U.S. SUGAR HONORS EMPLOYEES

Five highly motivated employees were honored at US Sugar’s Annual Awards ceremony on March 9th with a luncheon hosted by the senior management team at the Clewiston County Club.

CLEWISTON, FL.— March 9, 2006– Five highly motivated employees were honored at US Sugar’s Annual Awards ceremonies on March 9th with a luncheon hosted by the senior management team at the Clewiston Country Club.

“Since its inception in February 2004, the Rewards and Recognition Program has been designed to promote teamwork, communication, innovation, excellence and respect through the recognition of extraordinary efforts, contributions and excellent performance,” said Ann Marie Pilling, Human Resource Manager.

Four annual awards were presented to employees who have shown exemplary efforts, contributions and innovative ideas.

The President’s Award was presented to Andy Esposito from the Sugarcane Operations team. This top award is presented to an employee who has demonstrated company values and a professional approach to performance excellence recognized throughout the Company. Requirements:
  • Live the Values and show unquestionable character;
  • Show exemplary contributions and efforts on a special project or major accomplishment;
  • Be recognized as an individual who is an ideal co-worker;
  • Model superior leadership skills and ability;
  • Demonstrate a willingness to “go above and beyond” their job to assist others

In earning the President’s Award, Esposito also received a US Sugar MasterCard valued at $2,500 and a personalized crystal statue. While the Labor Auditor for US Sugar, Esposito was instrumental in the set up and administration of the seasonal labor program for Citrus and Sugar Cane Operations. He has been tireless in his pursuit of not only regulatory but also safety excellence.

Esposito has been an excellent representative of the company to industry, academic and government organizations. As a result of his participation:
  • The company is recognized in academic, government and industry circles as a progressive leader in seasonal worker programs.
  • Esposito is consulted regularly by industry trade associations and government labor entities on matter of policy, enforcement and worker health programs.
  • The company has garnered national recognition because our participation in an innovative program to reduce eye injuries to citrus pickers. He co-authored a paper at the National Registry of Environmental Professionals Annual Technical Conference. Excerpts of paper were reported in the National Agriculture/Horticulture newsletter published by Gempler’s in January 2005.

Three additional annual awards were granted focusing on safety, process improvement and working well as a team. Each of these Annual Award recipients receives a generous US Sugar MasterCard valued at between $500 and $1,000 plus a personalized crystal statue.

The Excellence in Team Playing Award was earned by Charles Palmer from Bryant Sugar House. This award has been designed to recognize an employee who:
  • Promotes the recognition of teamwork;
  • Recognizes the unique contributions of a team that has demonstrated excellence and innovation;
  • Rewards superior ability to work with employees

Palmer volunteered to take on the added responsibility of being a co-chair of the Safety team. He is also an active observer for the Behavioral Safety Training initiative and a trainer for powered platforms. By providing training to workers on the floor, (Bargaining Unit), supervisors and safety committee members, Palmer is breaking down barriers and paving a way for those he trains or works with to follow his example and initiatives. This type of behavior can be contagious, and can directly affect the future success of U S Sugar.

Charles Palmer’s efforts include:
  • Completely redesigning a catwalk and entrance into the “B” mixer and having the new catwalk and entrance built in less than three days;
  • A lighting plan is being developed for the repair season;

Two employees shared the honor of receiving the Excellence in Continuous Process Improvement Award. Scott Manning and John Larsen of the Sugarcane Operations team were recognized for developing a process creating a more efficient and cost effective method of cane delivery. From conception to implementation, this duo diligently planned and brought this project to fruition. By building new ramps as well as streamlining cane wagons, the efficiency of cane delivery has greatly improved.
The Excellence in Continuous Work Process Improvement Award recognizes an employee and/or team whose actions and ideas have resulted in significant cost savings for US Sugar by:
  • Directly increasing efficiency or effectiveness;
  • Conserving time, supplies or equipment;
  • Directly contributing to the increase in productivity, decreased cost or better service to customers/employees

Finally, but certainly very important, is the Excellence in Safety Award which recognizes an employee or team who have demonstrated outstanding efforts to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property.

The Farming Area 3 team led by Don Sellers, Jr., was recognized for their outstanding safety performance in fiscal year 2005 which resulted in zero OSHA recordable incidents. Not an easy feat by any means especially working in an industrial, agricultural environment.

“We are extremely proud to have extraordinary employees like these whose individual excellence and teamwork led these initiatives to improve our operations and make U.S. Sugar a stronger company and a better place to work,” said Robert H. Buker, Jr., President and CEO.