May 25, 2006

Department of Environmental Quality Deputy Director Stanley Pruss met with officials from Dow Corning in Midland and presented them with the Neighborhood Environmental Partners (NEP) Gold Award.

The NEP Gold Awards Program was developed by the DEQ to recognize facilities and their community partners who have worked together to improve the environment locally by implementing ongoing environmental projects.

“I am happy to join with Dow Corning today to recognize their outstanding work within the community,” said Deputy Director Pruss. "Dow Corning is demonstrating that protecting our environment, and growing Michigan’s economy, go hand-in-hand.”

The Dow Corning - Midland Site and its community partners received a NEP Gold Award for successfully implementing several environmental projects in the community. Dow Corning works in partnership with the Arnold Center, a local non-profit organization, to manage and recycle paper from its facility, with the funds generated by the recycling program going to support the center. Dow Corning also has a partnership with Volunteers for Recycling, donating cardboard to the group to help fund recycling projects in the community. In addition, Dow Corning has established a community advisory panel and cooperative training program with local emergency responders that have resulted in improved communication and coordination with local community officials.

In accepting the award Ken Kaufman, site manager, said, “This award is a reflection of the culture that has developed at Dow Corning over many years. It is based on open and honest dialogue, trust, and an involved team working together with our community stakeholders and our state agencies.”

Dow Corning is an active member of the Department of Environmental Quality's “Clean Corporate Citizen Program.” Dow Corning received their C3 designation on January 12, 2004, and has successfully renewed their designation since then.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised May 25, 2006 by Pat Watson