Enriching the Experience of Life: Brown-Forman Releases Third Corporate Responsibility Report

(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) Louisville, KY - August 2, 2011 - Brown-Forman announced today the publication of its third corporate responsibility report, covering the company’s progress and challenges in the areas of alcohol responsibility, environmental sustainability, employee relations, and civic engagement. The report is available in print and on the company’s website.

The report, “Enriching the Experience of Life,” draws its title from the company’s mission statement and is based on Brown-Forman’s belief that integrating responsibility into everything it does benefits both society and the company’s long-term success.

The report, available for download at www.brown-forman.com/responsibility, reestablishes the company’s corporate responsibility ambitions and provides supporting case study examples.

One such case study highlights the company’s recent Stakeholder Dialogue session, which convened a group of experts and advocates to share their perspectives on how Brown-Forman can effectively use its corporate and consumer brands to positively influence consumer attitudes and behaviors on responsible alcohol consumption. Brown-Forman executives attended the event, the first of its kind in the beverage alcohol industry.

“We believe that by engaging directly with others around key alcohol issues, we can bring about positive change more effectively,” said company Chief Executive Officer Paul Varga. “We are proud of the progress made while knowing there is still important work ahead, and we welcome continued feedback from those who read our report.”

Other highlights include Brown-Forman’s establishment of new environmental performance targets for energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste reduction. Although the company’s scorecard accompanying the report shows increases in greenhouse gas emissions and energy and water use, this was in large part due to increased production to meet the growing demand for the brands. The company believes the new goals will help balance expanding production needs with the desire to reduce their environmental footprint.

Brown-Forman’s report also features the formation and growth of Employee Resource Groups focused on enhancing leadership skills and creating cultural awareness among all employees. In addition, the expansion of employee volunteering efforts around the world and in reaction to natural disasters receives mention in the report.

 

About Brown-Forman Corporation For 140 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Jack Daniel’s & Cola, Canadian Mist, Korbel, Gentleman Jack, el Jimador, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, New Mix, Tuaca, and Woodford Reserve.  Brown-Forman’s brands are supported by nearly 4,000 employees and sold in approximately 135 countries worldwide. 

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