The Holcim (US) Theodore Plant in Alabama has been recognized by the Council of State Governments (CSG) as the winner of the 2006 CSG Associates Award for corporate citizenship. The Holcim plant and its leadership were honored for their ongoing commitment to helping the community near the plant rebuild after Hurricane Katrina.

The CSG award was presented to Holcim Plant Manager Joe McFalls by Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry. During remarks, Governor Henry highlighted two specific projects Holcim undertook to help the community rebuild.

The first project Holcim worked on was the rebuilding of a rural health clinic in Bayou La Batre. The clinic, which serves low-income residents in the Theodore community, was initially destroyed by the hurricane. Although it was rebuilt, the clinic later suffered another blow when it burned down the day before it was scheduled to re-open.

Holcim's Theodore Plant, in conjunction with other local industries, spearheaded the effort to raise $120,000 to once again restore the clinic, including a $50,000 donation from Holcim. Plant officials also sponsored two medical students from Morehouse College to help out at the clinic.

In addition to Holcim's work in helping to put the clinic back into operation, Holcim officials also coordinated with the local Habitat for Humanity office to support efforts to build new homes for those displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Holcim, in partnership with other local industries, arranged to have the concrete donated for all 11 Habitat for Humanity houses being built in the Belwood subdivision in Theodore. Holcim employees also provided volunteer labor on the building projects.

"For all of us at Holcim, Katrina hit very close to home," said McFalls. "Our company has a great history of stepping up to help whenever there is a need. The people who were affected by Katrina are our friends, neighbors and customers." McFalls continued, "I am honored to receive this award on behalf of all of our employees who've worked so hard to help out." CM