Posts: 6

1. Endangered Species Chocolate announces 2007 partners!

   09.May.07, 18:28 EDT
   
   Share It | Spread It | Comments: 0

   For Immediate Release December 4, 2006 Contact: Renée Sweany Endangered Species Chocolate (317)844-2886 Ext 108 rsweany@chocolatebar.com Endangered Species Chocolate announces 2007 partners INDIANAPOLIS –In 2007, Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC) will donate 10% of its net profits to Chimp Haven and The Ocean Conservancy, in addition to funding six scholarships for Nigerian schoolchildren. The three recipients coincide very closely with ESC’s triad of species, habitat and humanity. ESC has a rigorous process in which partners are selected based on their aggressive and clear mission to help species, habitat and/or humanity. Starting in 2007, ESC will partner with the selected organizations for a minimum of two years in order to have a greater, more long-lasting impact on their mission. Species Chimp Haven provides lifetime care for chimpanzees no longer used for medical research, as pets or entertainers. The 200-acre Shreveport, LA, sanctuary will be home to more than 200 of the approximately 1,300 chimpanzees who have been used in federally supported research and who are housed in research facilities. Funds received from ESC will be used for veterinary care and medicine, the food preparation and enrichment kitchen, and habitat enhancements. www.chimphaven.org Habitat The Ocean Conservancy, located in Washington, DC, promotes healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems and opposes practices that threaten ocean life and human life. Through research, education, and science-based advocacy, The Ocean Conservancy informs, inspires, and empowers people to speak and act on behalf of the oceans. The grant will be used to fund three projects: SEE Turtles: Sea turtle Ecotourism Expeditions, The International Coastal Cleanup and the Florida Wildlife Program. www.oceanconservancy.org Humanity In partnership with Saro Agro Science, six scholarships will be granted to the top students in the Ikom region of Nigeria where ESC cacao is harvested. The money will be used to purchase school books, supplies and uniforms. “Our selection process is designed to be robust, so we engage in a very sequential procedure.” ESC takes in many applications and based on strict criteria, the number is brought down to six candidates. Then all staff at ESC is given the opportunity to review the applicants and vote on the ones they support. The top candidates become the new slate of 10% partners. “This is an important process for us. We want to be sure we are honoring our covenant with our consumer, thus a diligent job in selecting 10% partners that are truly engaged in making a difference on the planet,” says Zink. In addition to donating 10-percent of net profits to conservation-minded nonprofits, ESC only uses cacao grown under the natural canopy of the forest, another way to protect the environment and the species living there. Once the cacao is harvested it is ethically traded, ensuring humane working conditions and a fair price for the farmers and their communities. These efforts are a few among many green business practices that ESC employs to help support species recovery, conservation of habitats and honoring of human life. About Endangered Species Chocolate Indianapolis-based Endangered Species Chocolate is fully committed to providing premium, all-natural ethically traded, naturally shade-grown, and kosher products, as well as products that are certified vegan and organic. To honor its core value – Reverence for Life – ESC confirms that all beans used in its products are purchased from small, family-owned properties where the income benefits the community. The company also donates 10-percent of net profits to help support species, habitat and humanity. The number one best selling brand of natural and organic chocolate in the natural food category, ESC offers more than 30 products. For more information, please visit . www.chocolatebar.com

