LITTLE ROCK, Ark., June 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tyson Foods, Inc.
(NYSE: TSN) is doing a better job valuing cultural diversity because of its
partnership with the nation's largest and oldest Hispanic organization,
according to the company's chairman and CEO, John Tyson.
Tyson spoke today in Little Rock at the 76th League of United Latin
American Citizens (LULAC) National Convention. Tyson Foods, which employs
more than 40,000 Hispanics, developed a working relationship with LULAC three
years ago.
"Every day -- just like the rest of America -- we're learning and growing
and benefiting from diversity that has allowed our company to mature in ways
we never knew were possible," Tyson told the convention.
"Some organizations advocate change by searching for the tension in
relationships, the points of difference," Tyson said. "It's been our
experience that LULAC has achieved positive change by finding the common
ground. When you have a partner who listens to you, you in return tend to
listen to them," he added.
Through their relationship, LULAC encouraged Tyson to consider including
Hispanic representation on the company's board and senior management ranks.
After a search for qualified board candidates, Tyson appointed the company's
first Hispanic board member in 2004. Albert C. Zapanta, president and CEO of
the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, is currently one of nine
directors on the company's board.
Tyson Foods places a strong emphasis on the effective development of
diversity in all aspects of its business. Today, there are a growing number
of Team Members with diverse backgrounds in the company's management ranks.
Last year J. Alberto Gonzalez-Pita was named Executive Vice President and
General Counsel of Tyson Foods.
"We want to be able to demonstrate diversity throughout the ranks of our
workforce," Tyson said. "It's the right thing to do, but it's also good
business."
Other examples of Tyson's Hispanic inclusion efforts include:
* Tyson's Core Values -- Through its Core Values, Tyson "strives to be
a company of diverse people working together" and operating "with
integrity and trust in all we do"
* Leadership and Organizational Development Department -- An on-going
Tyson goal is to identify and prepare people, including Hispanic Team
Members, to become future leaders through the company's Emerging
Leaders and Mentoring programs
* Tyson Leadership College -- The company provides training to
developing management and leadership skills. This includes classes on
values and ethics, communications, coaching and problem-solving
* Tyson Workforce Home Benefit Program -- The company launched a
$50 million initiative in 2004 designed to help Tyson Team Members
obtain the financial assistance and expertise needed to buy a home
* Newcomers Financial Literacy Program -- Some Tyson plants support
classes designed to help workers learn how to develop a credit
history, buy a home, write a check or participate in the retirement
savings program
* Tyson Supplier Diversity Program -- Tyson offers equal opportunity to
all potential suppliers of goods and services. For example, the
company tracks procurement with Hispanic-owned firms and has a
procurement goal that targets Hispanic suppliers
* Hispanic Marketing/Contributions -- Tyson has product marketing
efforts that target the growing Hispanic marketplace. The company also
makes charitable donations that specifically benefit the Hispanic
community
Tyson Foods has a booth at LULAC's National Convention, where the company
will feature aspects of their "Powered by Tyson" campaign. It will also
feature presentations by Chef Pepin and nutrition counselor Claudia Gonzalez
on the importance of food safety, nutrition and exercise. Information will
also be provided on the financial literacy program, Building the Future, led
by nationally renowned financial advisor, Roland Goicoechea, which is being
offered in some Tyson plants.
Accounts of events from the LULAC expo floor, perspectives of the day's
events and personal thoughts on the issues discussed can be accessed by
logging onto http://www.tysonfoodsinc.com/powerblog .
Tyson Foods, Inc. founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale,
Arkansas, is the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and
pork and the second-largest food company in the Fortune 500. The company
produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products, which are
marketed under the "Powered by Tyson(TM)" strategy. Tyson is the recognized
market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves, providing
products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than
80 countries. Tyson has approximately 114,000 Team Members employed at more
than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world.
SOURCE Tyson Foods, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.tyson.com
http://www.tysonfoodsinc.com/powerblog
CONTACT:
Gary Mickelson of Tyson Foods, Inc.,
+1-479-290-6111
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