[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 138 (Tuesday, September 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DARDEN RESTAURANTS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ALAN GRAYSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 29, 2009

  Mr. GRAYSON. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to honor a great 
American company. For more than 40 years, Darden Restaurants has been 
nourishing and delighting guests through the operation of some of the 
most popular restaurant brands in the country, including Red Lobster, 
Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, the Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze 
and Seasons 52.
  I'm proud to say that central Florida has always been, and will 
continue to be, home for Darden. The company has been instrumental in 
helping shape the growth and development of the region through its 
impassioned involvement and support of the community. Through corporate 
involvement, restaurant donations and support from the Darden 
Foundation and Environmental Trust, Darden has contributed millions of 
dollars to community based organizations and programs over the years.
  Today, Darden has once again demonstrated its commitment to central 
Florida with the opening on September 30, 2009, of a new $1.52 million, 
state-of-the-art corporate headquarters in my district that keeps 1,300 
jobs in the region.
  Not only is Darden one of the leading employers in region, it's also 
the 29th largest private employer in America--employing 180,000 people 
in 49 States.
  Further, through all of its growth, Darden leads in its environmental 
stewardship and has remained committed to sustainability. Its new 
facility is on track to receive Gold certification for Leadership in 
Energy and Environmental Design for new construction from the United 
States Green Building Council. Upon final certification, it will be the 
largest newly constructed Gold LEED certified building in Florida. 
Additionally, Darden established the Darden Environmental Trust in 
1997, which has contributed over $3 million to organizations that 
promote sustainability. Since 1997, the Darden Environmental Trust has 
actively engaged in the protection of endangered sea turtles, the 
whooping crane, and has assisted in the funding of the Blowing Rocks 
preserve project, that is working to restore a section of delicate 
coastline in central Florida. Finally, Darden is helping to lead the 
way in helping to reduce the overfishing of lobster and wild fish 
species, and promoting new sustainable seafood products that improve 
the overall long term health of the world's increasingly fragile 
fisheries.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to commend Darden on its vision and 
commitment to building stronger communities through its ``best of 
class'' restaurant operations, its commitment to the environment and 
sustainability practices, and its continued investment in my community 
and thousands of communities across the country.

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