SC Member Recognized for Community Outreach Programs

The Holcim (US) Inc., cement plant in Holly Hill, S.C., has been recognized by Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas as part of the 2008 Cement Industry Energy & Environmental Awards. The plant was a finalist in the Outreach category that recognizes facilities that strive to enhance community, employee, and government relations through innovative communications and programs.

The centerpiece of the plant’s community outreach program is the annual Kid’s Day celebration that takes place each spring at Rouser Lake in the Four Hole Swamp, located on plant property. Plant employees work with local and state community groups to plan activities that promote environmental awareness and education. Last year, more than 125 children and their parents attended the event, which was co-hosted with the South Carolina Waterfowl Association and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Other outreach programs include a Community Advisory Committee, which is made up of both plant management and community representatives. The committee helps plant managers learn about community needs and concerns and educates the community about the plant’s environmental stewardship efforts. Additionally, Holcim’s Holly Hill plant has supported local education and community groups by fulfilling financial and material requests.

“We are very pleased that our community outreach efforts in Holly Hill have been recognized by PCA and Cement Americas,” said Patrick Dolberg, President and CEO of Holcim (US). “Kid’s Day and the Community Advisory Committee benefit Holcim as well as the community and we appreciate the efforts of everyone who make these and our other outreach programs possible.”

The Cement Industry Energy & Environmental Awards honor individual cement facilities that exemplify the spirit of continuous environmental improvement and support this spirit with action. These plants go beyond government regulations and local laws to ensure that their processes contributed to making their communities better places to live and work. Five categories are recognized: Outreach, Environmental Performance, Land Stewardship, Innovation, and Energy Efficiency. Additionally a special honor is presented to plants demonstrating excellence in multiple categories.

Judges for the awards represent independent groups such as Cement Americas magazine, the Cement Association of Canada, World Resources Institute, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the World Wildlife Fund.