On the recordMarch 10, 2017
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mars, Incorporated, and Mars Petcare's Fort Smith, Arkansas, facility which was recently honored with the Two Million Man Hour Safety Award from the Arkansas Department of Labor. As a family-owned business since its founding in 1911, Mars has been a leading example of corporate responsibility practices that benefit their dedicated employees and the communities in which they operate. Since Mars first opened the doors of its Petcare facility in Fort Smith in 2007, they have provided stable employment to over 200 Mars associates who are responsible for making food for our pets under the brand names Cesar, Nutro, and Sheba. Impressively, Mars' Fort Smith facility has accumulated 2 million work hours over 5 years without a lost day away from work due to a work-related injury or illness, a direct testament to the great workforce in Fort Smith and the leadership of the Mars organization. In addition to their excellent safety record, Mars has had a significant impact on my district's local economy. Recently, Mars Petcare announced plans to expand the Fort Smith facility, which is expected to generate an additional 130 new jobs over the next several years. On behalf of everyone in northwest Arkansas, I am happy to celebrate this important milestone with Mars' Fort Smith facility, and I thank Mars for its continued dedication to our community. ____________________





