Burgerville President and CEO Tom Mears Awarded 2007 Trendsetter Award

VANCOUVER, Wash., Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of his continuing commitment to sustainable business practices, Burgerville President and CEO Tom Mears has been awarded the 2007 Trendsetter Award by the Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI). Burgerville is at the forefront of sustainable business with its implementation of several innovative initiatives including an industry leading healthcare program, an expanded leadership development training program for employees, the utilization of 100 percent wind power, the recycling of used trans fat free cooking oil from its restaurants into biodiesel fuel and the introduction of company wide recycling and composting. Mears will be presented with this prestigious foodservice industry award at the FCSI North American Conference on October 9 in Atlanta.

Each year, the Trendsetter Award is presented by the FCSI board of directors to an individual who best exemplifies innovation, creativity and unique and lasting contributions to the foodservice industry. Mears was fundamental in the creation of the unique Burgerville concept which focuses on a commitment to sustainable business practices. At Burgerville, sustainable values mean helping people, communities and the environment thrive, thus maintaining their mission of always "serving with love."

"Tom Mears commitment to sustainable business practices at the Burgerville chain of restaurants has been both pioneering and exemplary," said John Cornyn, Chair-Elect, FCSI North America. "In the highly competitive world of fast food restaurants and 'full-meal deal for the cheapest possible price' consumer mindset, it is refreshing to know that social and global environmental concerns can be integrated into a successful business model. Mears has truly identified himself as a trendsetter through the implementation of fresh, local, and sustainable practices at all Burgerville restaurants and we at the FCSI are pleased to present him with the prestigious Trendsetter Award for 2007."

Burgerville has demonstrated that they can profitably support "green" business measures while helping to show other businesses how to profitably adopt these and other practices. As a result of their efforts, many businesses and individuals throughout the community have joined Mears, and Burgerville, in their pledge to promote sustainable practices. Each initiative that Burgerville takes on is based around the belief that it is good business to adopt practices that are good for both the local community and environment.

"We believe in putting people first by adopting sustainable business practices that are good not only for the environment, but serve the well being of each community we are in," said Mears. "At Burgerville, we are committed to changing the way that business does business by demonstrating ways sustainability can be put into general practice. We are deeply appreciative of the FCSI for recognizing our efforts and allowing Burgerville to encourage other businesses to take this journey with us."

To further educate businesses and attendees on the importance of employing sustainable practices, Mears will be a featured speaker on the "Green Hot Trends" panel during the FCSI conference. This panel discussion will examine trends in foodservice, emerging new standards, and how "green" business is affecting the foodservice industry. Mears will give an overview of the practices which have been implemented at Burgerville restaurants to promote sustainability in the Pacific Northwest and his thoughts on how others can support environmentally friendly measures in their daily business practices. The "Green Hot Trends" panel is scheduled for 8 a.m. on October 9.

The FCSI, with more than 1,400 members in 43 countries, serves as the link for professionals working in the foodservice industry, including practitioners in layout and design, planning, research, training, technology, operations and management. Past recipients of the FCSI Trendsetter Award include Fedele Bauccio, Bon Appetit; Emeril Lagasse; Joe Baum, Windows on the World/The Rainbow Room; Michael Berry, Disneyland; J. Willard Marriott, Jr., Marriott Hotels & Resorts; Richard Melman, Lettuce Entertain You; Philip J. Romano, Brinker International; and Richard Ysmael, Motorola Food Works.

About Burgerville

Burgerville, a chain of 39 quick service restaurants located throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, serves guests fresh, great tasting food and from a mission of "serve with love." Burgerville's values extend beyond locally grown berries and Walla Walla onions, cage-free eggs and all-natural beef. At Burgerville, the commitment to values of fresh, local and sustainable is about helping people and communities thrive. The innovative company, established in 1961, is redefining industry norms by providing affordable health care for hourly employees and their dependents, purchasing wind power equal to their total energy use, converting used trans fat free cooking oil to biodiesel and implementing comprehensive waste recycling. For more information about Burgerville, please visit http://www.burgerville.com.

The Holland Inc. Contact Info: John Kreuzer McGrath/Power Public Relations (408) 200-3771 johnk@mcgrathpower.com

Burgerville

CONTACT: John Kreuzer of McGrath-Power Public Relations, +1-408-200-3771,
johnk@mcgrathpower.com , for Burgerville

Web site: http://www.burgerville.com/