December 11, 2007

Alabama River Group Employees conduct annual
Christmas drives

 

CLAIBORNE, ALA----Employees of Alabama River Pulp, Alabama Pine Pulp, Independence Renewable Energy Corporation, and Alabama River Woodlands held their annual Angel Tree Christmas project in coordination with the Monroe County Department of Human Resources.  Assorted toys, bicycles, wagons, and clothing items were purchased for over 35 needy children. Employees Leslie NeSmith and Frank Banks are shown loading up bikes and sorting gifts for delivery.

Alabama River Group employees and the Alabama River Employees Credit Union collected toiletry items, socks and blankets for elderly Home Health patients as an annual Christmas project. The items are distributed to needy patients by the Alabama Department of Public Health through its Home Health Nursing Program. Shown with this year’s donations are, left to right, Home Health representatives Lynne Noah and Maria Riley, ARP employee Susan Hines, Credit Union Manager Sharon Downing, ARP employee Michael Hornady and ARW employee Patsy Wadlington.

April 23, 2007

Alabama River is first Market Pulp Mill certified
to SFI and PEFC Environmental Forestry Standards

The Alabama River Group, Inc. has announced that its fiber procurement system for Alabama River Hardwood and Alabama River Softwood market pulp is certified to the newest Chain of Custody standards of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC).

In November 2006 Bureau Veritas Certification of North America audited Alabama River’s Chain of Custody system and found it to successfully meet the new SFI and PEFC Chain of Custody standards. 

SFI is fully independent and governed by a diverse board representing all stakeholders and is the most widely applied forest certification in North America.
PEFC endorsed systems account for 196 million hectares worldwide making it the largest forestry certification scheme.  SFI and PEFC Chain of Custody standards require a comprehensive audit of the wood supply chain, according to Alabama River Woodlands President Richard Koger.

The Claiborne, Alabama, company’s fiber procurement system has been certified to SFI and ISO 14001 since 2002, Koger stated, adding this Chain of Custody certification “moves us into a unique and elite position as the first market pulp mill to achieve this.  We are also among the first in any industry segment to obtain this certifica-tion with full accreditation from  the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), as required by  the standards.” 

ARG Director for Environmental & Customer Affairs Laurie Johnson said, “We can now proudly offer our customers a declaration of certified content plus the assurance that all fiber is harvested legally and procured through our certified procurement process.  This allows our market pulp customers around the world the ability to confidently satisfy their SFI and PEFC product labeling and fiber tracking requirements with our pulps.” 

April 9, 2007
ARP Bikers raise $14,350 for Cancer w/photos


Photo cutlines: ARP employees Tyrone Brown and Tony Moye
at early morning Cancer Bike Ride kickoff.

The ARP bike team raised $14,350 for the American Cancer Society through Monroe County’s Pedalin’ for a Cure event held on Good Friday, April 6, 2007.  ARP employees on this year’s company bike team included Greg Martin, who has participated in the Pedalin’ for a Cure bike ride since it began four years ago. All 14 ARP bikers rode the entire 96 miles from Monroeville to the Fort Conde Welcome Center in downtown Mobile.  Over the past four years, Alabama River Pulp bikers have raised nearly $45,000 for the American Cancer Society through participation in Pedalin’ for a Cure.  This year’s event featured 200 cyclists and raised a record $143,000. Participants on ARP’s bike team were Martin, Cindy Norris, Gary Lee, Johnny House, Don Kilpatrick, Stewart Wright, Tyrone Brown, Brian Childs, Tony Moye and daughter Fairbie, Thomas Grifffith, Jamison Ledkins, Josh Black and Jeff Nunley.  The honorary chair for this year’s Pedalin’ for a Cure was ARP Vice President/Operations Russ Sirmon, who sadly lost his battle with cancer on May 8. Monroe County’s Pedalin' For a Cure raised $143,000 and the total for Monroe County Relay For Life, held May 4th,  was $253,148.07 for 2007, positioning our county as one of this year’s top fundraisers per capita for the American Cancer Society in the State, Mid-South Division and the Nation.


