The Hershey Company Recognized for Fostering an Open and Inclusive Environment for Its Employees

HERSHEY, Pa., July 15, 2016 /3BL Media/ - The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) was recognized recently with multiple accolades from DiversityInc, and the National Organization on Disability for its continued commitment to diversity and inclusion. Earlier this year the company received a 100% rating on The Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. These accolades underscore The Hershey Company’s efforts to foster a workforce that reflects different perspectives and celebrates input from people of different backgrounds and experiences.

 “Our employees have always been fundamental to our success. We’ve grown because of the unmatched knowledge, expertise and excellence that our entire team brings to work each day,” said John P. Bilbrey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Hershey Company. “By encouraging employees to ask questions and share opinions across experiences, roles, and tenures, we have more effective collaboration and better results – internally and externally.”

Notable Awards Include:

• DiversityInc’s “25 Noteworthy Companies” – As a premier diversity publication, the annual DiversityInc survey assesses a company’s diversity and inclusion policies and practices. Hershey was recognized by the publication as one of their “25 Noteworthy Companies,” and a potential contender for their “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” list.
• DiversityInc’s Top 10 Companies for Veterans – In its third year, this list showcases the diversity-management activities that have earned the best results in recruiting and promoting veterans. Hershey was honored by being selected as #3 on this year’s Top 10 Companies for Veterans list.
• Human Rights Campaign (HRC) 2016 Corporate Equality Index – This index is a national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertaining to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees. Out of 407 major businesses, Hershey earned a score of 100 percent and the distinct honor of being listed as one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.”
• National Organization on Disability (NOD) Seal – NOD is a private, non-profit organization which focuses on increasing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Hershey was named as one of 27 organizations for leading the way in disability hiring.

Through various initiatives, Hershey continues to focus resources and attention on creating an “innovation everywhere” mindset across the organization. This includes encouraging a diverse and inclusive workforce, bringing together people with diversity of thought, interest, skills and experience.

As Hershey continues to make strides towards its goal to be a global leader in diversity and inclusion by 2020, focus areas include:

• Recruiting our nation’s veterans
• Being the employer of choice for young and upcoming talent
• Championing gender equity globally

To view more on Hershey’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, visit https://www.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/responsibility.html.

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company, headquartered in Hershey, Pa., is a global confectionery leader known for bringing goodness to the world through its chocolate, sweets, mints and other great-tasting snacks. Hershey has approximately 21,000 employees around the world who work every day to deliver delicious, quality products. The company has more than 80 brands around the world that drive more than $7.4 billion in annual revenues, including such iconic brand names as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey'sKisses, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers and Brookside. Building on its core business, Hershey is expanding its portfolio to include a broader range of delicious snacks. The company remains focused on growing its presence in key international markets while continuing to extend its competitive advantage in North America.

At Hershey, goodness has always been about more than delicious products. For more than 120 years, Hershey has been committed to operating fairly, ethically and sustainably. Hershey founder, Milton Hershey, created the Milton Hershey Schoolin 1909 and since then the company has focused on giving underserved children the skills and support they need to be successful. Today, the company continues this social purpose through 'Nourishing Minds,' a global initiative that provides basic nutrition to help children learn and grow. From neighborhoods across the United States to the streets of Shanghai andMumbai and villages of West Africa, our goal is to nourish one million minds by 2020.