[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1546]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CONGRATULATING FETZER VINEYARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 17, 2007

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay 
special tribute to a proud corporate citizen from California's First 
Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Fetzer Vineyards, 
an environmentally conscious grower, producer and marketer of wines, 
has been named a 2007 Brand With a Conscience in recognition of its 
sustainable practices and social responsibility in winemaking.
  Candidates for this award, given annually by the Medinge Group, an 
international think-tank on branding and business, are evaluated on the 
basis of reputation, accountability and an assessment of expressed 
values of sustainability. Fetzer has long been known as an 
environmentally responsible brand and joins companies such as Whole 
Foods and the Virgin Group in receiving this honor.
  Initiatives to improve the winery's energy efficiency and 
sustainability practices began in the 1980's with the Fetzer family and 
have continued to thrive with the support of Brown-Forman Corporation, 
its parent company since 1992. Among its many accomplishments, the 
vineyard has reduced its waste by 93 percent since 1991, is annually 
recognized as one of the top ten recycling companies in California and 
has been using 100 percent renewable power since 1999. Fetzer is also 
known for its extensive use of solar power, bio-fuel and its adoption 
of company-wide recycling programs. Fetzer has the largest solar array 
in the wine industry, consisting of 4,300 solar panels covering 75,000 
sq ft.
  This most recent accolade compliments a collection of awards 
recognizing Fetzer's commitment to environmentally conscious practices. 
In 1999 Fetzer received the Business Ethics Magazine Award for 
Environmental Excellence and the United States Environmental Protection 
Agency Climate Wise Partnership Award. In 2003, California's 
Environmental Protection Agency selected Fetzer to receive the 
Governor's Award for Environmental and Economic Leadership. Fetzer 
Vineyards has been acknowledged as Salmon Safe and touted for Fish 
Friendly Farming practices. In 2007, Fetzer received its 13th WRAP 
(Waste Reduction Awards Program) award.
  Fetzer is renowned for its triple-bottom line business approach, 
evaluating the impact of business decisions upon the employees and the 
environment along with economic considerations. As the largest grower 
of organic wine grapes in northern California, Fetzer carries on its 
tradition of using healthier vines and a more natural wine making 
process to produce wines that are recognized as being good for the 
planet and good for the palate.

  With this award, Fetzer will serve as a model for companies striving 
to establish environmentally conscious business practices both locally 
and on a wider national and international scale.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Fetzer on its recognition as a 2007 Brand With a Conscience and to 
applaud its tireless efforts as a world-class organization and champion 
of sustainable business practices. I am proud to represent them.

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