Soave Enterprises Maintains Commitment to Business Ethics with SEED Program Soave Enterprises is represented on a daily basis by each of its thousands of employees. Every member of the growing, Detroit-based organization contributes to the public face and overall integrity of the company. With this in mind, the SEED (Soave Ethics Education and development) program was developed as a learning tool to maintain and enhance the most valuable asset Anthony Soave and Soave Enterprises possess - their reputation. This program demonstrates Soave’s commitment to conducting business ethically and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Teaching Values In short, SEED was designed to assist and support Soave employees in learning the core values of Soave Enterprises and help define and reinforce acceptable behaviors. It is designed to be used as a resource for employees at all levels from on-site field reps to upper-level executives. Self-contained modules covering different topics, from “Preventing Workplace Harassment” to “Recognizing Conflicts of Interest,” are taught in group classes, online or via specialized kiosks at some worksites. Soave employees are required to complete the courses that apply to their scope of responsibility. An online tracking system, combined with off-line reporting, ensures that employees receive credit for completing assigned courses. An “Ethics Champion” leads the SEED efforts of each Soave Enterprises business group and can be contacted with relevant issues and concerns. The Ethics Champions at Soave Enterprises are committed to providing employees with the most relevant and up to date training on topics that are pertinent to their day-to-day activities. In this way, employees have access to the information in a convenient way, while also benefiting from the support of a designated SEED lead partner. An Innovative Training Process “The SEED program is an on-going, educational project,” explains Soave Director of Human Resources. “New employees are required to review established courses and new modules may be developed as the need arises. Through this initiative, it is our goal to maintain a work environment that fosters fairness, respect and integrity.” By establishing the SEED program as a continuing-education system, new modules can be added seamlessly to meet the needs of each employee within an ever-changing business market. As new challenges and opportunities arise, the SEED program can implement new tools and resources to effectively support employees in their responsibilities and job functions.
Other business leaders can look to the SEED program as a model to efficiently provide and model ethics training to their employees. The program provides an effective means of sharing core values and expectations within the large company to ensure every employee, no matter their industry or position, shares and exhibits the same ethical
standards. Thanks to this type of program employees at Soave Enterprises know and expect everybody to do her or his part. About Anthony Soave and Soave Enterprises Soave Enterprises is a diversified management and investment company founded by Detroit businessman Anthony Soave that provides strategic planning, financial and other management resources to its affiliated business ventures in the real estate, automotive retailing, beer distribution, scrap metal, industrial services and transportation industries, among others. Today, Soave Enterprises is providing growth capital and other resources to its portfolio of companies, which collectively generate annual sales in excess of $1.5 billion. The Soave investment strategy currently focuses on expansion within existing industries. It brings new vitality to acquired businesses and lays the groundwork for new ventures compatible with its recognized management strengths and ample financial resources. For more information on Anthony Soave and Soave Enterprises, please visit http://www.soave.com. Soave Enterprises 3400 E Lafayette Detroit, MI 48207 313-567-7000 http://www.soave.com