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No-Barbs-Barred Appraisal Skewers CEOs

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By TED JACKOVICS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 31, 2008

TAMPA - If 2008 was a horrible year for business, surely some chief executive officers would be singled out for wrecking the economy, putting profits before people and seeking a government handout while fighting government regulations.

That is one of the missions of Green America, known until its New Year's 2009 name change as Co-op America. The green economy group, founded in 1982, provides environmental news and a year-end, no-barbs-barred appraisal of corporate governance.

In addition, at its ResponsibleShopper.org Web site, the group ranks companies on social and environmental issues.

"In order to make the list, the actions of the CEOs had to have had a decidedly negative impact in 2008, a year in which the greed of corporate managers helped create a severe downward economic spiral," the Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group said in a release.

The CEOs and Green America appraisals:

•"For Wrecking Our Economy" – Charles Prince, former CEO of Citigroup, which laid off 23,000 employees and made plans for an additional 50,000 layoffs.

•"For Putting Profits Before People and the Planet" – John J. Harris, chairman and CEO of Nestle Waters. Nestle Waters threatened to sue Miami-Dade County after the county aired public service messages telling people that public tap water was cheaper, safer, and purer than bottled water, Green America said.

•"For Fossil Foolishness" – Bruce Williamson, CEO of Dynegy. The company planned to develop six coal-fired power plants, although in December it said it is rethinking those plans. Coal is the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide, Green America said.

•"For Seeking A Handout From The Government While Fighting Its Regulations" – Rick Wagoner, chairman and CEO of General Motors, who traveled by private jet to attend Congressional hearings to plead his case for a bailout.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817 or tjackovics@tampatrib.com.

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