The Humane Society of the United States Honors Corporations at Humane Awards

WASHINGTON – The Humane Society of the United States today announced that The Procter & Gamble Company, RealNetworks, Inc., Citigroup Asset Management and Johnnic Communications of South Africa will receive the organization’s inaugural Humane Awards in the corporate category. The awards will be bestowed at The 2001 Humane Awards: Honoring Congressional and Corporate Champions, on Thursday, April 25 in Washington.

“The Humane Society of the United States is pleased to be presenting awards to four corporations that have made the world a better place for animals,” said Thomas Waite, HSUS chief financial officer. “Through sound business practices, Procter & Gamble, RealNetworks, Citigroup Asset Management and Johnnic Communications have made a commitment to working toward a humane society.”

The Procter & Gamble Company is being recognized for its longstanding financial and scientific commitment to advancing alternatives to animal testing and for its instrumental support in the passage and strengthening of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods. This committee is made up of several federal agencies that work together to advance alternatives to animal testing.

“By providing industry leadership and much needed financial support, Procter & Gamble has moved the theory of alternatives to animal testing out of academics and into the real world of the product testing laboratory,” said Dr. Andrew Rowan, HSUS senior vice president for research, education and international issues. “Their efforts in this area have saved lives and prevented needless suffering for thousands of animals.”

“Procter & Gamble is honored and gratified to receive this prestigious award,” said Dr. Larry M. Games, vice president, professional and regulatory services, corporate external relations, The Procter & Gamble Company. “P&G values the partnership between industry and animal welfare organizations like The Humane Society, and remains strongly committed to the effort to develop and validate alternatives to animal testing.”

RealNetworks, Inc., the global leader in media delivery on the Internet, is being honored for making it possible for non-profit organizations to reach mass audiences with issue-driven audio and video programming. Through RealNetworks technology, non-profits are reaching millions of people that they would not reach otherwise.

“Through the RealNetworks Foundation, RealNetworks has made a strong commitment to charitable responsibility and social change,” said Patricia Forkan, HSUS executive vice president. “And the creation of RealImpact makes this technology affordable for progressive, charitable organizations.”

“RealNetworks is proud that our technology has provided a global voice for animal protection,” said Eileen V. Quigley, general manager, Nonprofit Sector, RealNetworks, Inc. “Receiving this award is a great honor and we salute the work of The Humane Society of the United States.”

Citigroup Asset Management is being recognized for its role in developing The Humane Equity Fund, a mutual fund designed to invest exclusively in animal-friendly companies. The purpose of the fund is to provide a place where people can invest in corporations that do not harm animals while encouraging other corporations to change inhumane practices. “Through The Humane Equity Fund, animal protection advocates have a voice on Wall Street,” noted Waite.

“We have observed over the years that companies that manage their affairs in a socially responsible manner are generally excellent in all aspects of their business and as a result make for good investments,” said Heath B. McLendon, managing director, Citigroup Asset Management and Salomon Brothers Asset Management.

Johnnic Communications is South Africa’s leading media and entertainment company. They are being honored for launching the My Acre of Africa Project, whose goal is to raise funds and international support to preserve habitat for the wildlife of South Africa. Dr. Nelson Mandela, My Acre of Africa’s Patron-in-Chief, is also the honorary patron of The Humane Awards.

“Johnnic Communications has been the guiding force behind My Acre of Africa,” said Dr. John W. Grandy, HSUS senior vice president for wildlife and habitat protection. “Their support for this important project demonstrates their commitment to preserving wildlife habitat so that future generations can enjoy the magnificent animals who live in South African parks.”

“The motivation for our initiatives extends beyond the preservation of wildlife,” said Cyril Ramaphosa, chairman, Johnnic Holdings, Ltd. “We have a great deal of work to do in rebuilding our country and in bringing Africa into a new era. By promoting the natural heritage of South Africa, and coupling this with a sustained educational thrust, we believe we can make a profound difference to our continent and the world we co-habit with all of nature.”

