June 2005 - Posts
Monroe, North Carolina, Team Member Hugo Guerola is
having a great time:
"I'm very glad to have the chance to
be in such a great event as LULAC Convention it is. Tyson, being one of
the double diamond sponsors, not only shows its interest to support our
hispanic population, but this is also a major event in the United
States that makes our company, TYSON FOODS, to be a company of diverse
people working together for other people around the world.
Once again thank you for the opportunity to be here representing Tyson.
Hugo Guerola"
Shelbyville, Tennessee, Production Training Manager Alvaro Palcio has this to say:
"Hola amigos! We're here in Little Rock, AR, at the LULAC
convention. There's lots of booths and information available for
all the participants. We have one of the largest spaces,
promoting our company and our Core Values, showing our visitors and
guests Tyson's best! Everyone is walking around, collecting
badges, pins, pamphlets, and information. When asked for my
badge, I said, "badges, we don't need no stinkin' badges!"
Seriously, though, we are letting people know how great our company is
for careers and as a provider of protein for America and the
world. C-ya
Alvaro"
Chef Pepin is having a good time, as usual!
"Hi I'm Chef Pepin! Today we are in
Arkansas at the LULAC National Convention. It makes me very proud to be
associated with a company like Tyson that makes this convention
possible by patronizing projects like this."
Gadsden, Alabama, Shift HR Manager Jenna Dunn types her thoughts:
"Hi, Fellow Team Members!
I'm here at the LULAC Convention in Little Rock, Arkansas.
I've met a lot of nice people including a lot of nice Team Members from
other Tyson facilities. Our company is a major sponsor of this
event. I've learned a lot about this wonderful organization and
what it does for the Hispanic community. I think our company is
doing a great job of creating a diverse workforce and our sponsorship
in this event is doing a lot to help promote this goal for our
company. We're having a great time and enjoying all of the
events. Hopefully, we'll all become better Team Members from
being here and experiencing this wonderful celebration of the LULAC
organization!"
Monalisa Skeens, HR supervisor at Cummings, Georgia, shares her thoughts in Spanish, while friends look on:
"Mi nombre es Monalisa Skeens, yo
trabajo en la Tyson Foods de Cumming, Ga, en el departamento de
recursos humanos. Es un placer imenso de estar aqui participando de
este evento tan importante en la comunidad latina. Yo siento que los
Estados Unidos esten realmente muy preocupados con la inclusion de los
latino-americanos en este pais, la inclusion en las escuelas, en los
trabajos em companias americanas, en las organizaciones federales, en
el ejercito, etc. Es una excelente oportunidade para que los latinos
muestran su fuerza politica, economica y cultural en los Estados
Unidos."
And in Portuguese:
"Meu nome e Monalisa Skeens, eu
trabalho na Tyson Foods, de Cumming, Georgia, no departamento de
Recursos Humanos. E' um imenso prazer em estar participando deste
evento tao importante na comunidade latina. Eu percebo que os Estados
Unidos estao realmente bem preocupados com la inclusao dos
latino-americanos em este pais, a inclusao na area educacional, na area
profissional em companhias americanas, nas organizacoes federais, no
exercito, etc. E' uma excelente oportunidade para que os latinos
mostrem sua forca politica, econiconomica e cultural nos Estados
Unidos."
Norfolk, Nebraska, Community Liaison Jesse Martinez is very impressed with what he has seen and experienced here at the convention, and he plans on communicating what he has learned to his fellow Team Members when he retuerns home.
"I've learned that LULAC helps Latinos succeed and represents the Latino community politically," Jesse says. "They are very active in the legislature and government."
LULAC's committment to education has also impressed him.
"They sponsor so many scholarships," Jesse says. "This is something we all need in our communities."
For Storm Lake, Iowa, Community Liaison Ron Hott, visiting the LULAC convention means connecting with a lot of people.
"I've been putting a names together with faces," Ron says, "I learned a lot about translation processes from (Tyson Foods Multicultural Communications Specialist) Javier Ortiz."
Ron also has learned a lot about the Latino community through the meetings he has attended.
"I was particularly impressed by the way LULAC reaches out to young adults in the Latino communities to offer scholarships," Ron says. "That is super!"
