Budweiser Partners With River Network to Sponsor Watershed Projects in Each of Its U.S. Brewery Cities

ST. LOUIS, June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, June 5, people across the globe will come together to participate in events and programs recognizing World Environment Day (WED).  In honor of this worldwide celebration, Anheuser-Busch and its Budweiser brand have donated $150,000 to River Network to support river and watershed conservation projects in each of the company's 12 U.S. brewery cities.  Projects will include river cleanups, native vegetation plantings, invasive species removal and environmental education initiatives.

"Our company's theme for World Environment Day is focused on water conservation efforts and we are excited to partner with River Network to conduct water related projects in each of our brewery cities," said Kathy Casso, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility for Anheuser-Busch, Inc.  "Water is vital to plant and animal life and it's a key ingredient in the brewing of Budweiser and all of our high quality products – that's why we are committed to water conservation both inside and outside our breweries."

WED is the day set aside by the United Nations to create awareness of the environment and encourage participation in sustainability programs.  Anheuser-Busch and its parent company, Anheuser-Busch InBev, annually recognize this day and engage employees around the world to take action and get involved in projects that are beneficial to the environment and their local communities.  Last year, Anheuser-Busch InBev employees participated in more than 250 projects in 24 countries, including more than 59 in the United States.

The brewery cities' projects supported through the Budweiser/River Network partnership and  examples of what four of the 12 breweries are doing include:

• Cartersville, Ga. – Working with the Upper Etowah River Alliance to support watershed restoration and educate brewery employees on rainwater collection systems.
• Fairfield, Calif. – Partnering with the Lake Berryessa Boater Outreach Program to help improve the watershed through invasive species removal, cleanups and water education projects.
• Merrimack, N.H. – Partnering with the New Hampshire Rivers Council and New Hampshire Fish and Game to help clean up the Merrimack River in an effort to preserve the recently discovered Eastern Brook Trout.
• St. Louis, Mo. – Participation in the Great Mississippi River Cleanup with Living Lands & Waters on June 19.  This is the ninth year Anheuser-Busch and its employees have led a large-scale cleanup effort along its hometown's riverfront.

"To achieve a healthy water future, local organizations must have the capacity to protect and restore our rivers and watersheds," said Todd Ambs, president of River Network.  "Thanks to the support and leadership from Anheuser-Busch and Budweiser, communities around the country are actively moving forward with projects that will have long-term benefits for people, fish and wildlife, and future generations."

A portion of Budweiser's donation to River Network will help assist in the organization's national programs and initiatives to protect our nation's rivers, lakes and streams.

"Our goal is to be the 'Best Beer Company in a Better World,' and our annual celebration of World Environment Day is a key part of making our dream a reality," said Casso.  "We hope everyone will join us, not only on World Environment Day, but everyday in trying to make this a greener, more sustainable planet for generations to come."

More information on Anheuser-Busch's environmental commitment can be found in the company's recently released 2009 Citizenship Report.  The report summarizes Anheuser-Busch's calendar year 2008 and 2009 achievements in the focus areas of responsible drinking, reducing environmental impact and giving back to the community.  The report is available for review and downloading on the company's website.  

About River Network

For 20 years, River Network has provided organizational, technical and networking assistance to people working for watershed protection at the local, state and regional levels.  In addition, River Network serves as a catalyst and coordinator for major projects, such as this one, that require national leadership and collaboration among widely separated organizations and agencies.  With more than 700 partner groups in all 50 states and beyond, River Network is helping build a powerful new watershed protection movement in the United States.  To learn more about River Network, visit www.rivernetwork.org.

About Anheuser-Busch

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 48.9 percent share of U.S. beer sales to retailers.  The company brews the world's largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light.  Anheuser Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer.  Anheuser Busch is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and has been a leading aluminum recycler for more than 30 years.  The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo.  For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.

SOURCE Anheuser-Busch