Naturewalk's commitment to sustainable social and economic improvement in Costa Rica

JACO, Costa Rica - Dec. 3, 2014 - PRLog -- Naturewalk has completed its 2014 Social Responsibility Report and copies are available from Costa Rica Invest. Some of the  highlights of employment in the Report are listed below.

Naturewalk is located in a picturesque valley 15 kilometers east of Jaco. This Central Pacific inland region, traditionally one with poor employment and educational prospects, has again benefitted from Naturewalk’s social and economic programs this past year.   Says Tim Alexander, President of Naturewalk, “In December 2013, we reported an increase in our job hiring and job creation. This year, we have increased job creation by 59% and made additional contributions to the local infrastructure and the educational base of the community”.

Important among  increased activities for the year was the launch of the Naturewalk wood mill and wood craft center. This business adds to the wood sustainability cycle by adding value add manufacturing in Costa Rica rather than simply exporting raw logs to foreign manufacturing countries such as China and India. This enterprise now employs 9 full time and part-time employees and is exporting boxed furniture to the United States. In addition to manufacturing, this business has a tourism component which will start sustainability and educational tours to the facility in 2015. Further employment opportunities  in this business can be expected in 2015.

Also the specialty vegetable agricultural business commenced this past year and Naturewalk will commence the export of these Asian styled vegetables to the United States in February, 2015. We now employ 4 full-time employees and expect this business to fully ramp up in 2015 with a total of 20 employees. This business will also support a packing plant, the first in the region, and will create additional job specific opportunities.

Another tourism generating business, Hola Granola was purchased by Naturewalk Brands in mid 2014 and will be centered in Naturewalk in the coming year.  This natural foods enterprise started with artisanal granola bakery snacks and has quickly expanded to include additional granola offerings, granola cookies, 2 different selections of flavored honey and vanilla pods grown at Naturewalk. In 2015, expect to see further product line additons and market penetration as Hola Granola becomes a trusted natural food brand in Costa Rica.

Says Tim Alexander, “As we complete out or programs for 2014, prospects look bright for increased grow and employment opportunities at Naturewalk in 2015.  In addition to growth in our manufacturing, and agricultural segments,  2015 will bring  increased job growth in the areas of the Adventure Center and the launch of the Adventure Hotel in Naturewalk, both of which will create sustained tourism jobs and hospitality  skills for the inland region.

Naturewalk is a fully master planned community of 1200 acres in Turrubares Costa Rica. Owners in Naturewalk own fully serviced lots on which they can have their dream home. Owners further benefit from fully managed crops growing on their land, giving them an income. The masterplan for Naturewalk includes a condo hotel, eco hotel, adventure center, equine center and town center with shopping facilities in addition to homes.

For further information visit www.costaricainvest.ie or call USA +1-202-697-9284 or Europe +353-1-272-4184