Ron also enjoyed talking with other community liaisons attending the convention.
"I have learned a lot from talking with them, and we plan to continue networking after the convention," he says.
Little Rock has changed dramatically over the past decade. When I am downtown, it's hard to believe this is the city that I grew up in. It makes me proud that my hometown has done so much to welcome the LULAC convention and all of the attendees. Everywhere I have gone, I have seen signs and banners showing support for the organization. As one of the city officials said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, "This is a major step for Little Rock." From the positive reaction of the LULAC guests, I think he was right.
John Tyson addressed the assembled LULAC Conference attendees at today's Sponsorship Luncheon. His speech was centered around the collaborative nature of the relationship between Tyson Foods and LULAC. He pointed out this relationship goes beyond one that is purely philanthropic in nature--we give the organization money, they give us thanks, the only productive end result is good will--to one that addresses the strategic ends of both the organization and the company.
With LULAC, we find common ground in our people. LULAC wants to see opportunities developed for the 40,000 Latino stakeholders that are Tyson Team Members. They want to see a safe working environment, opportunities for advancement, and a chance for Team Members to grow and thrive and improve their lives.
At Tyson, we want to see the same things. It goes back to the company's Core Values. We want long-term team members. We want them to work safely. We want them to feel good about our company and be good ambassadors for our brand. We want them to become active, contributing citizens of our communities. We want to be able to demonstrate diversity throughout the ranks the Tyson team. It’s the right thing to do, but it’s also good business.
These are the things that have been at the heart of the Tyson/LULAC relationship. They have allowed both organizations to be more productive and more effective.
John did a great job. I'm proud to be part of an organization where the top leadership considers this type of activity as critical.
What a powerful speech given today by Mr. John Tyson, CEO and Governor Mike Huckabee at the LULAC Partnership Luncheon. During both speeches, there was a common theme of building relationships with the Latino community and as Governor Huckabee stated “we must run to them, rather than run from them”. Mr. John Tyson, CEO along with the senior level executive staff met with the President of LULAC Mr. Hector Flores and his staff to have an open dialogue about the issues Latinos face in the workplace and in our country. Mr. Flores commended Mr. Tyson for embracing diversity in the appointment of the first Latino to the board of directors and hiring Al Gonzalez-Pita as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Tyson Foods. Mr. Flores stated that “the south is changing and is becoming a growing Latino market”. He was being sarcastic in stating that Latinos could be found in a small town called Toad Suck, Arkansas. Mr. Flores was very complimentary of Mr. John Tyson and the company for listening and taking action on important issues pertaining to the Latino community and incorporating the core values in all aspects pertaining to every team member regardless of status. Mr. Flores also stated that “Tyson Foods was a model for LULAC and for other corporations to follow” after Mr. Tyson explained the company’s commitment to diversity, change, opportunities for every team member to grow, and develop. Mr. Tyson talked about the core values and how diverse Tyson Foods has become and how Tyson Foods has already translated its core values in eight different languages.
Governor Mike Huckabee who is from Hope, Arkansas stated that as a child when he was eight years old, his mother told him that the Governor of Arkansas then was coming to Hope and wanted him to see the governor because he might never have the opportunity to see a governor again. He humorously stated that he wished his parents were alive to tell them that he did not have to worry about seeing the governor because he was the governor! Mr. Huckabee talked about the many appointments he has made to address the Latino issue and the rapid growth of its new residents. He was also very adamant about the need to afford Latinos with academic excellence the right to a higher education in public universities and colleges. He stated that “the starting line was not by choice” as he made reference to children of Latinos, but that “the finish line is their choice and deserve an equal chance to the educational system in the state”. Mr. Huckabee reflected back on his working parents, his childhood, and background in Hope, Arkansas and how a commonality exists today with Latino children who hope to become productive members of society and have more than what their parents had and the need to provide that opportunity.
Todos los presentes en el Diversity Luncheon de este
miercoles, disfrutaron de los deliciosos platillos elaborados con
productos de Tyson, al tiempo que escuchaban atentos los
comentarios de John Tyson, Director General y Presidente de la Junta
Directiva de Tyson Foods. La Convencion apenas comienza y aun quedan
muchos seminarios, actos de reconocimiento y celebraciones por
asistir, por lo que la proteina que nuestros productos les
proporcionan a todos los asistentes, les dara la energia necesaria para
no perderse ni un solo evento durante toda la semana.
Celebremos juntos todas las cosas que tenemos en comun y sigamos
construyendo los puentes necesarios para que esta, y otras comunidades
alrededor de los Estados Unidos, se mantengan vibrantes y poder
asi convivir en armonia.
Tyson Foods Chairman and CEO John Tyson addressed a
crowded noon luncheon at the Convention Center.
"LULAC has always listened to Tyson Foods," John said, "and Tyson Foods has always listened to LULAC."
John pointed to the appointment of Board Member Albert C. Zapanta and Executive Vice-President and General
Counsel J.
Alberto Gonzalez-Pita as ways Tyson Foods is listening to the needs of the Latino community.
Lexington,Nebraska, Community Liaison Rebecca Fitch shared a story with me last
night that helps define the way different people react to cultural
change.
"I was helping a Somalian family with their shopping," Rebecca says. "The youngest of the family was a toddler, maybe two."
Rounding
an aisle, the child found a pair of men's fur-lined houseshoes that she
had to have. She put them on and ran to her mother, excited with her
new shoes, even if they were a bit large. Explanations about how they
did not fit did not change the child's opinion of her footwear. She
would be allowed to keep them.
"But what we realized then was that we could not find the shoes the child walked into the store wearing," Rebecca says.
A
search around the store revealed their hiding place: the toddler had
neatly placed her shoes in the spot where she found the fur-lined
slippers. The story symbolizes the way that some people, when they
first arrive at a new place, deal with the differences in cultures and
values. Too often, they forget that just because something is new and
different, it is better.
"We need to hold on to those things that make us who we are," Rebecca says.
The ribbon cuttiing ceremony for the opening of the LULAC National
Convention went off with great fanfare and applause, as well as the
music of the all-female mariachi group Las Altenas from San Antonio,
Texas.
"We all have felt very welcome here in Little Rock," says LULAC
National President Hector M. Flores. "We are all proud to be Americans,
and it is our duty to make this country a better place"
Representing our company well at the LULAC 76th
convention is very important because of our Latino workforce, but also
because it is a key strategy in creating brand awareness in a growing
market. As one of the speakers stated “change is a constant and the
survival of an organization depends on adaptation” and that “effective
organizations are not stagnant, they must change and build alliances”.
During our second day at the convention, we have listened to excellent
speakers and have attended educational seminars that focus on issues
affecting private industries and the public sector. This morning we
heard Mr. R. Allen Pittman who was born in Venezuela,
a decorated veteran, and is currently the Veterans Administration
Secretary for HR and Administration. He spoke about the Strategic
Planning and Succession Planning that the VA will put in place to
recruit Latinos. He anticipates a lot of opportunities within his
agency due to the fact that 60% of the agency workforce is currently at
retirement age. He talked about a Prosperity Program with current
Governor Mike Huckabee which focuses on Latinos to be citizens and not
spectators. LULAC President Hector Flores thanked Mr. Pittman and
stated that the theme of the organization “Emerging Latino Communities:
Strengthening America” goal is to “become one and have equal access to
public education and opportunities, nothing more, nothing less”.
Another
eloquent speaker, Mr. Roberto Salazar who is the Food and Nutrition
Service Administrator, USDA spoke about the challenges with obesity in
our country and stated that “while 80% of the population recognizes the
food pyramid, only 3% followed its dietary guidelines”. Mr. Salazar
spoke about the new initiative to change the pyramid and market the new
pyramid with the hopes that more people would follow its dietary
guidelines. He stated that there were millions of Americans
treated for obesity related illnesses. Nutrition is becoming a very
important issue within the Latino communities and a new marketing
campaign of the new food pyramid in Spanish is coming soon. For more
information on the new food pyramid go to mypyramid.org.
