[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 116 (Thursday, September 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




GENENTECH, INC.--SETTING THE EXAMPLE AS ONE OF AMERICA'S BEST COMPANIES 
                          FOR WORKING MOTHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 1999

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, Genentech, Inc. of South San Francisco, 
California, is known around the world for its leadership in the field 
of biotechnology. Throughout the past two decades this innovative 
company has shattered barrier after barrier, using revolutionary 
science to develop and manufacture biotech products that have saved an 
untold number of lives. Genentech created the first pharmaceutical 
based on DNA technology (recombinant human insulin) and was the first 
company to bring a bioengineered medicine from research to the market 
(a recombinant human growth hormone). Its medicines have provided 
immense benefits to individuals suffering from breast cancer, non-
Hodgkins lymphoma, cystic fibrosis, and a wide range of other diseases. 
With this record of groundbreaking success, Genentech has richly earned 
its international reputation for excellence.
  The twenty-first century character of this outstanding company, 
however, extends well beyond its innovative products. Genentech's 
biotechnology leadership is mirrored in its devotion to corporate 
citizenship and to the welfare of its employees. Recognition of this 
commitment is found in the October 1999 issue of Working Mother 
magazine, which named Genentech one of the ``100 Best Companies for 
Working Mothers.'' This is the ninth time Genentech has made this 
impressive list.
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Arthur D. Levinson, Ph.D., 
clearly expresses the corporate philosophy which resulted in Working 
Mother's commendation: ``At Genentech, we believe that creating a work 
environment that is responsive to our employees' needs is one of our 
most important priorities.'' This creed is epitomized by the company's 
Second Generation program, one of America's largest corporate-
sponsored, on-site child care facilities. Operated by Bright Horizons 
Family Solutions and accredited by the National Association for the 
Education of Young Children, Second Generation attends to the needs of 
Genentech employees' sons and daughters with dedication and warmth. It 
provides hundreds of youthful participants (aged 6 weeks to 6 years of 
age) with quality care, developmental activities, play curriculum, 
daily activity reports and parental support.
  Mr. Speaker, Second Generation's forward-thinking approach is only 
one of the benefits for which Working Mother cited Genentech. The 
company offers important family-friendly benefits such as paid 
maternity leave for new moms, paid sabbaticals, and an employee 
concierge service. Genentech's willingness to invest in the well-being 
of its employees is truly extraordinary, and I am proud to have such a 
fine corporation in my congressional district.
   Genentech's corporate citizenship betters the lives of Peninsula 
communities and our country as well as its employees in many ways, in 
addition to its efforts to help working moms. Under Dr. Levinson's 
guidance, this fine company has repeatedly demonstrated that innovative 
growth and compassionate concern for employees can flourish together. 
Genentech has established uninsured patients' programs to enable 
underprivileged Americans to obtain every one of its marketed products, 
supplying more than $200 million worth of medications since the program 
was created. To help our nation's youth better understand the latest 
scientific advances, Genentech developed the Access Excellence web site 
to aid biology teachers and their students.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Genentech, 
Inc., on its outstanding benefits for working mothers and for its 
exceptional record of service to its community.

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