We had a successful year rolling out our corporate responsibility program. Our focus remained on healthy living, sustainable trade, climate action and community engagement, which are the areas where we are able to make the greatest impact.
An important part of our corporate responsibility strategy is to support the local communities in which we operate. Our businesses, in both the United States and Europe, were again actively engaged in a wide range of charitable programs, fundraising initiatives and community activities throughout the year. We were particularly active in supporting food banks that distribute food to those in need who are increasingly affected by the current economic crisis.
We have also worked hard to improve the quality and transparency of our corporate responsibility reporting. We have established processes for collecting data and tracking our performance across our companies. This year we are reporting our carbon footprint for the first time and we have been able to set company-wide targets to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions significantly by 2015.
Corporate responsibility is now integrated into our day-to-day business. Senior management across the company is committed to ensuring that our corporate responsibility priorities are a central part of decision-making and how we manage our operations.
We still have much to do, but I am confident that we have the right strategy in place. Our programs, coupled with the commitment and passion of our employees in supporting them, are making a difference in each of the communities we serve. I am proud of the achievements we are making together.
This year, we are publishing our corporate responsibility report and annual report almost entirely online for the first time to reduce the environmental impact associated with printing, conserve resources and save costs. I hope you like the result.
John Rishton
Chief Executive Officer