[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 178 (Thursday, September 12, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48126-48128]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-23250]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
[Docket No. 960719198-6248-02]
RIN 0625.XX08


Announcement of Best Global Practices Award

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Commerce.


[[Page 48127]]


ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This Notice announces the implementation of the Best Global 
Practices Award by the International Trade Administration (ITA) of the 
Department of Commerce to recognize the programs and practices of U.S. 
companies that have exhibited extraordinary leadership and 
accomplishment in corporate citizenship in overseas activities. This 
notice sets forth the criteria for the award, who may apply, how 
companies may apply, the procedures by which the Secretary of Commerce 
will decide on who will receive the award, and the expected timetable.

DATES: The closing date for applications is October 11, 1996. The 
Department of Commerce expects to announce the winner or winners of the 
award in the fall of 1996.

ADDRESSES: Request for Applications: Application forms will be 
available from ITA starting on the day this notice is published. To 
obtain a copy of the application form please telephone (202) 482-4501, 
or facsimile (202) 482-1999 (these are not toll free numbers); or send 
a written request with two self-addressed mailing labels to the Office 
of Export Promotion Coordination, International Trade Administration, 
U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., 
Room 2003, Washington, D.C. 20230. You may call 1-800-USA-TRADE and 
follow the voice prompt to have the application faxed directly to you. 
You also may go to the International Trade Administration Internet Home 
Page http://www.ita.doc.gov/itahome.html, click on Best Global 
Practices and down load the application form. You can use any of these 
methods to access sample codes of conduct donated by international 
companies and organizations interested in furthering good corporate 
citizenship worldwide. Only one copy of the application form will be 
provided to each organization requesting it, but it may be reproduced 
by the requester. An original and two copies of the application and 
supplemental material are to be sent to the Office of Export Promotion 
Coordination, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room 2003, 
Washington, D.C. 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David C. Bowie, Deputy Director, 
Office of Export Promotion Coordination, tel. (202) 482-4501. This is 
not a toll-free number.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 26, 1995, President Clinton announced 
the adoption of Model Principles for U.S. firms in their overseas 
operations, as follows:

Model Business Principles

    Recognizing the positive role of U.S. business in upholding and 
promoting adherence to universal standards of human rights, the 
Administration encourages all businesses to adopt and implement 
voluntary codes of conduct for doing business around the world that 
cover at least the following areas:
    1. Provision of a safe and healthful workplace.
    2. Fair employment practices, including avoidance of child and 
forced labor and avoidance of discrimination based on race, gender, 
national origin or religious beliefs; and respect for the right of 
association and the right to organize and bargain collectively.
    3. Responsible environmental protection and environmental 
practices.
    4. Compliance with U.S. and local laws promoting good business 
practices, including laws prohibiting illicit payments and ensuring 
fair competition.
    5. Maintenance, through leadership at all levels, of a corporate 
culture that respects free expression consistent with legitimate 
business concerns, and does not condone political coercion in the 
workplace; that encourages good corporate citizenship and makes a 
positive contribution to the communities in which the company operates; 
and where ethical conduct is recognized, valued and exemplified by all 
employees.
    In adopting voluntary codes of conduct that reflect these 
principles, U.S. companies should serve as models, encouraging similar 
behavior by their partners, suppliers, and subcontractors.
    Adoption of codes of conduct reflecting these principles is 
voluntary. Companies are encouraged to develop their own codes of 
conduct appropriate to their particular circumstances. Many companies 
already apply standards or codes that incorporate these principles. 
Companies should find appropriate means to inform their shareholders 
and the public of actions undertaken in connection with these 
principles. Nothing in the principles is intended to require a company 
to act in violation of host country or U.S. law. ``This statement of 
principles is not intended for legislation.''
    The Best Global Practices award will be presented to a company that 
has established programs that show leadership and accomplishment in 
meeting the goals of one or more of these five Model Principles during 
the company's last three years of operations.
    Who may apply: Any U.S. company may apply for the award. For 
purposes of this award, a U.S. company is defined as one that is 
incorporated in the United States. A U.S. company may apply on its own 
behalf, and outside organizations and individuals may apply on behalf 
of an eligible company (with that company's consent).
    Selection of award winners: The Secretary of Commerce will select a 
winner or winners with the advice of an interagency group consisting of 
representatives from the Departments of Justice, State, Labor, and the 
Environmental Protection Agency. The Secretary may also seek the advice 
of private sector experts in the fields covered by the Model Business 
Principles.
    How to Apply: Completed applications should be sent to the Office 
of Export Promotion Coordination, International Trade Administration, 
U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., 
Room 2003, Washington, D.C. 20230, postmarked not later than October 
11, 1996.
    Each item set forth in the application form should be addressed. 
Failure to submit all applicable information may delay processing of 
the application. Supplemental materials (annual reports, documentary 
material, etc.) are encouraged. Inquiries regarding the application 
process should also be forwarded to this office. Applicants will be 
notified by mail of the receipt of their applications and also any 
deficiencies in the application. When the award process is complete, 
all applicants will be notified by mail.
    Information collection: The information is being collected in order 
to allow the Department of Commerce to judge applicants for the Best 
Global Practices Award. The information submitted by applicants will be 
used by the Department and the panel of judges drawn from government 
agencies to select the applicant whose conduct best exemplifies the 
Best Global Practices. The information called for in the application is 
voluntary, but must be submitted in order to be considered for the Best 
Global Practices Award. Applicants are advised not to include business 
confidential information because confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required 
to respond to nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to 
comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of 
the Paperwork

[[Page 48128]]

Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a 
currently valid OMB Control Number.
    OMB Control Number 0625-0226, expiration date November 30, 1996.

    Dated: September 5, 1996.
David C. Bowie,
Deputy Director, Office of Export Promotion and Coordination.
[FR Doc. 96-23250 Filed 9-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P