"Our mission is to provide the best service to our customers." These were the words spoken by Brent Briscoe, area manager of UAP Distribution in Flora, IL, when he was asked about his company's relationship with the community and clientele. He went on to say: "Environmental respect is one of the most important parts of our business. We want them [customers] to be proud of the facility they buy from. We built a new location ... so that we would have all of the new, modern, environmental devices in the industry."

The improvements that have been made are some of many reasons why UAP received the Environmental Respect Award for the state of Illinois. The company is also very generous in its support of the community. It makes a yearly donation to the fire department for emergency equipment, it gives tours of its facility, and company representatives speak at colleges. The company and community also band together to support local families who are going through hard times. This is an example of a company that is vital to the community in which it thrives.

Located in a modern industrial park, UAP holds monthly safety meetings about a variety of topics, and has a special clerk to make sure that the company is constantly in compliance with all of the state and national laws regarding chemicals and fertilizers. With dedication to the environment, safety, and its customers, it seems UAP needs only to keep up its level of environmental enthusiasm and continue to spread its message of stewardship.