C.H. Robinson Worldwide's 2008 "Taking Responsibility" Campaign Is a Success for Retailers, Consumers, and Charitable Organizations Across the Nation
Minneapolis, MN, December 29, 2008 - C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. ("C.H. Robinson"), one of the largest non-asset based third party logistics (3PL) companies in the world, providing global multimodal transportation services, produce sourcing and logistics solutions, is very pleased with the inaugural year of their "Taking Responsibility" consumer programs.
C.H. Robinson developed two new consumer programs under their "Taking Responsibility" initiative; the Pink Ribbon Watermelon and Our World™ Organics programs. These programs were created to have an impact on the communities in which C.H. Robinson does business and to positively impact the health and environmental challenges that face future generations.
"We are very excited about these programs and the impact they will have on our communities," said Bud Floyd, C.H. Robinson's vice president of produce marketing. "Now more than ever, the care of our world, the commitment to our communities, and the future welfare of people everywhere depends on the actions we take today."
On a global level, C.H. Robinson supports Sustainable Harvest International (SHI) and their work with farmers and families in Central America. Through the Our World™ Organics program, C.H. Robinson is donating a portion of its net profits to help SHI provide farming families with the training and tools to improve growing techniques and increase their personal economics while restoring tropical forests.
C.H. Robinson projects that their donation, along with those of other organizations, to SHI could result in the planting of as many as 250,000 trees each year. Florence Reed, SHI's founder and president said, "We are very excited about C.H. Robinson's desire to support sustainable initiatives. The financial support will have a huge impact on our programs."
The Pink Ribbon Watermelon program promotes the benefits of healthy eating and breast cancer education. Watermelon is fat free and is a source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. According to the American Institute of Cancer, studies have shown that a cup and a half of watermelon contains about 9 to 13 milligrams of lycopene, on average about 40 percent more lycopene than raw tomatoes. The U.S. Department of Health stated that many scientists have found that diets high in lycopene correlates with reduced incidence of certain types of cancer.
C.H. Robinson donated over $70,000 on behalf of participating retailers to non-profits focused on cancer research and prevention throughout the United States. In late November, C.H. Robinson donated a portion of the Pink Ribbon Watermelon sales to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Minnesota Affiliate.
David Egan, co-executive director, Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Minnesota Affiliate, said, "C.H. Robinson has truly shown an extraordinary commitment to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the breast health cause. The Pink Ribbon Watermelon program is a fabulous cause-marketing effort and one that we're thrilled to be involved with."
Floyd said, "The new programs have been meaningful for both retailers and consumers. This is an easy way for retailers and consumers to give back, support and positively impact communities. We are very excited about the momentum and level of participation the Pink Ribbon Watermelon and Our World™ Organics programs received in their first year. We believe there is a huge opportunity to have an even bigger impact in 2009."
About C.H. Robinson Worldwide
C.H. Robinson got its start in the produce industry over 100 years ago, providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the settlers of the Dakotas and Minnesota. Today, C.H. Robinson is one of the largest produce sourcing and non-asset based third party logistics companies in the world, with 2007 sourcing gross revenues of $1.3 billion. C.H. Robinson sources the highest quality products while integrating value-added logistics, distribution, and information reporting services. We serve over 29,000 customers through a network of more than 224 offices and approximately 8,000 employees in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Through the company and its Foundation, C.H. Robinson contributes millions of dollars annually to a variety of organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Children's Hospital of Minnesota, and the United Way. The company is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and has been publicly traded on the Nasdaq since 1997. For more information about C.H. Robinson, visit our Web site at http://www.chrobinson.com/.
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure® - Minnesota Affiliate
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure® promise: to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® - Minnesota Affiliate—along with those who generously support us with their talent, time and resources—is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in our community. We join more than 100,000 breast cancer survivors and activists around the globe as part of the world's largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast cancer. Through events like the Susan G. Komen Twin Cities Race for the Cure®, we have invested over $25 million in local breast health and breast cancer awareness projects in the state of Minnesota. Up to 75 percent of net proceeds generated by the Komen Minnesota Affiliate stay in the state of Minnesota. The remaining income goes to the national Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Grants Program for energizing science to find the cures. Join us by calling 952-746-1760 or visiting us online at ttp://www.komenminnesota.org/.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® - Minnesota Affiliate is a Minnesota 501(c)3 non-profit corporation; Internal Revenue Service #41-1924790; Minnesota Tax #4336115.
About Sustainable Harvest International (http://www.sustainableharvest.org/)
Sustainable Harvest International (SHI) is a 501c3 non-profit that provides farming families in Central America with the training and tools to overcome poverty while restoring our planet's tropical forests. Since its initiation 11 years ago by returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Florence Reed, SHI has assisted more than 1,350 families and 101 farming communities in rural Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. SHI's 40 local field trainers have helped families to plant more than 2.5 million trees and convert thousands of acres of land to sustainable uses, thereby saving tens of thousands of acres from slash-and-burn destruction.
"Susan G. Komen for the Cure" is a registered trademark of The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
"Sustainable Harvest International" is a registered trademark of Sustainable Harvest International. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
"A Sweet Way to Stay Healthy" and "Our World" are trademarks of C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved.