In early 2002, a non-profit organization petitioned Grandway for some advice about economic development in Cholutecca, Honduras. Cholutecca, is a rural city with approximately 50,000 residents. There are very limited employment opportunities and the depth of poverty is staggering. This humanitarian entity discussed many local community possibilities; however we felt strongly that new funds needed to be brought into the Cholutecca economy through export. Upon visiting Cholutecca the first time, we fell in love with the people and their sincere desire to have a job and take care of their families. A meeting was held with some of the community leaders, wherein it was expressed to us over and over again that all these people wanted was a chance or opportunity to work.

After evaluating the needs, resources and sincere desire of the community workforce, we committed to investing into a wood fabrication facility and sewing factory. The choice of wood fabrication was based upon the abundant species of trees and the fact that the country is almost entirely forested. In fact, Honduran Mahogany tree is considered the world's purest and most beautiful mahogany wood on the entire planet as well as the fact that country has strict management plans for reforestation and forest sustainability. The choice of a sewing factory was based upon the significant amount of women that were skilled in sewing and their current need to support their families. Currently, the two factories employ about 200 people with full time work and a premium wage. Grandway pays significantly over the standard labor rate, but more importantly, our work is not seasonal, but consistent.

Most families have 4 or 5 children in Latin America. Which means the factory helps close to 1,000 people directly, and thousands more indirectly through increased disposable income spread throughout the city.

Grandway also recently built a co-op store in the facility, where we stock the main food products that are consumed in their homes. This co-op store is primarily owned by the employees, so not only is the food less expensive, the profit from the internal factory store is shared with the participating employees. Grandway has also built a kitchen on-site and now produces a 3-course meal with cold beverages for all employees at a low and subsidized cost.

Grandway's philosophy is to provide opportunity - not handouts. It is our belief that handouts stall or hurt a culture, but opportunity (where effort is part of the process) creates self worth, value, training and a foundation for progress. The factory is proving this plan and the differences in people's life are well documented. It is rewarding to see people turn despair into hope and poverty into peace.

Recently we have also seen several high profile gift companies importing a "Gloveables" knock-off from China. The Gloveables product is patented and as you can see from the information herein, we are a company that is socially responsible and have a commitment to high ethical standards in our unique industry. We hope you see value in this type of leadership as well.

By purchasing these fine products it helps guarantee the success of the sewing facility and their sincere effort to support their families. The factory would fail without the help of people like you that are willing to purchase Grandway products. On behalf of all the Grandway employees and their families, we earnestly convey our gratitude for your support and want you to know hos much this is truly appreciated.