GE Receives U.S. State Department Award For Corporate Citizenship

Washington, WA - At a ceremony in Washington, DC, GE recently received the Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) from U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. GE was recognized for its extensive corporate social responsibility programs in Indonesia, specifically the Company's role in post-Tsunami relief efforts and its emphasis on employee volunteerism and educational programs.

The award was accepted by GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt.

"On behalf of our 1,600 employees in Indonesia and the others across the world, we are honored to receive this award, a reflection of how we continue to dedicate our expertise and resources in supporting the communities in which we operate," said Mr. Immelt. "This award is an excellent example of how GE can help improve the quality of life for our citizens, our employees and our customers, as we bring to bear our culture of integrity and innovation in communities we serve."

The ACE, the Secretary of State's Award for Corporate Excellence, was established by the State Department in 1999, and recognizes the important role U.S. businesses play abroad as good corporate citizens.

GE was actively involved in post-tsunami recovery. Working with Habitat for Humanity, it provided $800,000 to construct 147 houses and a "community learning center" in Banda Aceh. More than 5000 volunteer hours were spent on building the houses and the Center's foundation. Water purification technology was used to provide drinking water in Aceh in the post-tsunami months. The company donated medical equipment such as portable ultrasound and x-ray units to assist medical personnel in providing care. GE also supported the Emergency School program to provide supplies to temporary classrooms in Aceh.

The GE Foundation matched the donations from GE employees to survivors in all affected countries, bringing the total to over $8 million. In all, the GE Family Around the world sent $20 million in cash and goods to tsunami-stricken area.

GE Indonesia also worked with the Nurani Dunia Foundation and local residents to establish the Proklamasi Community Learning House in Jakarta, which provides activities and trainings to children and adults. GE Volunteers also donate time for training or activities as needed and also provides mentoring for older children. Overall, 500 employees participate in the GE Volunteers program (nearly a third of the workforce). GE Volunteers in Indonesia will see the 10th year of their environmental education activities, as well as other green projects.

Companies are nominated by Chiefs of Mission for the ACE and the winners are chosen by the Award Selection Committee, chaired by Under Secretary of State Sheeran and include senior officials from the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs; the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor; the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs; as well as the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and Department of Commerce.

SOURCE: GE