RUPPERT RECOGNIZED FOR BUSINESS ETHICS

January 2008

Laytonsville, MD – Ruppert Nurseries has been awarded the 2007 National Capital Business Ethics Award (NCBEW) in the large company category by The National Capital Chapter of the Society of Financial Services Professionals, in conjunction with George Mason University. The prestigious award, given to only one company in each of four categories, recognizes companies that have demonstrated integrity, civic and social responsibility, and business excellence. With over 100 nominees, entries were judged by an independent panel from business, academia, public service, media and consulting. Recipients had to prove an executive-level commitment to business ethics, give specific examples of the implementation of a corporate code of conduct and offer clear communication that set expectations for ethical behavior.

“This program calls attention to the many success stories of ethical business practices in the Greater Washington region,” says event co-chair Jeff Hamblen of Washington Financial Group. “It was a difficult task to distinguish the recipient from this year’s outstanding semi-finalists, but Ruppert Nurseries stood out for its attention to detail and its longstanding commitment to doing business ethically. Integrity and social responsibility is nothing new for this company.” The selection process was a lengthy one, beginning with a January nomination by Forrester Construction Company, an extensive written entry due in March, and a July site visit by judges who also spent time talking to customers, vendors and employees before making a decision. The award was announced at an end-of-the-year banquet. Also co-chairing was Andy Sirpis of Washington Group/Mass Mutual. 

Amy Snyder, Ruppert’s director of public relations who prepared the written entry, noted that, “The requirements were very thorough and demanding, forcing us to closely examine our practices. At the same time it allowed us the opportunity to say we do ‘x’ well, it also helped us to consider doing ‘y’ or doing ‘y’ better.” Company CEO Craig Ruppert agrees and gives full credit for the resulting honor to company employees. “Our employees have helped to create our company values and live them every day. We invest significantly in our people development—empowering employees with the skills they need to make educated, responsible and grounded decisions – and trust that they will make good decisions for our company, our customers and our community. Time after time they do just that.”

Ruppert Nurseries, Inc. provides commercial landscape installation and landscape management services in the mid-Atlantic regions and includes branches in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Georgia. It employs approximately 500 and also operates a 475-acre wholesale tree nursery in Montgomery County, MD.

The 2007 NCBEW judges included: Michael Campell, of counsel, Miller & Chevalier, former president Centel, Government Networks Group; David C. Dressler, former president, Martin-Marietta Materials; Davis L. Kennedy, publisher, The Current Newspapers; Susan Koch, Datatel, Inc. (former NCBEA recipient); Leslie A. Nicholson, former general counsel, Chevy Chase Bank; Nancy Prendergast, deputy assistant, BP Office of the Ombudsman, Washington, DC; Joel Zelepsky, MOSAIC Printing