[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 84 (Monday, June 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CONGRATULATING CHIQUITA BRANDS INTERNATIONAL

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                           HON. JEAN SCHMIDT

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 8, 2009

  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chiquita 
Brands International on receiving the 2009 Circle of Excellence Award 
presented annually by the Distribution Business Management Association. 
Each year the association presents this prestigious award to the 
corporation that best exemplifies three main criteria of supply chain 
management: current corporate commitment, past demonstrated programs, 
and plans for continued commitment. The Circle of Excellence Award is 
the Distribution Business Management Association's highest recognition 
for Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and environmental 
protection.
  Chiquita, together with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 
worked to adequately measure their carbon footprint in bringing bananas 
from the plantations to the marketplace. Through their studies, they 
were able to identify areas in the supply chain that will allow them to 
further reduce their carbon footprint in a sustainable manner.
  According to Amy Thorn, Executive Director of the Distribution 
Business Management Association, Chiquita stood out from other 
businesses because of its ongoing green transportation initiatives that 
focus on reducing carbon emissions in transportation throughout North 
America. Additionally, Dr. Omar Keith Helferich of Central Michigan 
University stated that Chiquita's accomplishments are testimony to its 
corporate commitment to sustainability.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding the leadership of 
Chiquita and their 23,000 world-wide employees who are truly committed 
to making our country and planet a better and sustainable place for 
future generations.

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