SKOKIE, Ill. – The Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine acknowledged the Holcim (US) Inc., Devil’s Slide cement plant in Morgan, Utah, as part of the 2006 Cement Industry Energy & Environmental Awards. The plant was a finalist in the Outreach category that recognizes facilities strive to enhance community, employee, and government relations through innovative communications and programs.

“We are proud to be recognized for our efforts to enhance community, employee, and government relations through innovative communications and programs,” said Patrick Dolberg, president & chief executive officer, Holcim (US) Inc.

The Devil’s Slide plant developed a Community Advisory Committee consisting of plant management and community representatives. Through this open, two-way communication, the plant becomes aware of community needs and concerns and its neighbors learn more of the plant’s environmental stewardship efforts. Activities that have been a direct result of this quarterly dialog include the donation of a thesaurus to each 4th grade student in the two community school districts; the formation of a academic awards program for high schools students; and the restoration and repair of a local park and rodeo grounds. Holcim (US) donated more than 700 man hours, all supplies, concrete, building materials, and expenses for the beautification of the Hefner City Park.

“Cement companies take very seriously their responsibilities to towns where their employees and customers live,” said Charlie T. Sunderland, PCA chairman and CEO of Ash Grove Cement Company. “The awards program recognizes these ongoing efforts.”

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 was presented to plants demonstrating excellence in multiple categories.

History of the Awards
The awards program was created in 2000 by the Portland Cement Association as part of its renewed environment and energy strategic plan for the U.S. cement industry. PCA and Cement Americas magazine presented the first Cement Industry Environmental Awards in 2002 to the winners for 2001. The awards honor activities conducted during the previous calendar year, and the program is open to any cement manufacturing plant in North America. Judges for the awards represent independent groups such as PCA, Cement Americas magazine, the Cement Association of Canada, World Resources Institute, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the World Wildlife Fund.

About PCA
Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs.