Family Business Defies Economic Climate by
Forming New Charitable Foundation

Foundation to support food-related agencies working with disadvantaged children, adults

WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS - (April 15, 2009) - At a time when nearly half of the country’s largest foundations have decreased their giving – and double-digit decreases are expected for 2009 – a small family business has defied the economic climate by creating a new foundation. Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, of Waukegan, will donate ten percent of its profits to The Nielsen-Massey Foundation.

Formed in March of 2009, The Nielsen-Massey Foundation will assist disadvantaged children and adults with education and leadership development, especially in the field of culinary arts. The foundation will also consider requests for assistance in the development of sustainable environmental practices or for programs benefiting people in countries of need.

“The Nielsen Family sees the foundation as an organized way to continue our charitable tradition,” says Beth Nielsen, President of the foundation. “But more than just a tribute to our family’s history, this foundation will be our legacy for future generations. The more our foundation grows, the more people we can help in years to come.”

Nielsen-Massey Vanillas has long supported charitable causes through product and cash donations, including several state and national culinary arts programs. Cash donations may now be given through the foundation. Foundation applications will be reviewed quarterly by the foundation board.

Nielsen-Massey Vanillas is the producer of the world’s finest vanillas and pure flavors beans, processed with a proprietary cold extraction process. Third generation siblings Craig, Matt and Beth Nielsen own and operate the family company which began in 1907.

About Nielsen-Massey Vanillas
Throughout its more than 100 year history, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas has earned its reputation as a manufacturer of the finest extracts in the world. The full line of Nielsen-Massey’s Pure Vanilla products include: Vanilla Beans and Extracts from Madagascar, Tahiti and Mexico; sugar and alcohol-free Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar and Certified Organic Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, Vanilla Beans and Powder.

Nielsen-Massey Vanillas recently introduced a new line of Pure Flavors: Pure Chocolate Extract, Pure Almond Extract, Pure Orange Extract, Pure Lemon Extract, Pure Coffee Extract, Pure Peppermint Extract, Orange Blossom Water and Rose Water. All Nielsen-Massey products are certified Kosher and Gluten-free. The company is headquartered in Waukegan, Illinois, with production facilities in Waukegan and Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.

For further information or interviews with members of the Nielsen family, contact Gardi Wilks, gwilks@savoragency.com, 708-205-5020 cell; or Savor – The Food Agency, 847-556-7511.

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