press releases
2006 Award For Corporate Excellence Finalists Selected
10/16/2006
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, D.C.
October 13, 2006
MEDIA NOTE
Pfizer Pakistan is among twelve American companies selected last week (Oct. 2) as finalists for the Secretary of State’s prestigious 2006 Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE). Chosen from 55 nominations submitted by American Ambassadors around the world, ACE finalists are international business leaders who recognize the important role that U.S. businesses play abroad as good corporate citizens. Pfizer was nominated in recognition of its achievements in environmental stewardship, rule of law, and its ongoing corporate citizenship activities, culminating in its comprehensive response to the tragic October 8, 2005 earthquake in Pakistan.
Amongst other earthquake activities, Pfizer CEO Hank McKinnell volunteered to join four other U.S. business leaders to comprise the board of the South Asian Earthquake Relief Fund (SAERF), a foundation established in October 2005 by U.S. President George W. Bush to promote charitable giving toward earthquake assistance (the fund received almost $19 million in cash and pledges). Pfizer also stepped forward with a pledge of earthquake assistance, through the Pfizer Foundation, valued at $12 million, including $2 million in cash assistance and $10 million in in-kind assistance of medicines, blankets, tents, food and logistics. Pfizer also mobilized its own employees to help with relief efforts. Through employee contributions doubled by Pfizer matching funds, Pfizer Pakistan contributed a further $1 million in cash, donating to organizations such as Save the Children and the International Red Cross, and in-kind donations.
According to U.S. Charge d’Affaires Peter Bodde, "Pfizer’s quick response to the earthquake demonstrates how private philanthropy can help alleviate suffering throughout the world. Their nomination is well-deserved."
The Secretary of State has given the ACE since 1999 in recognition of the vital role that U.S. businesses play to advance good corporate citizenship, innovation and democratic values. The Department of State is committed to working with American business to further these exemplary practices worldwide and to recognize the contribution business makes to improving lives at home and abroad. The ACE award highlights the Department’s commitment to promote exemplary business practices globally.
The 12 finalists for 2006 are: APCO in China; Chevron in Indonesia; Coca-Cola in Mexico; Delta Construction in Vietnam; General Motors in Colombia; Goldman Sachs in Chile; Kerr McGee in Benin; McDonald’s in Guatemala; Microsoft in Egypt; Motorola in Iraq; Pfizer in Pakistan and Sambazon in Brazil.
One or more winners will be selected from these 12 finalists. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will announce the 2006 ACE winners on November 6 at an awards ceremony at the U.S. State Department in Washington, DC.