Spectra Energy Fuels Business Outreach for ADL's Community of Respect™

Date: June 12, 2007

Creating a Community of Respect™ is everybody's business, at least, that's what the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Spectra Energy Corporation believe, and the Houston energy company is hoping to set and example and help convince other businesses to become a Community of Respect™ with a commitment and contribution to ADL’s Community of Respect™ program. 

Spectra Energy officials have signed an intent form, committing their company to becoming a Community of Respect™, but also have given the program a financial boost with a $25,000 contribution earmarked toward helping the ADL recruit other companies to become a Community of Respect™ just two days before ADL's Community of Respect™ Week.

Spectra Energy's Manager of Diversity, EEO and Compliance, Rohby Mitchell, says her firm is proud to be the first publicly traded corporation to become a Community of Respect™, and also eager to help other companies work toward that goal.  "We are confident there are many companies in Houston that, like Spectra, already promote an atmosphere of respect in their organizations, and see diversity as a key to their success.  But it always helps to be reminded of the importance of diversity, and it is something we all need to work on every day.  That’s why Spectra has become a partner with ADL in promoting the Community of Respect™."

The Community of Respect™ program involves businesses, institutions, and organizations signing a Resolution of Respect, completing three activities designed to create a welcoming atmosphere for diversity, and sending documentation of those activities to ADL.  ADL then gives that organization an official Community of Respect™ designation.  "It's a way for businesses, government organizations, faith institutions, non-profit organizations, institutes of higher education, and sports, media and entertainment venues to emphasize their commitment to fighting prejudice and promoting inclusion and diversity.  We are proud of Spectra for making such a commitment, and grateful that they are helping us convince other organizations to do the same," says ADL Southwest Regional Director Martin B. Cominsky.