ESS Support Services Worldwide Reinforces its Commitment to Aboriginal Relations with Renewed Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Certification

Compass Group Canada & ESS North America Awarded Fourth PAR Gold Level Certification

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - ESS Support Services Worldwide (a member of Compass Group Canada and ESS North America) has a long standing relationship with Aboriginal communities in Canada through its partnership with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and membership in the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program.  Being awarded a renewed PAR Gold Level Certification for 2013 - 2016 reinforces the depth of that commitment.

"We are thrilled to receive a fourth PAR Gold Level certification and recognize that being PAR-certified is an independent verification of our businesses and confirms our corporate performance as it relates to Aboriginal relations," says Erin Meehan, President of ESS North America. "The designation signals to the Canadian marketplace that we are a good business partner, are accountable to the land where our business operates, and provide employment and business opportunities within Aboriginal communities. Ultimately, we enable our partners to benefit economically and socially from what we do on a daily basis."

In addition to achieving renewed PAR certification, Erin Meehan is a CCAB board member and co-chair, ESS is a founding and exclusive sponsor of the Aboriginal Business Hall Fame and in partnership with the CCAB recently launched the National Youth Aboriginal Entrepreneur Award. Each year the award will recognize an up-and-coming Aboriginal Entrepreneur under the age of thirty five who will receive a $10,000 financial award.

Compass Group Canada and ESS North America are committed to building a business portfolio with Aboriginal communities that extends across the country. The goal is to develop great joint venture partnerships, many of which are facilitated through a long standing relationship with the CCAB.

About Compass Group Canada
Compass Group Canada is the country's leading foodservice and support services company, with over $1.5 billion in revenues in 2012 and over 21,300 associates across the country.  With 500,000 associates worldwide and operations in more than 50 countries, its parent company, UK-based Compass Group PLC had revenues of £16.9 billion in the year to September 30, 2012. For more information visit www.compass-canada.com

About Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Program
PAR is a certification program that confirms corporate performance in Aboriginal relations at the Bronze, Silver or Gold level. Certified companies promote their level with a PAR logo signaling to communities that they are good business partners; great places to work, and are committed to prosperity in Aboriginal communities. 

PAR certification provides a high level of assurance to communities because the designation is supported by an independent, third party verification of company reports. The final company level is determined by a jury comprised of Aboriginal business people.

About CCAB
The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) was founded in 1984 by a small group of visionary business and community leaders led by Murray Koffler. CCAB is committed to the full participation of Aboriginal people in Canada's economy. A national non-profit organization, CCAB offers knowledge, resources, and programs to both mainstream and Aboriginal owned companies that foster economic opportunities for Aboriginal people and businesses across Canada.

SOURCE: Compass Group Canada

Kathy Salazar
Compass Group Canada and ESS North America
[phone] x432
[email protected]