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THE HARBIN ANHEUSER-BUSCH CIVIC DEVELOPMENT FUND CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

HARBIN, China (Jan. 17, 2008) – The Harbin Anheuser-Busch Civic Development Fund announced today nearly RMB 6 million (US $820,000) was awarded in 2007 to encourage long-term economic growth as well as support education, job training and health care programs in the city of Harbin and the surrounding areas.

“The Harbin Anheuser-Busch Civic Development Fund directly serves teachers, students and those less fortunate through the programs it sponsors,” said Guozhang Cong, Harbin Deputy Mayor and co-Chairman of the Harbin Anheuser-Busch Civic Development Fund. “With the support of Harbin Breweries and Anheuser-Busch, the fund has made a positive impact on the community and will continue to do so in the future.”

Including the 2007 allocations, the fund has committed more than RMB 19.5 million (US $2.65 million) since 2004 to improve the welfare of the citizens of Harbin and surrounding areas. Projects supported in 2007 include:

  • Financial Aid to Needy Students Project – helps students in low-income families afford university tuition. In 2007, the allocated funds provided financial aid to more than 800 Harbin students.
  • Future Elementary School Teachers Program – provides financial aid to students pursuing careers in elementary education.
  • Training Programs for English Teachers – offers financial aid to Harbin primary and high school teachers to attend professional training programs.
  • “Harbin Beer Cup” English-Speaking Contest – finds the best English-speaking residents in Harbin. The popular competition, aired on local television, encourages English studies in local schools and universities.
  • Project Hope – provides students interested in hockey with financial assistance for equipment and training as well as an educational scholarship.
  • Handicapped Association Project – supports the development of a Medicare center devoted to aiding handicapped citizens of Harbin.
  • Harbin Fire Protection Association’s Awareness Program – educates residents on the importance of fire safety and identifying fire-related hazards.
  • Harbin Production Safety Awareness Program – provides ideas and information on creating safer work environments.
  • 30 Anniversary of Resuming Entrance Examinations for High Educationth – promotes education through a series of activities commemorating the 30 anniversary of resuming entrance examinations for high education. th
  • The 6 Annual Harbin International Beer Festivalth – showcases Harbin as a popular tourist destination.

In 2004, Anheuser-Busch and the City of Harbin formed the Harbin Anheuser-Busch Civic Development Fund. The fund was accompanied by an initial contribution of US $8 million (RMB 64.9 million) from Anheuser-Busch.

“Harbin Breweries and Anheuser-Busch believe it is important to be a good corporate citizen in the communities where we do business,” said YanJun Cheng, chief executive officer, Harbin Brewery Group and a member of the Fund’s Advisory Committee. “Together with city officials, we have been able to promote local development and advance the well-being of Harbin’s citizens through the civic fund.”

Anheuser-Busch acquired Harbin Brewery Group in 2004 with a tender offer welcomed by the company’s management and Harbin city officials. Harbin, the oldest brewer in China, has more than 8,000 full-time employees and currently operates 13 major breweries in four Chinese provinces.

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 48.4 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world famous Budweiser and Bud Light beers. Anheuser Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico’s leading brewer, and a 27 percent share in China brewer Tsingtao, whose namesake beer brand is the country’s best-selling premium beer. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine’s Most Admired U.S. and Global Companies lists in 2007. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.

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