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TOMS Shoes and Chief Shoe Giver Blake Mycoskie are proud recipients of the Secretary of State’s 2009 Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) presented by Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton. The award, established by the State Department in 1999, celebrates companies’ commitment to corporate social responsibility, innovation, exemplary practices, and democratic values worldwide. TOMS Shoes, with its One for One business model, exemplifies the ideals recognized by the award.

U.S. companies are nominated by Chiefs of Mission worldwide and the winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of senior Department of State and other governmental officials and chaired by the Under Secretary for Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs. Nominations are based upon companies’ achievements using criteria such as responsible environmental protection and practices, innovative programs with measurable results and contribution to local science & technology.

“I am honored that TOMS Shoes is the recipient of such an esteemed and important accolade,” said Mycoskie. “Since the start of this company, we have strived to create a dialogue with the communities in which we operate while contributing to the greater good around the world. I am humbled by this great recognition and will continue encouraging and engaging in responsible business practices.”

Secretary Hillary Rodman Clinton thanked TOMS Shoes and Blake for "reminding us that American businesses can do much more than sell goods and services. They can bring hope and optimism to communities abroad. They can inspire others to take risks to become entrepreneurs and grow their own businesses. They can really give people the sense that the private sector can make a difference, a lasting sustainable difference, and they can do well as well as doing good."

Past winners of the award include GE, Cisco Systems, Coca-Cola and Ford Motor Company.

Click here to read Blake’s acceptance speech.