EMBASSY PRESENTS INTEL COSTA RICA WITH ACE FINALIST AWARD

UNCLAS SAN JOSE 001190

SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EEB/EPPD NSMITH-NISSLEY AND TENOCH

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON EIND CS PGOV PREL
SUBJECT: EMBASSY PRESENTS INTEL COSTA RICA WITH ACE FINALIST AWARD


1. On December 17, Charge d'Affaires Peter Brennan presented Intel
Costa Rica with a plaque of recognition for achieving Finalist
status in the Department of State's 2009 Award for Corporate
Excellence program. Brennan highlighted Intel's achievements in
the areas of good corporate citizenship, environmental stewardship,
investment in community education programs, and development of the
local economy.




2. Intel Costa Rica's General Manager Mike Forrest expressed
gratitude for the recognition. He considered it a validation that
Intel was "on the right track" in its attempts to model excellence
in the area of corporate social responsibility. He noted that
Intel believed so strongly in contributing to the community that it
authorized employees to work with charitable organizations during
business hours, and Intel employees had dedicated 32,000 hours to
these causes in 2009.




3. Following the ceremony, Forrest commented that multinational
companies can counter negative stereotypes of their roles by using
corporate social responsibility to positively impact local
communities. By recognizing the achievement of the private sector
in this area, the Department of State helps to promote a positive
image of U.S. involvement in community-building initiatives.
BRENNAN