Hershey Culture

Milton Hershey took culture to a whole new level with The Hershey Company.  He not only instilled a "fair treatment" culture within the company, he also developed a whole town around it.  Read more about Hershey's culture at the link below.

It seems that Hershey is having a difficult time maintaining a competitive advantage while still keeping with the culture that Mr. Hershey envisioned for the company.  In order to remain competitive, they have to look to outsourcing and foreign production to reduce costs.  However, Mr. Hershey's vision was to keep business in the community and provide as well as possible the company's employees. 
 
http://www.washingtoniv.com/?p=71

Scandals

I have already posted regarding Hershey & Fair Trade http://jenniferhersheyformgt656.blogspot.com/2010/10/hershey-falling-short-on-fair-trade.html

& the scandal regarding the CEO & others profiting on the purchase of the golf course with MHS trust money
http://jenniferhersheyformgt656.blogspot.com/2010/10/probe-of-hershey-trust-purchase-of-golf.html

Others scandals I found:

Sex abuse case at Hershey School
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/front_page/20100520_Sex-abuse_case_shatters_Hershey_School.html

Salmonella scare sparks Hershey recall
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/SalmonellaScarePromptsHersheyRecall.aspx

Feel the Frost

The Hershey Company invites consumers to embark on a new powerfully cool taste experience with the launch of Ice BreakersFrost^(TM) sugar-free mints. The only mint coated with an intense combination of xylitol, cooling and flavor crystals, new Ice Breakers Frost mints deliver a surprisingly powerful and enjoyable experience. Ice Breakers Frost mints are now available at retail in two intensely cool flavors - Wintercool^(TM) and peppermint.

http://www.thehersheycompany.com/newsroom/news-release-1493967.aspx

Stock Update

11/8:     $48.46
11/9:     $48.16
11/10:   $47.92
11/11:   $47.98
11/12:   $47.55

Hershey's website

Hershey has changed the look of their website.  The content is laid out almost exactly as it was before.  The graphics are much different, though.  They used alot of pictures of people....giving the perception that Hershey's candy is for people like you!

http://www.thehersheycompany.com/

J.P. Bilbrey named COO

On November 2nd, The Hershey Company elected J.P. Bilbrey to the newly created Chief Operating Officer position.  The position will focus on the day-to-day operations and the supply chain.  It is suppose to allow the CEO to focus more on the strategic and business development initiatives. "Bilbrey will also lead two new business units, responsible for building and leveraging Hershey's global brands, creating confectionery marketplace innovation and disseminating best demonstrated practices."  One article mentions that he will be working to strengthen US market position & increase global competitiveness.

http://www.thehersheycompany.com/news/release.asp?releaseID=1490640
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2010/11/hershey_co_creates_chief_opera.html

Stock Update

10/25-  $49.60
10/26-  $49.41
10/27-  $48.91
10/28-  $49.36
10/29-  $49.49

11/1-  $49.13
11/2-  $48.92
11/3-  $49.19
11/4-  $48.86
11/5-  $48.49