March 2007

ARP receives Governor’s Trade Excellence Award

MONTGOMERY, ALA----Governor Bob Riley recognized Alabama River Pulp Company, Inc. for excellence in exporting during an awards ceremony at the State Capitol on Thursday, March 22, 2007.  

Alabama River Pulp was one of eight Alabama companies who received the Governor’s Trade Excellence Award. The Monroe County market pulp producer exports about half its production and had sales last year in 20 different countries.

Increasing Alabama exports has been a goal


P&W Chairman George Landegger (right) and ARP General Manager Pete Black (left) accept Trade Excellence Award from Gov. Riley.

of Gov. Riley’s administration. In 2004, Gov. Riley launched a statewide initiative called “Export Alabama” to open trade opportunities for Alabama companies.  “Alabama’s exporting success is grounded in our manufacturer’s ability to produce high value products and services for their customers in global markets,” the Governor stated.  “In order to further that growth, we must do everything we can to open new opportunities worldwide.”

Parsons & Whittemore Chairman George F. Landegger, ARP’s owner, and ARP Executive Vice President/General Manager Pete Black accepted the trade award from the Governor. A local delegation attending the event, which included a luncheon in the Capitol, included State Rep. Harry Shiver, State Rep. Thomas Jackson, Monroe County Probate Judge Greg Norris, retired Probate Judge Otha Lee Biggs, Monroeville Mayor Anne Farish, and Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sandy Smith.  Others representing Alabama River Pulp were Kenneth Fairly, George Landegger Jr., Laurie Johnson, Peggy Jaye, and Heather Coleman.

Gov. Riley announced that Alabama was ranked as the fourth-fastest growing exporter of goods for the U.S. for 2006. Exports to 179 countries increased by 28.5 percent over the previous year. The total value of manufactured goods shipped in 2006 was $13.8 billion, up from $10.8 billion in 2005.

Other recipients of the Governor’s Trade Excellence Award were Thomasville Lumber Company of Thomasville, AIRINC of Fairhope, Digium of Huntsville, EC&S of Birmingham, Page & Jones of Mobile, Prozone Water Products of Huntsville, and Vulcan Engineering Company of Helena.


NOVEMBER 2006 
Alabama River Employees donate nearly $102,000 to United Way

Contributions amount to 42% of Monroe County's $240,000 budget

Employees of the Alabama River Companies have completed another successful United Way campaign, surpassing their goal by raising $101,798 for community agencies serving Monroe County citizens. Nearly 500 employees participated in the effort with almost half donating at the Business Booster level ($100 and above).

Among the four companies - Alabama River Pulp, Alabama Pine Pulp, Alabama River

Woodlands, and Alabama River Newsprint - there were 61 Leadership, or “Feather” donors: 37 White Feather Givers (individual donors of $500 - $999), 18 Red Feather Givers (individual donors of $1,000 - $1,999) and 6 Silver Feather Givers (individual donors of $2,000 or more).

Shown in the photo above are (from left), front row: Debra Thomas of ARN, Mike Till of ARP, Johnnye Peacock of ARW, and Peggy Jaye of ARP; back row: Terry Pugh of ARP, Richard Koger – ARW President, Pete Black – ARP Executive Vice President/General Manager, Monroe County United Way Campaign Chair Rob Kirkland and Stan Cumbie of ARN. Black is serving his second term as President of Monroe County United Way, while Jaye and ARW’s Patsy Rigby (not shown) serve on the United Way board of directors. Kirkland recognized the Alabama River Companies as the top contributor to Monroe County’s United Way and noted that the company’s “leadership giving is well above the feather donors of all the other campaign contacts combined.”

This year’s employee giving amounts to 42% of the total countywide goal of $240,000.  Employees of the mills have provided one-third to one-half of the countywide United Way budget for many years. Company managers recognized the generosity of employees and their community commitment for the consistently strong United Way participation.


