ZOTOS/JOICO/ISO HONORED AS "BUSINESS OF THE YEAR"

Beauty is hard work, and thanks to the hard work of the dedicated staff at the Zotos International manufacturing facility in Geneva, New York, the company recently earned the distinction of "Business of the Year" from the Geneva Chamber of Commerce. The plant, which manufactures beauty products for Joico and ISO, beat out more than 200 Chamber members for the distinction. According to Anthony Perdigao, Zotos vice-president of operations, credit goes to "the strength and commitment of our employees and the fact that in tough times, our team was more committed than ever to help grow our business. That made it one of our best years ever."

The technologically advanced facility boasts a comprehensive list of production, quality and cost-saving features. But the factors that made the Geneva Chamber of Commerce sit up and take note are factors that hit closer to home. For example, the company's comprehensive environmental agenda includes a mandate to source raw materials regionally whenever possible, which generates more than $5 million a year to support local businesses. A comprehensive recycling program for water, paper and hazardous materials makes Zotos/Joico/ISO an unmatched environmental leader in the community and in the beauty industry. This year, the company eliminated more than 300 tons of carbon emissions and reduced lighting costs by 30%. And in a groundbreaking initiative, the facility will establish a wind power program to generate 60% of its energy in 2010 and more than 100% by 2011. At that point, about 5% of surplus energy will be donated back to the city of Geneva.

The "human power" generated by the company is considerable as well. The 332 full time and 127 temporary employees participate in a long list of community organizations and activities, and support a variety of local and national charities and groups, with substantial contributions to the March of Dimes and United Way. Staffers also participate in fundraising activities for Head Start, the Ronald McDonald House, the Boy Scouts, the American Cancer Society and many more. "Our corporate citizenship and community involvement are truly sources of pride," says Perdigao.

"This is a huge accomplishment," comments Ronald Krassin, president and CEO of Zotos International. "Anthony and his team should be proud of the contributions they have made to Zotos and the broader Geneva community. The plant is infused with positive energy and a 'can-do' spirit, and our recent success and expected future success are direct results of the facility's contributions."