 ACE winners will be announced at the annual ceremony hosted by the Secretary of State later this fall.

For more information, including a video announcing the finalists, please visit: http://www.state.gov/e/eb/ace/. Media with further questions may contact the Office of Economic Policy Analysis and Public Diplomacy at EPPDMediaRSVP@state.gov.