FirstFruits Marketing Receives AWB Award For Community Service

Yakima, WA– On May 10, 2011, FirstFruits Marketing of Washington (FFM) was honored with the 2011 Association of Washington Businesses (AWB) Award for Community Service in the area of Education at the Spring Meeting of AWB in Spokane, Wash..

FFM, one of 16 Wash. employers recognized, was selected based on their support of several youth education efforts in and around the Yakima, Wash. area, including Union Gospel Mission, Young Life and Jubilee Youth Ranch. These organizations provide education training for children in poverty, students affected by drug abuse or teenage pregnancy and students with troubled at-risk backgrounds.

FFM operates a business model that focuses on the quadruple bottom line, balancing people, profit, planet and the sense of purpose for employees and the organization. This model has allowed the business to grow and donate at least 10% of its profits to support organizations that assist and empower individuals toward sustainable community and social change.

When commenting on the award, Keith Mathews, Chief Executive Officer of First Fruits Marketing remarked, “We appreciate being recognized for our service, but more importantly we appreciate the opportunity to participate in community change. We believe that every child is a beacon for the future and deserves an opportunity to reach their full potential through education.”

The AWB Community Service Awards are presented annually and recognize companies of all sizes and types for their contributions and volunteerism for projects that support education, youth organizations, community beautification projects, community organizations that help people in need or programs recognizing volunteerism. Special recognition is also awarded for projects that mobilize communities into action and ultimately make Wash. communities’ better places to live and work.

FirstFruits Marketing is a collaborative apple marketing company owned by growers. Together these growers have a commitment to grow high quality fruit while balancing the needs of purpose, people, planet and profits so a portion of profits can be donated to non-profit missions supporting the underserved.

About the Association of Washington Business

Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association, and includes more than 7,400 members representing 650,000 employees. For more about AWB, visit www.awb.org.

Source: Association of Washington Business