{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-highlights-watertowns-koster-keunen-as-innovator-of-the-month", "Murphy Highlights Watertown's Koster Keunen As \"Innovator Of The Month\"", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", "chrismurphy", "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "HARTFORD\u2013U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced on Wednesday that Koster Keunen, based in Watertown, was named \u201cInnovator of the Month\u201d for its leadership in natural wax production and technology. Founded in 1852, Koster Keunen specializes in the ethical development, processing, and manufacturing of wax ingredients and derivatives. The company pioneered the world\u2019s first certified, 100% sustainably sourced beeswax and operates its Watertown facility with a 660kW solar array, offsetting nearly 900 tons of carbon emissions each year.\n\n\u201cKoster Keunen\u2019s innovation and commitment to sustainability highlights the power of Connecticut businesses to lead on a global scale. I\u2019m proud to recognize this family-owned business for its pioneering efforts to create ethical, environmentally friendly solutions and pave the way for better working conditions around the world,\u201d said Murphy.\n\n\u201cThis award is a testament to the values that have guided my family and our company for five generations. It's a recognition of our deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and ethical business practices. To be acknowledged on a global stage for these efforts is truly humbling,\u201d said John Koster, President of Koster Keunen. \u201cAt Koster Keunen, we believe innovation is the driving force behind sustainability and creating positive global impact. We are proud to be a Connecticut-based company, contributing to the state's rich legacy of ingenuity and environmental stewardship.\u201d\n\nKoster Keunen was awarded the 2024 U.S. Secretary of State Award for Corporate Excellence in Innovation to Strengthen Communities, which recognizes U.S. companies that uphold high standards of ethical conduct, promote human rights and community development, and demonstrate environmental and social responsibility in their overseas operations. The recognition shines a spotlight on the positive impact Koster Keunen has made all over the world, where the company has partnered with local communities to empower local entrepreneurs and promote sustainable beekeeping practices.\n\nMurphy believes entrepreneurship and innovation are the building blocks for a strong economy. In the U.S. Senate, he has introduced legislation to incentivize angel investors to put more money into startup companies\u2014the Angel Tax Credit Act and the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS) Act. Startup companies create an average of 2 million jobs each year.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-highlights-watertowns-koster-keunen-as-innovator-of-the-month"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.5630540437996387, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}