2. Endangered Species makes People's Choice Top Ten List!

   09.May.07, 18:27 EDT
   
   Share It | Spread It | Comments: 0

   For Immediate Release October 11, 2006 Contact: Renée Sweany Endangered Species Chocolate (317)844-2886 Ext 108 rsweany@chocolatebar.com Endangered Species Chocolate Makes People’s Choice Top Ten List Vote now to make an Indianapolis company Green Business of the Year INDIANAPOLIS – Consumers nationwide have nominated Indianapolis-based Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC) for the 2006 Co-op America People’s Choice Award for Green Business of the Year. ESC is calling for support from fellow Hoosiers to put Indiana on the map for eco-friendliness. Vote before October 24 at www.coopamerica.org/greenbusiness/peopleschoice. The People’s Choice Award winner will be announced at Green Festival in San Francisco on November 10. The Co-op America People’s Choice Award is a celebration of the leaders of the green economy, and a challenge to corporate America to follow their path. Co-op America defines green businesses as “companies that work to help – not hurt – people, communities, and the planet,” a concept that is in line with ESC’s triad of species, habitat and humanity. A proud Co-op America member, ESC is committed to helping fulfill their mission “to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society.” ESC was founded in 1993 in effort to spread awareness and to make an impact on the growing number of plant and animal species disappearing from Earth. Since then the mission has grown to embrace a new definition of “endangered” - that all species, habitat and humanity are endangered on our planet, not just animals on a list. ESC’s core value is Reverence for Life – a philosophy drawn from renowned humanitarian Albert Schweitzer – which encompasses the spirit and goals of ESC. Reverence for Life manifests itself in the triad: endangered species recovery, habitat conservation and compassion for fellow humans. ESC believes that all life is precious and deserves respect, kindness and care. Through premium chocolate products made from ethically traded, shade grown cocoa, the company seeks to spread environmental awareness and ignite compassion for all life on the planet. ESC donates 10% of net profits to organizations committed to protecting species, habitat and humanity. In keeping with the company’s efforts to protect species and the environment, the administrative and production facility is LEED® registered and meets all the requirements of LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Rating Council.

3. Nigeria Trip

   09.May.07, 18:26 EDT
   
   Share It | Spread It | Comments: 0

   ndangered Species Chocolate Nigeria Trip Endangered Species Chocolate Nigeria Trip 6,000 miles from home, Endangered Species Chocolate finds its roots Mission-driven chocolate company documents ethically traded cacao farming in Nigeria Download Nigeria Press Release (PDF) INDIANAPOLIS – With the company's core value – Reverence for Life – on their minds, four team members from Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC) arrived in Nigeria on Feb. 3, 2006, to document ethically traded farming practices in the villages where ESC sources the cacao that makes the nation's leading brand of all-natural chocolate. ESC representatives visited the villages of Etung L.G.A. and Bendeghe Ekiem in the Ikom region of Nigeria, which is located about 30 miles west of the Cameroon border. Taking more than 600 pictures and logging hours of video footage, the team followed the journey of its cocoa beans from the cacao trees on which they grow to the ocean vessels that transport them to the chocolate production facilities in Europe. Each step of the way, ESC representatives were able to confirm firsthand that the chocolate used in Endangered Species Chocolate products is ethically traded. The crops are harvested by adult workers who are paid a fair wage, and the money spent by ESC for the crop is used by the owner/farmer and benefits the village near the farm. As part of its Nigerian experience – and further underscoring the company's mission – the ESC team dedicated water pumps and educational materials to the villages near the farms. Through its export partner, Saro Agroallied Ltd., ESC contributed more than $52,000 to purchase and install heavy-duty UNICEF filtered water pumps and supply much needed school textbooks, desks, chairs and chalkboards to more than 4,000 schoolchildren in Etung L.G.A. and Bendeghe Ekiem. Cacao farmers control own economic destiny ESC's Nigerian mission confirmed that the farmers who produce the cacao used in the company's nearly 30 products are making a fair wage and working under humane working conditions. "The ethical trade of our cacao is something we know is happening," said Wayne Zink, CEO of ESC. "We have seen the farms and met the