Note: This is a blog post for my IST 600 Blogging for Information Professionals class. For our final exam we are writing a series of blogs for a fictional company, Lake Onondaga Vineyard, a new wine company. The following post does not refer to any company past or present, and is entirely fictional.

*** Our Sincere Apologies to the Dutch Community ***

As you have probably heard, the CEO and owner of Lake Onondaga Vineyard, Brigitte Sarkozy, insulted the Dutch population in an interview published in the Syracuse Daily Tribune today.  We are extremely sorry and apologize profusely for her comments.  She would like to sincerely apologize to the Dutch community in Syracuse and around the world for her remarks.  Within the hour Brigitte will be holding a joint press conference with the President of the Central New York Dutch Benevolent Society to personally apologize to the Dutch community.  In the meantime, she has provided a written apology:

I am truly sorry for the terrible, vulgar remarks that I made yesterday regarding the Dutch.  I apologize to my Dutch friends, neighbors, and acquaintances;  I apologize to the Syracuse Dutch community; I apologize to the global Dutch community for my ignorant and bigoted remarks.  I am sincerely sorry for their hateful message and I will do my best to make up for them.  I have agreed to work with the Central New York Dutch Benevolent Society donating 200 hours of community service to further their causes.  Additionally, I will be making a personal contribution of $20,000 to their scholarship fund which provides annual scholarships to Central New York residents of Dutch descent.  Again, I am truly sorry and ashamed for my spiteful words and ask for your forgiveness as I seek to make amends to the Dutch community in Central New York and at large.

Lake Onondaga Vineyard is an equal opportunity employer.  We do not discriminate based on gender, religion, race, or sexual orientation.  As a company we are also extremely sorry for Brigitte’s remarks and want to work to rebuild our relationship with the Dutch community; consequently, we are taking the following steps:

1. In addition to Brigitte’s personal donation, we will make a matching $20,000 contribution to the Central New York Dutch Benevolent Society’s scholarship fund.  We will also double our match of any employee contributions to the Central New York Dutch Benevolent society for the rest of the year.

2. All members of the Central New York Dutch Benevolent Society will receive 50% off coupons on all products and services offered by Lake Onondaga Vineyard including wine at our vineyard, a meal at our French restaurant, and a stay at our Bed & Breakfast.

Again, we are sincerely sorry and offer our heartfelt apologies to the Dutch community.