Gord Brown encourages people to sign Hershey Pledge

March 26, 2007

Ottawa - Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville encourages area residents to sign the Hershey Pledge.

Designed by fellow Conservative MP Scott Reid, the Pledge commits residents to purchasing Hershey chocolate for special occasions throughout the coming year.

Hershey recently announced that it was planning to close its Smiths Falls plant.

"We are hoping that the company will see the support that they have in communities throughout Eastern Ontario and reconsider their announcement," says Brown.

The closure would put about 500 people out of work and have negative economic effects across this part of Ontario. Many Hershey's employees live in Leeds-Grenville and other riding businesses, industries and farmers will be affected.

"A positive message from people might make the company think about what it means to Smiths Falls and area," adds Brown.

The Hershey Pledge is available at www.hersheypledge.ca.