C.H. Robinson Worldwide 2008 'Taking Responsibility' Campaign Is A Success
C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., one of the largest non-asset based third party logistics (3PL) companies in the world, providing global multimodal transportation services, produce sourcing and logistics solutions, is very pleased with the inaugural year of their "Taking Responsibility" consumer programs.
C.H. Robinson developed two new consumer programs under their "Taking Responsibility" initiative; the Pink Ribbon Watermelon and Our World™ Organics programs. These programs were created to have an impact on the communities in which C.H. Robinson does business and to positively impact the health and environmental challenges that face future generations.
"We are very excited about these programs and the impact they will have on our communities," said Bud Floyd, C.H. Robinson's vice president of produce marketing. "Now more than ever, the care of our world, the commitment to our communities, and the future welfare of people everywhere depends on the actions we take today."
On a global level, C.H. Robinson supports Sustainable Harvest International (SHI) and their work with farmers and families in Central America. Through the Our World™ Organics program, C.H. Robinson is donating a portion of its net profits to help SHI provide farming families with the training and tools to improve growing techniques and increase their personal economics while restoring tropical forests.
C.H. Robinson projects that their donation, along with those of other organizations, to SHI could result in the planting of as many as 250,000 trees each year. Florence Reed, SHI's founder and president said, "We are very excited about C.H. Robinson's desire to support sustainable initiatives. The financial support will have a huge impact on our programs."
The Pink Ribbon Watermelon program promotes the benefits of healthy eating and breast cancer education. Watermelon is fat free and is a source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. According to the American Institute of Cancer, studies have shown that a cup and a half of watermelon contains about 9 to 13 milligrams of lycopene, on average about 40 percent more lycopene than raw tomatoes. The U.S. Department of Health stated that many scientists have found that diets high in lycopene correlates with reduced incidence of certain types of cancer.
C.H. Robinson donated over $70,000 on behalf of participating retailers to non-profits focused on cancer research and prevention throughout the United States. In late November, C.H. Robinson donated a portion of the Pink Ribbon Watermelon sales to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Minnesota Affiliate.
David Egan, co-executive director, Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Minnesota Affiliate, said, "C.H. Robinson has truly shown an extraordinary commitment to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the breast health cause. The Pink Ribbon Watermelon program is a fabulous cause-marketing effort and one that we're thrilled to be involved with."
Floyd said, "The new programs have been meaningful for both retailers and consumers. This is an easy way for retailers and consumers to give back, support and positively impact communities. We are very excited about the momentum and level of participation the Pink Ribbon Watermelon and Our World™ Organics programs received in their first year. We believe there is a huge opportunity to have an even bigger impact in 2009."
About C.H. Robinson Worldwide
C.H. Robinson got its start in the produce industry over 100 years ago, providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the settlers of the Dakotas and Minnesota. Today, C.H. Robinson is one of the largest produce sourcing and non-asset based third party logistics companies in the world, with 2007 sourcing gross revenues of $1.3B. C.H. Robinson sources the highest quality products while integrating value-added logistics, distribution, and information reporting services. We serve over 29,000 customers through a network of more than 224 offices and approximately 8,000 employees in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Through the company and its Foundation, C.H. Robinson contributes millions of dollars annually to a variety of organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Children's Hospital of Minnesota, and the United Way. The company is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and has been publicly traded on the Nasdaq since 1997.
SOURCE: C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.