September 2006
ARP raises $1,800 for Diabetes

ARP Diabetes Walk/Bike Team raised nearly $1,800 during weekend events held September 23 and 24 at Monroeville's Veteran's Park.  Team members included  Bikers Cindy Norris, Tony & Fairbie Moye, Stewart Wright, and Samantha & Randall Norris. Greg Martin participated in Saturday's 34-mile bike ride and then sponsored a family team for the Walk on Sunday afternoon.  Walkers were Pat Hendrix, Tyrone & Carol Brown, Kaye Majors, Shannon & Karen Casey & sons, Bob Amend and Peggy Jaye. Overall, both community-wide events raised $24,000 for the Monroe Health Foundation's Diabetes Education Program serving Monroe & surrounding counties. 

   

ARP awards School Technology Grants

CLAIBORNE, AL----Since the fall of 2003, Alabama River Pulp Company has provided over $140,000 in financial support to local schools through its Educational Partner Grant Program.  This year, ARP is offering an additional grant of $500 per school that is designated to help meet computer-related technology needs of students.

Funds may be used for computers, software, related supplies, printers, projectors and technology-related equipment that will directly impact the education of students in either technology or computer application associated with core subject matter. 


Pete Black and Peggy Jaye view student software bought
with ARP Tech Grant.


In addition to the $500 Technology Grant that Alabama River Pulp is awarding to each local school, ARP is also making a special $1,000 donation to the Monroe County Learning Enrichment program for the purchase of a new computer for LE students.

As part of its emphasis on education, ARP annually provides three separate educational assistance funds for 12 local schools, including all Monroe County Public Schools, Monroe Academy and New Life Christian School.  The three funds include Educational Partner Grants offering support for core educational projects, Recreational/Athletic Grants, and Band/Music Grants. ARP’s school grant program, coordinated by Public Relations Director Peggy Jaye, is designed to directly impact and benefit students at local schools. 

In addition to the technology grants totaling $7,000, ARP has awarded education grants, recreational and athletic support, and music and band support totaling $35,000 during the past year.

“Alabama River Pulp is proud to be a partner with local schools in successfully improving educational opportunities for our children,” stated ARP Executive Vice President/General Manager Pete Black, Jr. “As a caring and responsible company, our Community Stewardship Program allows us to give back and support programs and projects than enhance and benefit our community.”

Alabama River Pulp hosts State Port Authority Board

CLAIBORNE , ALA---- Alabama River Pulp Company, Inc. (ARP) served as host for the Alabama State Port Authority’s monthly board of directors meeting on Tuesday, August 22, 2006.

The Alabama State Port Authority typically meets in Mobile but travels twice each year to offsite locations within the state, according to Judith Adams, Manager of Media Relations and Economic Development for the port.

Port officials, including Director and CEO James K. Lyons, joined board members in Claiborne for the meeting, which included a site tour and a special presentation on ARP operations by Executive


Pete Black presents to the State Port Authority Board

Vice President/General Manager Robert A.“Pete” Black, Jr. Directors attending were Mike Fields, Tim Parker, David Cooper, Bill Bru, Steve Thornton and Gary Cooper. Director Sonny Callahan was not in attendance but joined the meeting by teleconference. The Alabama State Port Authority is a self-supporting enterprise agency of state government and directors are appointed by the Governor to oversee port management.

Alabama River Pulp, located at Claiborne in Monroe County, is the largest forest products shipper through Mobile’s port. The Alabama River Group exports about half of its pulp production, mainly to Asia and Europe. Last year, some 125 ocean-going vessels delivered softwood and hardwood pulps produced at Claiborne to more than 20 overseas destinations. The company has been operating since November 1978 and last spring reached a production milestone of 16 million tons.

The Claiborne Mill Complex is the largest single pulp and paper making site in North America. The complex includes two pulping lines, as well as a newsprint manufacturer, Alabama River Newsprint, and a deinking facility, Alabama River Recycling. Combined, the two pulp mills produce about 2,700 tons per day, and with the Woodlands division employ about 550 employees with an annual payroll of over $50 million. The newsprint and deinking operations have 180 employees.

