# Announcement of Best Global Practices Award > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A96-23250 ## Record - **Collection:** Federal Register - **Document type:** Notice - **Published:** September 12, 1996 - **Citation:** 61 FR 48126 ## Text DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE [Docket No. 960719198-6248-02] RIN 0625.XX08 Announcement of Best Global Practices Award AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Commerce. [[Page 48127]] ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This Notice announces the implementation of the Best Global Practices Award by the International Trade Administration (ITA) of the Department of Commerce to recognize the programs and practices of U.S. companies that have exhibited extraordinary leadership and accomplishment in corporate citizenship in overseas activities. This notice sets forth the criteria for the award, who may apply, how companies may apply, the procedures by which the Secretary of Commerce will decide on who will receive the award, and the expected timetable. DATES: The closing date for applications is October 11, 1996. The Department of Commerce expects to announce the winner or winners of the award in the fall of 1996. ADDRESSES: Request for Applications: Application forms will be available from ITA starting on the day this notice is published. To obtain a copy of the application form please telephone (202) 482-4501, or facsimile (202) 482-1999 (these are not toll free numbers); or send a written request with two self-addressed mailing labels to the Office of Export Promotion Coordination, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room 2003, Washington, D.C. 20230. You may call 1-800-USA-TRADE and follow the voice prompt to have the application faxed directly to you. You also may go to the International Trade Administration Internet Home Page http://www.ita.doc.gov/itahome.html, click on Best Global Practices and down load the application form. You can use any of these methods to access sample codes of conduct donated by international companies and organizations interested in furthering good corporate citizenship worldwide. Only one copy of the application form will be provided to each organization requesting it, but it may be reproduced by the requester. An original and two copies of the application and supplemental material are to be sent to the Office of Export Promotion Coordination, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room 2003, Washington, D.C. 20230. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David C. Bowie, Deputy Director, Office of Export Promotion Coordination, tel. (202) 482-4501. This is not a toll-free number. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 26, 1995, President Clinton announced the adoption of Model Principles for U.S. firms in their overseas operations, as follows: Model Business Principles Recognizing the positive role of U.S. business in upholding and promoting adherence to universal standards of human rights, the Administration encourages all businesses to adopt and implement voluntary codes of conduct for doing business around the world that cover at least the following areas: 1. Provision of a safe and healthful workplace. 2. Fair employment practices, including avoidance of child and forced labor and avoidance of discrimination based on race, gender, national origin or religious beliefs; and respect for the right of association and the right to organize and bargain collectively. 3. Responsible environmental protection and environmental practices. 4. Compliance with U.S. and local laws promoting good business practices, including laws prohibiting illicit payments and ensuring fair competition. 5. Maintenance, through leadership at all levels, of a corporate culture that respects free expression consistent with legitimate business concerns, and does not condone political coercion in the workplace; that encourages good corporate citizenship and makes a positive contribution to the communities in which the company operates; and where ethical conduct is recognized, valued and exemplified by all employees. In adopting voluntary codes of conduct that reflect these principles, U.S. companies should serve as models, encouraging similar behavior by their partners, suppliers, and subcontractors. Adoption of codes of conduct reflecting these principles is voluntary. Companies are encouraged to develop their own codes of conduct appropriate to their particular circumstances. Many companies already apply standards or codes that incorporate these principles. Companies should find appropriate means to inform their shareholders and the public of actions undertaken in connection with these principles. Nothing in the principles is intended to require a company to act in violation of host country or U.S. law. ``This statement of principles is not intended for legislation.'' The Best Global Practices award will be presented to a company that has established programs that show leadership and accomplishment in meeting the goals of one or more of these five Model Principles during the company's last three years of operations. Who may apply: Any U.S. company may apply for the award. For purposes of this award, a U.S. company is defined as one that is incorporated in the United States. A U.S. company may apply on its own behalf, and outside organizations and individuals may apply on behalf of an eligible company (with that company's consent). Selection of award winners: The Secretary of Commerce will select a winner or winners with the advice of an interagency group consisting of representatives from the Departments of Justice, State, Labor, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Secretary may also seek the advice of private sector experts in the fields covered by the Model Business Principles. How to Apply: Completed applications should be sent to the Office of Export Promotion Coordination, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room 2003, Washington, D.C. 20230, postmarked not later than October 11, 1996. Each item set forth in the application form should be addressed. Failure to submit all applicable information may delay processing of the application. Supplemental materials (annual reports, documentary material, etc.) are encouraged. Inquiries regarding the application process should also be forwarded to this office. Applicants will be notified by mail of the receipt of their applications and also any deficiencies in the application. When the award process is complete, all applicants will be notified by mail. Information collection: The information is being collected in order to allow the Department of Commerce to judge applicants for the Best Global Practices Award. The information submitted by applicants will be used by the Department and the panel of judges drawn from government agencies to select the applicant whose conduct best exemplifies the Best Global Practices. The information called for in the application is voluntary, but must be submitted in order to be considered for the Best Global Practices Award. Applicants are advised not to include business confidential information because confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork [[Page 48128]] Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. OMB Control Number 0625-0226, expiration date November 30, 1996. Dated: September 5, 1996. David C. Bowie, Deputy Director, Office of Export Promotion and Coordination. [FR Doc. 96-23250 Filed 9-11-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A96-23250. Public record. Not legal advice.