Costco 2012 Annual Report Download - page 7

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several important commodities, such as vanilla from Uganda, cocoa from Cote d’Ivoire and coffee from
Rwanda. These programs assist growers with critical needs, such as training in high-yield, sustainable
farming, clean water systems, housing, health care and education. The end result is a higher quality
product, a fair price for everyone in the supply chain, including the grower, and a more sustainable
supply. We don’t consider these purely philanthropic endeavors. They are straightforward strategies for
ensuring the fair treatment of our suppliers, while providing our members with the quality products they
demand, and at the same time growing our business.
This global perspective was an enduring theme for our Company in 2012 and will be into the future. It
permeates almost every aspect of our business, and our employees are committed to embracing a
larger, more complex global landscape, with the same “keep-it-simple” philosophy that has driven our
success over the years.
We expect 2013, our 30th year of operation, to be a challenge for many around the world. However,
we consider Costco to be in a strong position for continued growth and profitability. Rest assured that
we will continue to focus on growing long-term shareholder value by adhering to the policies and
practices that made Costco the Company it is today.
On behalf of the 174,000 Costco employees worldwide, we thank you, our shareholders, for your
investment in Costco and your continued support of our Company. We look forward to seeing many of
you at our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on January 24, 2013, in Bellevue, Washington.
Best wishes to you and your loved ones for a wonderful holiday season and a healthy, happy and
prosperous New Year.
Warm Regards,
Jeff Brotman
Chairman of the Board
Craig Jelinek
President & Chief Executive Officer
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