Eddie Armstrong has started to infuse the PowerBlog with his insights from the convention. Here you have him:
Hello PowerBloggers,
I've been involved in the development of this conference
for about three weeks. Now that I have had the opportunity to engage at
the most grassroots level here onsite, I have to tell you that we
(Tyson Foods, Inc.) have hit a home run in joining forces with the
National LULAC organization to host this event. In the past 32 hours, I
have had the opportunity to engage with several
participants from LULAC National President Hector Flores, to state and county officials such Pat
O'Brien, Pulaski County Clerk, State Senator Hank Wilkins
Jr., Terry Hardwick, North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce
President, and an array of guest participants from around
the country. I also want to mention how impressed and inspired I
was in meeting Emma Moreno, Director of Federal Relations for LULAC, and Carolina Munoz, Chief Financial Officer of LULAC.
As I have engaged in the conference, individuals have commented
once they've learned I am with Tyson Foods that they
are very gracious for our commitment.
I've been very impressed, and look forward to the continued strong work over the next three days!
Eddie
The true value of our participation resides in what we do with
what we learn. It is the collective learning of the Tyson Team Member's
delegation participating in the convention this week that will
create the possibility of a better company. Dare to share! Keep
the PowerBlog going... Ana.
Little Rock, AR:
Bienvenidos! Were the opening remarks of current LULAC President Hector
Flores at the opening reception along with Little Rock Mayor Jim
Dailey. Little Rock
is a place of historical importance due to the fact that racial
integration was a historical event during the civil rights movement and
Little Rock Central High School received national
attention during this time. The LULAC convention is also of
historical importance because of the many issues concerning Latinos in Arkansas
which have been a subject of debate in the state legislature. Mr.
Flores expressed hope for the Latino population in the state of Arkansas by stating that he had visited Hope, Arkansas as a migrant worker many years ago and has visited again during his stay in Little Rock.
Mr. Flores commented that the LULAC organization wants to continue to
encourage education for the Latino youth and have a positive impact in
society. As the Latino population continues to grow in Arkansas,
so does the economic impact Latinos bring to the communities in which
they live and work. As a Team Member Ambassador, it is an honor for me
to represent each team member in these communities throughout the
country. In listening to the remarks of Mr. Flores, I too have hope
that one day the people of Arkansas can see the value that diversity brings to this great state.
Rebecca Fitch from Tyson Foods' Fresh Meats Lexington, Nebraska, plant has arrived in Little Rock!
She already has her set of tickets, badge, and registration packet and
is ready to start enjoying the convention. I asked her what she thinks
about her experience so far, and she said, "It seems exciting!" The
truth of the matter is that I have already found a task for her. : )
She is helping assemble all the convention bags and badges for the rest
of the Tyson delegation. Most of the Team Members traveling from across
the country are arriving today and the anticipation of having the team
all together is exhilarating. This convention is a little bit different
than the ones that I have attended in the past. It is packed with great
panels and outstanding speakers such as President Clinton, Howard Dean- Democratic National Committee Chair, Ana Escobedo Cabral- US Treasurer and our very own Chairman & CEO Mr. John Tyson, just to name a few. Check back for more updates!
Hoy fué el primer día de la convención nacional de LULAC. Los primeros dos días de la convención están dedicados al Instituto de Entrenamiento Federal. La ceremonia de inauguración se llevó a cabo en la antesala del salón principal en el centro de convenciones Statehouse y estuvo muy emocionante. La ceremonia inició con unas palabras emotivas por parte del Director Ejecutivo Nacional de LULAC, Brent Wilkes. Acto seguido, el Presidente Nacional de LULAC, Héctor Flores presentó su discurso que dió inicio oficialmente a la 76va. Convención Nacional de LULAC. El Presidente Flores compartió con los presentes que él había sido trabajador migrante y que el camión, que en ese entonces transportaba a los trabajadores de una cosecha a la otra, solía detenerse en Hope, Arkansas para tomar un descanso en su jornada. No cabe duda que cualquiera que sea tu origen, tu cultura y tu historia, siempre estará a nuestro alcance la posibilidad de avanzar y llegar a ser líderes en nuestras comunidades, tan solo si creemos en nosotros mismos y nos dedicamos a siempre aprender y desarrollar nuestras capacidades. ¡Qué gran ejemplo de dedicación y perseverancia nos dá el Sr. Héctor Flores!
