Back in September 2007 Kettle opened a second U.S. manufacturing facility in Beloit, Wisconsin. They set out to create the "greenest" food manufacturing facility and became the first U.S. food manufacturing facility to receive Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification. The NBC Nightly News coverage of the new facility was a great start to the New Year – the broadcast enlightened more than 9 million viewers to what we've always known – there's more to Kettle than just great tasting chips.

But that's not all they do. Partnering with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) to launch their newest flavor, Backyard Barbeque, Kettle Foods is challenging fans to create their own certified backyard for native flora, fauna and local wildlife.

For every backyard certified by August 31, 2008 through www.nwf.org/kettlefoods, Kettle Foods will donate $1 to the NWF. The fans will also receive a coupon for a free bag of KettleTM brand Potato Chip and a certificate worthy of framing. Check out this article in PROMO magazine that recognizes the innovative way that Kettle was able to work its commitment to sustainability into marketing and product development.

Let it be known that while "going green" has become the popular buzz word of consumers, businesses and even celebs, Kettle Foods has always taken their commitment to the environment seriously. To them it's not an afterthought but at the heart of the company's core values, which continue to evolve as our culinary and cultural worlds do. When they harnessed the power of the sun back in 2003, it was by building the largest commercial solar power array in the Pacific Northwest. Whereas others may throw away uncooked corn or raw potatoes, at Kettle it becomes "cow chud." Biodiesel beetles, wind turbines, composting, you name it - Kettle is currently doing it or has plans to in the future, which is one of the reasons I enjoy working with them so much. For them, it's not for show, it really is about doing the right thing.

I can honestly say that having Kettle Foods as a client is a privilege; I have so much respect for them and what they do and I love supporting an organization I believe in. Oh, and the chips aren't so bad either!

- Katy