Press Release Archives
Seagram's® Gin Celebrates African American Male Achievement With The Pursuit of Excellence, Launching February 2008
New Job Training and Mentoring Institute to Address Rising Unemployment and Help Transform the Lives of 20 Deserving Men in Atlanta and Chicago
NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2008 – From enterprise and innovation, to finance, academia, medicine and more, African American men continue to make significant contributions to the American landscape. In celebration of African American male achievement and to address rising joblessness and unemployment among African American men in Atlanta and Chicago, Seagram's® Gin is launching a landmark job training and mentoring program, The Seagram's Gin Pursuit of Excellence Institute™. Commencing in February 2008 in observance of Black History Month, this unprecedented initiative will provide tangible opportunities to promising individuals and support the efforts of social service organizations that work tirelessly to uplift and empower underserved communities.
The focal point of the Seagram's Gin Pursuit of Excellence program is a rigorous, four-week training session funded by Seagram's Gin and administered by the Chicago Urban League and the Atlanta Workforce Development Office, respectively. A natural extension of the brand's long-standing commitment to community-focused initiatives, ranging from adult education, housing development, urban voter registration and anti-hunger campaigns, the Pursuit of Excellence Institute is designed to provide hands-on job training and mentoring for adult males who are either underemployed or seeking employment while showing great courage in the face of poverty and challenge as they pursue their paths to excellence.
"As America's number one gin and category leader, Seagram's has long been at the forefront of innovative initiatives and activities designed to celebrate and support the communities in which we do business," says Bill Cherrie, Vice President, Multicultural Marketing for Pernod Ricard USA, parent company of Seagram's Gin. "It is only natural that we extend our cause- related platform to include this new program that both celebrates African American men and recognizes the efforts of such phenomenal organizations as the Chicago Urban League and Atlanta's Workforce Development Office."
"Creating this program in conjunction with Seagram's and Pernod Ricard USA is an exciting and timely endeavor and the result of a truly collaborative effort," comments Helen Shelton, Executive Vice President, Ruder Finn Multicultural & Image Marketing Group. "It is an honor and a pleasure to work with such a dedicated team of professionals as we bring together our collective vision to address a critical societal issue."
The program will pair participants with successful and inspiring individuals for one-on-mentoring and guidance. In addition to completing weekly take-home assignments, participants will attend multiple training sessions at the Chicago Urban League and Atlanta Workforce Development Office facilities during which they will receive computer training, attend interview skill workshops, participate in self-esteem building exercises, technical training classes, and gain insights on dress-for-success and financial empowerment strategies. Each participant will receive a $500 stipend, briefcase with weekly lesson plans and supplies, as well as a suit of clothing. One outstanding participant from each city will receive a $2,500 fellowship and career-focused wardrobe.
Candidates for the program were selected on the basis of a rigorous application and pre-screening process, including a "boardroom-style" interview with noted figures from the worlds of finance, social service, media, entertainment and design. The program will culminate with special graduation receptions in each city in late February. In support of the program Seagram's Gin is also donating $10,000 to the social service organization One Hundred Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. The brand will also sponsor a job fair in Chicago this spring.
"Nationwide, African American unemployment is at a record high -- 9%, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The Seagram's Gin Pursuit of Excellence program will undoubtedly shine a much-needed spotlight on the issue and set the stage for others in the private sector to follow suit," adds Mr. Cherrie.
About The Atlanta Workforce Development Agency
The Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) is a bureau of the City of Atlanta under the Executive Offices of the Mayor. AWDA's primary purpose is to administer employment and training programs mandated under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 to the citizens of Atlanta to offer workforce solution services to the metro Atlanta businesses. Atlanta residents find success through AWDA's career development services, offered Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. AWDA programs are preparing Atlanta's current and future workforce for the ever-changing labor demands. In 2007, AWDA served over 60,000 customers. Hundreds of customers obtain employment through AWDA's weekly job fairs, held every Tuesday. Other programs include GED and SAT preparation courses, resume-writing assistance, job- readiness skill workshops and the Mayor's Youth Program.
About the Chicago Urban League
Established in 1916, the Chicago Urban League is a civil rights organization that empowers and inspires individuals to reach and exceed their economic potential. The League focuses on growing Chicago's African American workforce and business community. To that end, the Chicago Urban League is pursuing three strategies that advance its mission:
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ensuring that African American children are well-educated and equipped for economic self-reliance in the 21st century;
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helping adults attain economic self-sufficiency through gainful employment, home ownership, entrepreneurship and wealth accumulation; and,
- ensuring the civil rights of African Americans by eradicating barriers to equal participation in the economic and social mainstream of American life.
About Seagram's Gin
Since its launch in 1939, Seagram's Gin has acquired a loyal and enthusiastic following of gin connoisseurs nationwide. Recognized as the leading gin in the United States, Seagram's Gin has preserved the finest qualities of the original product-both inside and outside the signature bumpy bottle. Seagram's Gin has become the favorite of gin and vodka drinkers seeking to add a new and flavorful dimension to their cocktails.
Available in exciting and bold flavor sensations, products include the original Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, the premium Seagram's Distiller's Reserve, the award-winning Seagram's Orange Twisted Gin, Seagram's Lime Twisted Gin, Seagram's Apple Twisted Gin®, as well as a full line of Seagram's Gin & Juice® pre-mixed cocktail products, including the new Seagram's Gin & Juice Tropical Thunder. For the last eight years, Seagram's Gin has presented the celebrated Seagram's Live concert tour, bringing the very best of contemporary urban music to adult audiences nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.SeagramsGin.com.
About Pernod Ricard USA
Pernod Ricard USA, based in Purchase, N.Y., is a leading producer, importer and marketer of prized spirits and wine brands in the United States and is one of the fastest growing subsidiaries of the world’s #2 spirits company and #4 wine company, Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard, S.A. The completion of Pernod Ricard’s acquisition of Allied Domecq in 2005 vaulted Pernod Ricard USA to the forefront of the U.S. spirits market, doubling the company’s sales value and market share. The company is now the third largest in the U.S. spirits industry by sales value and the fifth largest by sales volume in the U.S.
Pernod Ricard USA's leading brands include Kahlúa® Liqueur, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Malibu® flavored Rum, Stolichnaya® Vodkas, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Wild Turkey® Bourbon, Beefeater® Gin, Hiram Walker™ Liqueurs and Martell™ Cognac, as well as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate® wines, Perrier Jouët® Champagne, Mumm® Champagne and Mumm Napa™ wines, and Pernod® and Ricard® Liquors. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to accept responsibility when considering consuming alcoholic beverages. For more information, please visit: http://www.acceptresponsibility.org.