Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc. P.O. Box 25140 Santa Fe, NM 87504 Contact: Bryan Hatchell

(336) 741-0763

SFNTC 2014-01 Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company achieves highest status in N.C. environmental program OXFORD, N.C. - March 17, 2014 - Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Inc. (SFNTC) has been awarded Steward status by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The Steward designation is the highest in the department's Environmental Stewardship Initiative. It acknowledges that SFNTC has shown exemplary environmental performance and has gone beyond what is required by law to operate sustainably, conserve natural resources and ultimately promote economic growth in North Carolina.

To achieve Steward status, organizations undergo a rigorous review. Applications are evaluated by those with a high level of expertise, including state regulators as well as other Steward organizations. Steward status puts SFNTC into a select group in the state that includes Daimler Trucks North America, Firestone Fibers & Textiles, Michelin Aircraft Tire Company and Thomas Built Buses Inc.
"Companies such as Santa Fe Natural Tobacco show that economic success and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand," said John Skvarla, the secretary of the state's Department of Environment and Natural Resources. "The demonstrated solid waste reduction, energy reduction and creation of habitat for wildlife show this plant's commitment to balancing the needs of the environment with the demands of business."
Among the requirements for Steward status are a mature environmental management system that is integrated into core business functions, aggressive goals on environmental performance, a commitment to going beyond compliance, and a process of communicating with the community about program activities and progress.
"SFNTC is honored to receive the Steward designation from the state of North Carolina and proud of our Oxford manufacturing facility's recognition as a leader in sustainability among manufacturing plants in North Carolina," said Mike Little, president of SFNTC. "Our commitment to environmental sustainability is just one of the ways we are leading the transformation of the tobacco industry."

About Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company

Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company manufactures and markets Natural American Spirit 100% additive-free natural tobacco products, including styles made with organic tobacco. The company has its headquarters in Santa Fe., N.M., with manufacturing operations in Oxford, N.C. More information is available at www.SFNTC.com.
The Environmental Stewardship Initiative N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
www.ncesi.org
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