Benefactors of The Humane Awards include Friskies PetCare Company, JAMI Charity Brands Marketing, John H. Harland Company, Time Inc. Custom Publishing, Market Development Group, Inc., and Accor Lodging North America. Citi Cards and McDonald’s Corporation are Patrons of the event. Contributors include Mellon Private Asset Management, Hovey, Youngman Associates, Inc., ColorNet Printing & Graphics, Allfirst Bank, and Merkle Direct Marketing, Inc.

“By providing industry leadership and much needed financial support, Procter & Gamble has moved the theory of alternatives to animal testing out of academics and into the real world of the product testing laboratory,” said Dr. Andrew Rowan, HSUS senior vice president for research, education and international issues. “Their efforts in this area have saved lives and prevented needless suffering for thousands of animals.”

“Procter & Gamble is honored and gratified to receive this prestigious award,” said Dr. Larry M. Games, vice president, professional and regulatory services, corporate external relations, The Procter & Gamble Company. “P&G values the partnership between industry and animal welfare organizations like The Humane Society, and remains strongly committed to the effort to develop and validate alternatives to animal testing.”

RealNetworks, Inc., the global leader in media delivery on the Internet, is being honored for making it possible for non-profit organizations to reach mass audiences with issue-driven audio and video programming. Through RealNetworks technology, non-profits are reaching millions of people that they would not reach otherwise.

“Through the RealNetworks Foundation, RealNetworks has made a strong commitment to charitable responsibility and social change,” said Patricia Forkan, HSUS executive vice president. “And the creation of RealImpact makes this technology affordable for progressive, charitable organizations.”

“RealNetworks is proud that our technology has provided a global voice for animal protection,” said Eileen V. Quigley, general manager, Nonprofit Sector, RealNetworks, Inc. “Receiving this award is a great honor and we salute the work of The Humane Society of the United States.”

Citigroup Asset Management is being recognized for its role in developing The Humane Equity Fund, a mutual fund designed to invest exclusively in animal-friendly companies. The purpose of the fund is to provide a place where people can invest in corporations that do not harm animals while encouraging other corporations to change inhumane practices. “Through The Humane Equity Fund, animal protection advocates have a voice on Wall Street,” noted Waite.

“We have observed over the years that companies that manage their affairs in a socially responsible manner are generally excellent in all aspects of their business and as a result make for good investments,” said Heath B. McLendon, managing director, Citigroup Asset Management and Salomon Brothers Asset Management.

Johnnic Communications is South Africa’s leading media and entertainment company. They are being honored for launching the My Acre of Africa Project, whose goal is to raise funds and international support to preserve habitat for the wildlife of South Africa. Dr. Nelson Mandela, My Acre of Africa’s Patron-in-Chief, is also the honorary patron of The Humane Awards.

“Johnnic Communications has been the guiding force behind My Acre of Africa,” said Dr. John W. Grandy, HSUS senior vice president for wildlife and habitat protection. “Their support for this important project demonstrates their commitment to preserving wildlife habitat so that future generations can enjoy the magnificent animals who live in South African parks.”

“The motivation for our initiatives extends beyond the preservation of wildlife,” said Cyril Ramaphosa, chairman, Johnnic Holdings, Ltd. “We have a great deal of work to do in rebuilding our country and in bringing Africa into a new era. By promoting the natural heritage of South Africa, and coupling this with a sustained educational thrust, we believe we can make a profound difference to our continent and the world we co-habit with all of nature.”

Benefactors of The Humane Awards include Friskies PetCare Company, JAMI Charity Brands Marketing, John H. Harland Company, Time Inc. Custom Publishing, Market Development Group, Inc., and Accor Lodging North America. Citi Cards and McDonald’s Corporation are Patrons of the event. Contributors include Mellon Private Asset Management, Hovey, Youngman Associates, Inc., ColorNet Printing & Graphics, Allfirst Bank, and Merkle Direct Marketing, Inc.