ARP Bikers raise $11,000 for Cancer
CLAIBORNE, ALA----The Alabama River Pulp Company, Inc. (ARP) bike team raised $11,035 for the American Cancer Society through Monroe County’s Pedalin’ for a Cure event held on Friday, April 14th. ARP employees on this year’s company bike team included Greg Martin, who has participated in the Pedalin’ for a Cure bike ride since it began three years ago, and Stephen Prout, who has ridden in the past two annual events. Other team members were Cindy Norris, Stewart Wright, Tony Moye, Brian Childs and Don Kilpatrick.  All seven ARP bikers rode the entire 118 miles from Monroeville to Orange Beach.

ARP bikers (L-R) Stewart Wright, Don Kilpatrick, Stephen Prout, Cindy Norris, Tony Moye, Greg Martin and Brian Childs


Over the past three years, Alabama River Pulp bikers have raised nearly $30,000 for the American Cancer Society through participation in Pedalin’ for a Cure.  Overall, this year’s Pedalin’ for a Cure event included 83 cyclists and raised a total of $95,000.

 

MARCH 2006
Alabama River Pulp produces 10 Millionth Ton

CLAIBORNE, ALA----Alabama River Pulp Company, Inc. (ARP) marked a special production milestone on Monday, March 13, 2006, with the manufacture of its 10 millionth ton of market pulp.

ARP started up in November 1978 with the production of unbleached softwood pulp and made its first bleached kraft pulp in March 1979.  The mill initially produced about 1,000 tons per day and operated as a swing mill, switching from softwood and

hardwood pulps depending on customer orders.  ARP made its first millionth ton on April 23, 1982. 

Due to process optimizations and improved efficiency through the years, Alabama River Pulp now produces over 1,300 tons per day.  The Claiborne site expanded in 1991 when Alabama Pine Pulp mill was added as a second pulping line.  Combined, the two pulp mills produce about 2,700 tons per day, and with the Woodlands division employ about 550 employees with an annual payroll of $53 million.

In celebration of ARP’s production milestone, commemorative banners were erected at the plant to mark the 10 Millionth Ton Event and each employee will be awarded a rolling cooler as a special memento. Also during the month of March, APP will make its sixth millionth ton of pulp, bringing the entire site past the 16 million ton mark.

 To put it in perspective, 10 million tons of pulp would make:

  • 286 billion diapers  - would diaper each of the 72.3 million children in the United States
    for 16 months
  • 33 billion rolls of paper towels
  • 3.2 trillion sheets of copy paper – enough paper to stack up 27 miles high on a
    football field or cover the state of Alabama 1.4 times
  • As one continuous strip, it would be 968,000 miles long and reach around the
    earth 122 times.

 “We celebrate this achievement recognizing that it has been made possible by the hard work of our dedicated employees – past and present,” stated ARP Executive Vice President/General Manager Robert A. “Pete” Black, Jr. “We also appreciate the supporting role of our other many stakeholders, including our wood suppliers, vendors, business associates and community leaders. We look forward to continued success and anticipate many more milestones in the future.”

OCTOBER 2005
Alabama River Pulp receives Export Award

CLAIBORNE, ALA----Alabama River Pulp was recently recognized for its export sales and trade accomplishments in the global marketplace by the United States Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service. The award was presented during a Trade Leadership Forum held October 27 at Alabama Southern Community College in Monroeville. The focus of the forum was “Creating Jobs with Trade” and

attendees included small business owners and community leaders from Monroe, Conecuh, Clarke, Escambia and Wilcox counties. During the program, Peggy Jaye, Alabama River Pulp’s public relations director, gave a presentation about ARP’s long-time success with export markets.  Following Jaye’s presentation, Department of Commerce Director George Norton of Birmingham presented an Export Appreciation Certificate to Jaye and ARP Executive Vice President/General Manager Pete Black.  In 2004, ARP exported about half of its total production to international customers located in 20 different countries.

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