October 27, 2003

PRESS RELEASE --- BURRELL A. BROWN, ESQUIRE, PRESIDENT

Re: City of Harrisburg Resolutions

As a result of an appeal from the Interdenominational Ministers Conference (IMC) of Greater Harrisburg and direction from our National Office, the Pa. State Conference of NAACP Branches considered the circumstances surrounding the Harrisburg International Airport's reported $222 million expansion and the economic direct action by the IMC against central Pennsylvania Tourism and the Hershey Trust Company, owners of Hershey Foods Corporation and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company.

The Pa. State Conference of NAACP Branches, at its 69th Annual Convention's Final Plenary Session, ending October 26, 2003, passed resolutions to secure Economic Justice at hte Harrisburg International Airport Expansion Projects. Also a Resolution for Environmental Justice by seeking to prevent the restart of a Trash Burning Incinerator in south Harrisburg. The area which houses the city's largest Public Housing Project and heighbors a working class neighbothood in Steelton, Pa.

While these Resolutions support the efforts of the IMC, we resolve to seek a meeting with representatives of Hershey Trust Company and the Harrisburg International Airport Authority to fashion a better disadvantaged business enterprise, with a minority hiring program, having Hershey become a signatory to the NAACP's Fair Share Agreement.

The Resolution addressing the Incinerator, we seek a meeting with the Hershey Trust Company, the City of Harrisburg, Harrisburg City Council and Dauphin County, in hopes that their waste processing plan would reflect the national policy of the NAACP on Environmental Racism. During the interim, because of the high risk of Community Health Hazards, we respectfully request the plans for the Incinerator's restart be tabled.

Finally, as central Pennsylvania's leading corporate citizen, Hershey has a moral duty that makes it an indispensable party to the resolution of both matters. We understand why The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), The Progressive National Baptist Convention and The National Baptist Convention USA Inc. support the Interdenominational Ministers Conference (IMC). Once these Resolutions are reviewed by counsel, copies will be made available.