El Alcalde de Little Rock, Jim Dailey también estuvo presente en la ceremonia de inauguración. En una rueda de prensa que se llevó a cabo el viernes pasado, el Alcalde Jim Dailey firmó una proclamación municipal creando la semana oficial de LULAC en Little Rock en honor a la convención nacional. Durante la ceremonia de inaguración el Alcalde reiteró su respeto y reconocimiento a la comunidad Latina de Arkansas por sus contribuciones a la economía y desarrollo de Little Rock y del estado. Ed Nicholson, Director de Relaciones Comunitarias de Tyson Foods, al igual que la Dra. Gabriela Lemus, Directora Nacional de Asuntos Legislativos de LULAC, Brent Wilkes, Director Ejecutivo de LULAC, Virginia Sánchez, Directora de Relaciones Públicas de la Agencia de Comunicación López Negrete y yo, el mismo viernes pasado visitamos las oficinas de Associated Press y el periódico estatal Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Nos reunimos con reporteros y editores de estos dos medios masivos para comunicar los detalles de la convención. Estas juntas son de caracter informativo en la que se provee a los reporteros con un panorama general de invitados, paneles y actividades.
Mañana llega la mayoría de la delegación de representantes de Tyson Foods. En esta ocasión participarán alrededor de cincuenta y cinco compañeros de equipo representando diferentes comunidades de Tyson. Joseph Díaz, compañero de equipo de Waldron, AR fué el ganador del concurso "¿Por qué es importante participar en la comunidad?" conviertiéndose en el primer Embajador Oficial de los Compañeros de Equipo de Tyson a un evento de esta magnitud. Yo me siento muy orgullosa de Joseph. Recién llegó a Little Rock y se puso a trabajar con algunos reporteros del área para comunicarles la importancia que nuestra compañía le dá a la participación comunitaria como una parte primordial de la responsabilidad que sentimos en Tyson Food al llevar a cabo nuestros negocios día tras día. El está aquí representándote a ti, a mi y a todos y cada uno de los compañeros de equipo de Tyson. Pero ¿Sabes qué? Mejor que él te cuente. Mañana martes vas a poder leer sus comentarios acerca de su experiencia en su primer día en la convención. Hoy también llegaron a Little Rock, Nora Venegas y Eddie Armstrong. Los dos trabajan en el departamento de asuntos gubernamentales de Tyson. Nora viajó desde Washington, DC y trabaja en asuntos legislativos de relevancia nacional. Eddie viajó desde el noroeste de Arkansas y el se dedica a monitorear y cabildear asuntos a nivel estatal en varios estados del pais. Además, como parte de la delegación de Tyson Foods nos acompañará durante toda la semana de la convención, Virginia Sánchez. Virginia llega a Little Rock desde Houston, Texas. En general, se espera una participación de diez mil personas de todo el pais incluyendo Puerto Rico. Tyson Foods no solo apoyó a la delagación de Arkansas hace tres años cuando se ganó la propuesta del estado para recibir a todos los miembros e invitados de LULAC; sino que durante todo este tiempo ha desarrollado una asociación sincera y productiva con esta prestigiosa organización nacional con un solo propósito en mente: La apertura de oportunidades para avanzar y mejorar la calidad de vida de todos.
Esperamos que disfrutes las crónicas de la convención en este PowerBlog! Sigue los comentarios durante toda la semana, porque estoy segura que encontrarás muchas sorpresas. Hasta mañana y nuevamente, de parte de los 110,000 compañeros de equipo de Tyson para todos los participantes, invitados y miembros de LULAC: ¡Bienvenidos a Little Rock, Arkansas!
Beginning Monday, June 27, the PowerBlog will be visiting the 76th annual conference of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), to be held in Little Rock, Arkansas. During that week, six Tyson team members will be posting entries in both English and Spanish about their experiences at the conference.
The conference promises to be an exciting educational and cultural experience, to include a keynote speech by Tyson Chairman and CEO, John Tyson on Wednesday, and an address by former President, Bill Clinton on Friday.
The blog will also provide a resource for reporters seeking to access Tyson news releases relevant to the LULAC conference.
We hope you'll join us here as we document the experience, Powered by Tyson.