[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 174 (Monday, December 5, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1591]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING MARS, INCORPORATED AND THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS WACO, 
                       TEXAS PRODUCTION FACILITY

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. BILL FLORES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 5, 2016

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mars, Incorporated 
and the 40th Anniversary of its Waco, Texas production facility.
  As a family-owned business since its founding in 1911, Mars has been 
a leading example of corporate responsibility practices that benefit 
the communities in which it operates. Guided by five core principles--
Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom--Mars has 
had a positive social and economic impact on many communities within 
the Seventeenth Congressional District of Texas.
  Since 1976, when Mars opened the doors of its facility in Waco the 
company has provided sustainable economic growth for our community. As 
such, the Waco facility currently employs over 550 full time 
associates, providing reliable jobs for many citizens in the District. 
The facility is responsible for producing both Mars Chocolate and 
Wrigley products, including Snickers, Skittles Candies, and Starburst 
Fruit Chews. In October, Mars announced its intent to combine its 
Chocolate and Wrigley segments to create Mars Wrigley Confectionery, 
which will help the company continue to deliver value to customers 
around the world.
  In addition to its commitment to producing high quality products for 
its consumers, the Waco facility has sought to create an environment 
that is mutually beneficial to the local community. For example, the 
Waco facility promotes sustainability and environmental efficiency 
through the use of a Wetlands Wastewater Treatment Facility, saving 
three to five million gallons of water each year. The facility also 
uses locally sourced peanuts in its Snickers bars, and it sponsors the 
annual Waco Wild West Century Bike Tour to raise money for the American 
Red Cross. In recognition of its outstanding commitment to diversity 
and unity in the workplace, the Waco facility recently received the 
Model of Unity Award from the Community Race Relations Coalition.
  On behalf of the Seventeenth Congressional District and the State of 
Texas, I am pleased to celebrate this important milestone with Mars' 
Waco facility, and I thank Mars for its continued dedication to our 
community.
  As I close, I ask everyone to continue praying for our country, and 
for our military and first responders who selflessly serve and 
sacrifice to protect us.

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