farmers. Ethical trade is their way of life, their way of doing business, just as it is with ESC. That, to me, is the most important thing." Zink and his team not only witnessed the skilled cacao farmers harvesting, drying, storing and transporting the vital beans, they learned the details of how these farmers work with the Saro procurement agents to get the best prices for their crop. "The farmers in Etung L.G.A. and Bendeghe Ekiem are in total control of their economic destiny," Zink said. "These farmers have free will to sell their cacao to whom they want, when they want, depending on world market prices. Neither the government nor any third party sets prices. The farmers' villages are flourishing and their economic well being is very clear to us." The future of Nigeria is in the children In what clearly became the most emotional aspect of the journey, the ESC team was able to help provide clean drinking water for the two farming villages. According to Zink, children were often ill and missed school because of countless intestinal disorders as a result of drinking contaminated river water. Two large UNICEF filter pumps now provide potable water to the children and adults of Etung L.G.A. and Bendeghe Ekiem. "The dedication ceremonies for the water pumps were awe-inspiring and emotional," Zink said. "After we unveiled the pumps, we pumped the water and drank it together. The water was delicious – cold, clear and clean." While safe drinking water was needed desperately, schoolchildren were still learning in harsh environments. ESC provided the first curricular textbooks to the village's "comprehensive secondary schools." The company also donated desks and chairs so the children no longer had to sit on dirt floors. "As we approached both schools, the children lined the streets and welcomed us," Zink said. "The joy on the children's faces is an image that will forever remain etched in our minds. The future of Nigeria truly is in the children." The ESC team has since returned from the 110-degree heat and rugged living conditions with a newfound appreciation for ethical trade and the many individuals involved in growing, harvesting, transporting and processing the seeds of a precious tropical fruit whose scientific name, Theobroma cacao, means "food of the gods." Trip Facts Download Nigeria Trip Facts (PDF) Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC) team members visited Nigeria from Feb. 3 – 10, 2006. The team: Wayne Zink, CEO; Joelle Hoffman, director of international sales; Jae Park, director of marketing; and Kelly Bredl, project manager. The ESC team visited two cacao farming villages, Etung L.G.A. and Bendeghe Ekiem, in the Ikom region of Nigeria. * With a population of approximately 10,000, Ikom is located about 30 miles west of the Cameroon border and 30 miles north of Calabar, Nigeria. * There are more than 300 different ethnic groups in Nigeria. In Ikom alone, locals speak at least four different dialects of the native Nigerian language. * Cacao is a major cash crop in Nigeria. According to a recent BBC story, the Nigerian government hopes to triple cacao production over the next three years from 180,000 tons in 2005 to 600,000 tons by 2008 and increase subsidies by $1.1 million. * ESC sources all of the cacao used to make its nearly 30 products from the two Nigerian villages. (Only about 15 percent of the Nigerian cacao export comes out of Ikom. The remaining 85 percent is produced in regions closer to Lagos, a major port city with a population of approximately 18 million.) * ESC creates its products using only ethically traded chocolate. By purchasing ethically traded chocolate, ESC guarantees cacao farmers a fair wage and total control of their financial futures. * All cacao farming procedures in Etung L.G.A. and Bendeghe Ekiem are done with human labor. Motorized vehicles are used only to carry the harvested cacao out of the deep forests. * After cacao seeds are harvested, dried and fermented, they are stored in sacks, each weighing 145 pounds. The farmers move and stack these sacks in warehouses by hand. * While cacao can technically be harvested year round, the crop is harvested predominantly in October. * Through its export partner, Saro Agroallied Ltd., ESC contributed more than $52,000 to purchase and install two large UNICEF water pumps and supply much needed school supplies such as textbooks, desks and chalkboards to more than 4,000 schoolchildren in Etung L.G.A. and Bendeghe Ekiem. Endangered Species Chocolate CEO Wayne Zink drinks the clean, cool water from one of the UNICEF pumps the company donated to two Nigerian cacao farming villages. Endangered Species Chocolate representatives with the hard-working cacao farmers in Nigeria's Ikom region. Nigerian farm workers diligently check the humidity of stored cacao beans, ensuring proper freshness and optimal flavor profile.

