Katrina responses (9 Sept)

Johns Manville to donate $100,000 to recovery fund

Denver, Colorado --Roofing and building products manufacturer Johns Manville Corp. is donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, the Denver-based company announced Sept. 8.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)

Bridgestone donates more than $1 Million to Red Cross relief efforts

Nashville, Tennessee --The Bridgestone global group of companies donated more than $1 million to the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina response, and more than 2200 company-owned retail stores across the United States are offering their customers a way to lend a helping hand.

Bridgestone Corp. donated $900 000 and Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., Bridgestone Corp.'s US subsidiary, contributed $100 000. Firestone Polymers Co., an operating unit of Bridgestone Americas, which has a plant in Lake Charles, Louisiana, also donated $10 000 along with a corporate match of up to $10 000 for company teammate contributions.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)

Rhodia's Baton Rouge site suffers minor damage from Katrina

Baton Rouge, Louisiana --Rhodia Inc. has established a Hurricane Katrina matching contribution program to aid the victims of one of the worst natural disasters in United States history. Employees who make a monetary contribution to the American Red Cross will have their donation matched by the company. Rhodia Inc. is committed to contributing up to $15,000 in matching donations to help those who are suffering in the Gulf Coast.

The company's Baton Rouge site sustained only minor damage from the Hurricane Katrina and has returned to full operation.

Press release from Rhodia

European Rubber Journal wants to hear from rubber industry companies with operations and/or employees in the areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina, and how you've handled the effects of the storm. We'd like to know what efforts you've made to keep your doors open, how you've kept track of employees, how you've contributed to the relief cause and what your plans are for the future.

In particular, we'd like to hear any human interest stories you may have regarding your employees and how they dealt with the storm, the flooding and the aftermath. We're trying to put a face on the ordeal as it affects the rubber industry and the people who serve it.

If you have anything to share, please contact David Shaw at +44 (0)20 7457 1408 or e-mail him at dshaw@crain.co.uk.