As Prepared for Delivery
Mr. Chris Haughey, Chief Executive Officer of Tegu,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
The U.S. Department of State has selected Tegu as one of four finalists worldwide for the Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence for small and medium-sized companies.
My country is very proud of the contributions that U.S. companies make to growth and sustainable development around the world. This award recognizes the very best corporate citizens, companies like Tegu, that have the biggest positive impact in the countries where they work.
We are recognizing Tegu for its major contributions to job creation and sustainable forestry in Honduras.
Tegu’s Honduran employment has grown more than 80% per year on average since 2009, rapidly creating over 240 high-quality jobs.
Tegu purchasing supports eight sustainable hardwood farms, harvesting wood from an estimated 400,000 hectares of sustainably-managed forest.
Through its partnerships, Tegu has supported the reforestation of over 500,000 trees in Honduras.
Other companies in Honduras and around the world should take Tegu’s successful example to heart.
I am very pleased to present this certificate to Tegu in recognition of its exemplary corporate citizenship and distinguished contributions to the sustainable development of Honduras. I commend you for the great work you are doing here.
Thank you.
