VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHPG #0705 1660818
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 150818Z JUN 07
FM AMEMBASSY PRAGUE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9229
INFO RUEHXQ/ALL EUROPEAN UNION POST COLLECTIVE PRIORITY

UNCLAS PRAGUE 000705 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR EEB/EPPD NANCY SMITH-NISSLEY 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ECON BEXP EINV ETRD ELAB KSEP SENV EZ
SUBJECT: CZECH REPUBLIC: EMBASSY NOMINATES PROCTER & GAMBLE 
FOR SECRETARY'S AWARD FOR CORPORATE EXCELLENCE 
 
REF: STATE 47222 
 
¶1. (U) U.S. Embassy Prague is pleased to nominate Procter and 
Gamble - Rakona s.r.o (P&G) for the 2007 Secretary's Award 
for Corporate Excellence (ACE).  P&G - Rakona is a 
multinational enterprise that produces chemicals, mainly 
washing powder, in the small town of Rakovnik. Over the past 
fifteen years, the company has expanded its initial $21 
million investment into a $181 million, 750-employee 
organization.  P&G demonstrates significant accomplishments 
in all eight of the ACE selection criteria and is 
well-deserving of the Secretary,s recognition. 
 
¶2. (U) Comment: As one of the largest employers in a small 
Czech town, P&G has embodied the best of American corporate 
citizenship.  The company has demonstrated its long-term 
commitment to the local community, the environment and 
corporate philanthropy and is highly deserving of the 
Secretary's recognition in 2007. End comment. 
 
SIPDIS 
 
GOOD CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP 
---- --------- ----------- 
 
¶3. (U) P&G is an integrated part of the town of Rakovnik. 
Since 1991, the company has donated over 62 million Czech 
koruna ($3 million) to help educational, cultural and 
environmental charities in the local area.  This financial 
assistance included donating information technology equipment 
for basic and secondary schools, an ambulance and medical 
beds for the Rakovnik hospital, a car for two local 
orphanages, and monetary donations to numerous children's 
organizations.  The Mayor of Rakovnik publicly recognized 
this extraordinary achievement in 2007, noting "It is great 
to have such a company in the town.  I appreciate the support 
given by P&G to the local community." 
 
DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL ECONOMY 
----------- -- ----- ------- 
 
¶4. (U) When an inadequate roadway system within the town 
impacted economic growth in Rakovnik, P&G stepped in with 
financial assistance for construction of a ring road around 
the town.  Following up on this successful cooperation, P&G 
consulted with the regional government on future possible 
infrastructure projects. 
 
¶5. (U) P&G also has a positive influence on Rakovnik,s 
education system.  Each year, the plant hosts 10-15 students 
for a monthly practical internship program.  On top of this 
ongoing program, the company worked with 10 seniors from the 
class of 2007 on technical projects around the plant.  The 
students submitted these projects as their final practical 
exams required for graduation. 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP 
------------- ----------- 
 
¶6. (U) P&G takes its corporate responsibility to the 
environment seriously. Company policy requires that a full 
environmental impact study be completed before any technical 
project is approved. An independent emission measurement 
system proves that the company does not just meet 
legally-required limits, but emits significantly lower levels 
in all parameters. 
 
¶7. (U) P&G is also concerned about its customers. The 
Rakovnik plant was the first in Central Europe to produce 
compact washing powder, 70% of which is phosphate-free.  This 
translates into a major decrease in the raw materials and 
powder used in a single washing, and a more 
environmentally-friendly product for families. 
GRABER