(BETHESDA, MD – September 5, 2007) – Joined by Lieutenant Governor Anthony G. Brown and Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, today, Honest Tea officially opened their new eco-friendly office in downtown Bethesda and unveiled another green initiative.
“Honest Tea's dedication to social responsibility is proof that it is indeed possible to succeed in business while embracing business practices that celebrate diversity, support fair trade and sell healthy products," said Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown. "We appreciate their allegiance to the State, we applaud their involvement in the community, and we celebrate their success.”
The event highlights the company’s growth since its beginnings in TeaEO Seth Goldman’s kitchen to a 4,800 square feet office that highlights the company’s commitment to environmentally sustainable practices. To build on Honest Tea’s example, Goldman and other leaders from the Bethesda area announced an initiative to create the Bethesda Green Zone.
“Today is an exciting day for Honest Tea. Since the start of the business nine years ago from my house, we have grown to be a leader in the natural foods industry,” remarked Seth Goldman, Co-founder and TeaEO of Honest Tea. “Now with more than 50 people on our payroll, it’s time for us to take our place as leaders in our community.”
One important step in that direction was Goldman’s announcement today of an initiative to create the Bethesda Green Zone, a private-public partnership that will implement and showcase sustainable practices in the Bethesda business district. Partners in the effort include members of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce, local elected officials and the Bethesda Urban Partnership.
“With companies like Honest Tea and Calvert Group based here, there is already a strong commitment to environmentally responsible business. The Bethesda Green Zone is a way to combine that interest with the natural assets Bethesda offers – including a densely-settled population, a central bike artery and an environmentally-mindful consumer base,” Goldman said.
Some of the immediate issues the Green Zone Initiative will focus on include bike racks and waste management. Future issues may include solar-powered trash compactors and clean energy.
“I applaud and admire Honest Tea’s commitment to producing healthy, organic and great tasting beverages for all to enjoy AND their commitment to providing their staff with an environmentally friendly “green” work atmosphere at the same time,” said County Executive Ike Leggett. “They truly exemplify great business on all levels, and we are extremely proud to have them call Montgomery County home.”
“Working with community leaders to convert ideas into action helps us achieve real results,” added Robin McBride, Director of Asset Management of Federal Realty, the developer of Bethesda Row, home to Honest Tea’s new office. “As a landlord, Federal Realty is pleased to have a tenant such as Honest Tea that is committed to environmentally friendly practices.”
BACKGROUND: Honest Tea has a mission to make great-tasting, truly healthy organic beverages sweetened with less sugar and calories than most bottled drinks. The company makes the nation’s top-selling brand of organic bottled tea and has been repeatedly ranked in Inc. magazine’s annual list of the 500 Fastest Growing Companies in the United States. Honest Tea’s products include organic ready-to-drink tea and thirst quenchers in both glass and plastic bottles as well as a new line of thirst quenchers for kids. All varieties are certified organic by the USDA. For more information about the company and its products, visit www.honesttea.com or contact Staci Mattson, staci@kohnstamm.com or Rachel Rademacher, rr@kohnstamm.com at 651-228-9141.