Licensing / Franchising

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MISSION STATEMENT

The Works is committed to producing high quality, pure, natural foods. The following guidelines will enable us to stay aligned with our values as we grow:

• Provide a healthy work environment that fosters mutual trust, respect and communication. Encourage openness, creativity, self-discipline and growth in our staff.
• Develop satisfied customers by providing distinctive products with friendly and efficient service.
• Support the communities in which we operate by devoting a portion of our time, talents and resources to social and environmental causes.
• Strive to learn in order to grow a profitable and responsible company that contributes to its internal and external well-being.
  

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

* Sales in excess of $4.5 million in 2000
* Highest sales volume per unit in Northern New England.
* New stores profitable within six months of opening
* 5 stores located in VT., NH., ME., & more in the "works"
* Trademarked and opened new proto-type cafe concept called "The Works Bakery Cafe
* 10% of pre-tax bottom line budgeted for socially responsible causes
* Utilize Chittenden Bank's Socially Responsible Banking Fund for all Deposits Accounts and Corporate Loan
* Use Working Assets as Company Credit Card and Long Distance Phone Carrier
* Winner of "Best Bagel in NH" by New Hampshire Magazine 2002-2006
* Winner of "Best Bagel" in every market the company operates for 8 years running by GKM National Independent Survey Company.

PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT/ HEALTHY WORKPLACE

* W.O.R.K.S. system for growth, career advancement and the opportunity to take on greater responsibilities in hands of staff members
* Commitment to empower staff decision making, build work "internal customer" and develop caring, supportive staff with mutual trust and respect on all levels WITS (Well I thought of Something) program whereby staff are paid for ideas which are rolled out throughout the company
* Health insurance and flexible spending accounts (to focus on wellness) with $600 per person for all staff members full and part-time
* Open Book Management, incentive money tied to financial gains, Weekly Huddle with all managers, Game Score Boards posted in all stores for day by day analysis
* Compressed salary ratio 5 times lowest wage rate
* Annual not-for-profit relationship with each store and its community. The Works donates $500 per store, gives store space for literature, donates product, supports assisted volunteer time and gives administrative support
* Internal staff newsletter on a bi-weekly basis
* Paid "volunteer" time for staff working with The Works not for profit partners
* Featured on "Jobs; America's Most Wanted" on the Today Show for innovative staff recruitment policies

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS

* Use of unbleached unbromated flour
* Unbleached paper products printed with soy-inks
* Use of biodegradable non toxic cleaning agents
* Purchase of company cream cheese from the St. Albans Co-op which supports family farms and is openly against bovine growth hormones
* Purchase products with high post-consumer waste content
* In-store recycling, reducing and re-using
* Discount on refillable containers (mugs, bags, cream cheese containers)
* Purchase of products to help support cultures (Native American blue corn, local organically grown fruits and vegetables)
* Certified Organic manufacturer by NOFA-VT