[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 63 (Friday, May 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING GEORGIA GULF CHEMICALS & VINYLS, L.L.C.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 18, 2000

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Georgia Gulf 
Chemicals & Vinyls, L.L.C. and its employees for selection by the 
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce as the Industry of the Year.
  Georgia Gulf and its employees have been responsible members of the 
Pasadena community, and have had a significant impact on the local 
business community. In addition to making sizable expenditures on 
supplies and raw materials in the Pasadena area, Georgia Gulf has shown 
a commitment to reducing the amount and/or toxicity of hazardous and 
nonhazardous wastes generated. Though not required by any state or 
federal regulations, Georgia gulf operates a vapor recovery system for 
acetone loading, resulting in reducing emissions to the atmosphere.
  Georgia Gulf received recognition from Pasadena's Local Emergency 
Planning Committee for their support and involvement with the Household 
Hazardous Material Collection Day. Georgia Gulf employees also 
volunteer with the Bay Day Celebration to provide information to the 
public on pollution prevention, water quality, and the Galveston Bay 
ecosystem.
  In addition to environmental efforts, Georgia Gulf has shown a 
commitment to safety. The company received the Texas Chemical Council's 
``Caring for Texas'' Award for outstanding performance in pollution 
prevention, community awareness, and safety awareness. The Council also 
recognized Georgia Gulf for going a year without a recordable accident 
in 1999.
  A true connection exists between Georgia Gulf and the Pasadena 
community. Most of the 80 employees make their homes in Pasadena area 
neighborhoods. Demonstrating their generosity and connection to 
community, the company's employees have logged thousands of volunteer 
hours on local projects.
  Georgia Gulf's active involvement in the Pasadena community can be 
traced through its participation in a wide variety of civic 
organizations, including the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, the Pasadena 
Citizens Advisory Panel, the Clean Channel Association and several 
community-based nonprofit organizations. The Pasadena Livestock Show 
and Rodeo and area Little Leagues also benefit from the active support 
of Georgia Gulf. The employees' participation in the American Heart 
Association's Heartwalk, United Way fundraising, and the Bridge to help 
battered women, add to the list of reasons why Georgia Gulf has earned 
this year's Industry of the Year Award.
  Georgia Gulf has contributed to efforts to provide a first-rate 
education for the young people of Pasadena. Georgia Gulf and its 
employees: serve on the East Harris County Manufacturers Association 
Schools Outreach Subcommittee to provide Pasadena schools with 
supplies, mentoring, and monetary donations; host industry tours for 
ninth graders from area high schools; participate in a mentoring 
program with fifth graders called the Pen Pal program; and donate 
computer equipment to the Pasadena school district.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the employees of Georgia Gulf on being 
named the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Industry of the Year. This honor 
is well-deserved for their work in expanding business and job 
opportunities, establishing safer conditions for workers, and 
instituting initiatives to protect the environment. This award 
indicates that Georgia Gulf has demonstrated a commitment to 
strengthening community relations by supporting employees volunteer 
activities and making contributions to deserving sectors of the 
community.

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