4. Endangered Species Chocolate recognized by Nutrition Business Journal

   09.May.07, 18:23 EDT
   
   Share It | Spread It | Comments: 0

   For Immediate Release May 1, 2007 Contact: Renée Sweany Endangered Species Chocolate (317)844-2886 Ext 108 rsweany@chocolatebar.com Endangered Species Chocolate recognized by Nutrition Business Journal Honored for growth and charitable activities INDIANAPOLIS – Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC) was recognized by Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ) for contributions made to the nutrition industry in 2006: Growth in Small Companies, Food (Silver) and Charitable Activities. ESC was selected from more than 100 nominations received by NBJ. All award recipients were published in the Executive Review 2006 issue of Nutrition Business Journal. Endangered Species Chocolate will also be recognized at the NBJ/Newport Summit annual executive retreat July 18-20. Nutrition Business Journal is a research, publishing and consulting company serving the nutrition, natural products and alternative health care industries. Nutrition and natural products include dietary supplements, herbs/botanicals, vitamins/minerals, natural/organic foods and natural personal care. For more information about the NBJ awards, visit nbj.stores.yahoo.net/2006awards.html.

5. Endangered Species Chocolate launches new treat-sized varieties

   09.May.07, 18:22 EDT
   
   Share It | Spread It | Comments: 0

   For Immediate Release April 27, 2007 Contact: Renée Sweany Endangered Species Chocolate (317)844-2886 Ext 108 rsweany@chocolatebar.com Endangered Species Chocolate launches new treat-sized varieties Helping save the planet one bite at a time The next time you’re shopping at Target, you may feel the eyes of a panther starring you down. But don’t run the other direction. Rather, pick up some dark chocolate that gives back to the planet. Some of the most popular flavors of Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC) are available in pouches of individually wrapped .35 oz. bite-sized squares. Five assortments will hit Target shelves and the ESC web site (ChocolateBar.com) in mid-June, including: • Premium Organic Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa content); • All-natural Supreme Dark Chocolate (72% cocoa content) and All-natural Extreme Dark Chocolate (88% cocoa content); • All-natural Dark Chocolate with Blueberries (70% cocoa content) and All-natural Dark Chocolate with Raspberries (70% cocoa content); • All-natural Dark Chocolate with Cranberries & Almonds (70% cocoa content); and • All-natural Dark Chocolate with Mint (70% cocoa content). Each package of ethically traded gourmet chocolate is made from recycled clay coated newsback and features an at-risk species. The organic pouch includes 10 pieces of dark chocolate and the all-natural pouches include 13 pieces. As with all Endangered Species Chocolate products, 10% of net profits are donated to help support conservation efforts associated with species, habitat and humanity.

6. Endangered Species Chocolate Promtes Employees

   09.May.07, 18:21 EDT
   
   Share It | Spread It | Comments: 0

   For Immediate Release April 25, 2007 Contact: Renée Sweany Endangered Species Chocolate (317)844-2886 Ext 108 rsweany@chocolatebar.com Endangered Species Chocolate promotes employees Indianapolis, IN April 25, 2007- Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC), the number one selling brand of all-natural and organic chocolate (SPINS data), has promoted Doreen Gubernat to director of sales and marketing, Patty Beidelman to manager of conventional sales, Larry Phillips to production manager, Wilber Benitez to assistant production manager, and Tina Benitez to shipping and fulfillment manager. Gubernat started working with ESC as a broker for Tozzi & Associates in 1997. She joined the company's sales team in January 2006. As director of sales and marketing, Gubernat will work closely with the international sales, marketing and customer service teams. She has had various roles in the natural health and products industry, including educator, researcher, writer and manager. Gubernat received her B.S. in social work from West Virginia University and her M.P.H. from East Stroudsburg University, is a graduate of the Herbal Therapeutics School of Botanical Medicine and earned the credential of Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Beidelman joined ESC in January of 2007 as Midwest regional sales manager. Her new role is to oversee all efforts in the conventional grocery market. Beidelman's business development experience includes various positions with Russell Stover Candies and Edy's Grand Ice Cream. She also served six years in the Air Force Reserve where she achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. Beidelman received her B.S in marketing and minor in Spanish from Indiana University School of Business. Phillips has been with ESC as technical services manager since its move to Indianapolis in June of 2005. In his new role as production manager, he works closely with the production team and quality control to maintain the recipes of ESC's more than 30 gourmet chocolate products. Prior to joining ESC, Phillips spent more than 30 years in facilities management and machine maintenance. He attended IUPUI's industrial supervision program. Wilber Benitez joined the production line of ESC in August of 2005. As assistant production manager, he manages the production team and the process of turning delicious blends of chocolate into beautifully packaged and boxed chocolate bars. Prior to joining ESC, Benitez worked on the construction team that renovated the new ESC facility in Indianapolis. Originally from El Salvador, he is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish, and has lived in the United States for 23 years. Tina Benitez joined the ESC shipping team in July of 2005. In her new role of shipping and fulfillment manager, she is responsible for overseeing the flow of inventory, from receiving raw goods to shipping finished products to customers and retailers. Benitez also works part-time at an Indianapolis nursing home in food service. She has more than 14 years of shipping and receiving experience in New York and Indianapolis. # # # About Endangered Species Chocolate Indianapolis-based Endangered Species Chocolate is fully committed to providing premium, all-natural ethically traded, naturally shade-grown, and kosher products, as well as products that are certified vegan and organic. To honor its core value – Reverence for Life – ESC confirms that all beans used in its products are purchased from small, family-owned properties where the income benefits the community. The company also donates 10-percent of net profits to help support species, habitat and humanity. The number one best selling brand of natural and organic chocolate in the natural food category, ESC offers more than 30 products. For more information, please visit www.chocolatebar.com