Category: Alcoa Inc.

Alcoa Foundation’s local grants announced

Posted by Ryan Willis – November 4, 2011

Alcoa, Tenn. — Alcoa Foundation has granted more than $250,000 to 12 non-profit organizations in Blount, Knox, and Sevier counties in Tennessee and Graham County, N.C. 

Alcoa’s Community Advisory Board -  a group of 11 business, community and government leaders responsible for evaluating and making recommendations to Alcoa Tennessee Operations and Alcoa Foundation on what projects should be funded – reviewed almost 50 grant proposals totaling more than $820,000 in funding requests.

 This year’s grant-selection focused on programs in the areas of empowerment – which includes youth leadership and development as well as workforce development – and education.  Special grants were also made to foster recycling efforts in the community and aid in recovery efforts at Second Harvest Food Bank.

“Results of recent community surveys, along with the business goals of Tennessee Operations and the valuable input of our Community Advisory Board, led us to narrow our grant making focus to efforts that promote STEM education, enhance recycling initiatives and train a workforce for jobs of the present and future,” said Chris Jackson, Alcoa Tennessee Operations Location Manager.

The following is a list of grants that Alcoa Foundation and Alcoa Tennessee Operations have awarded in 2011: 

Empowerment – Youth Leadership, Workforce Development
Organization Name 2011 Grant Grant Purpose
Adult Education Foundation of Blount County $25,000 Career readiness for adults
Knoxville Area Urban League $20,000 Project Ready
Leadership Blount $10,000 (year 1 of 2) Youth Leadership Blount program
Pellissippi State Community College $22,135 (year 1 of 2) Industrial Maintenance Technology program
Richard Williams Jr. Leadership Academy $18,500 Graduation Enhancement program
 
Education – Support programs in the areas of
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Organization Name 2011 Grant Grant Purpose
Boys and Girls Clubs of the TN Valley $15,000 Lego Robotics program
Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park $15,000 Programs for teachers of science and technology
Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team $26,834 STEM program for Graham County, N.C. school system
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont $20,000 Summer programs for teachers and students
 
Environment – Reduce and Recycle
Organization Name 2011 Grant Grant Purpose
Keep Blount Beautiful $40,000 Special events recycling initiative
Keep Knoxville Beautiful $20,000 City of Knoxville curbside recycling initiative
 
Community Enhancement – Critical Social Services recovery/response
Organization Name 2011 Grant Grant Purpose
Second Harvest Food Bank $25,000 Flood recovery efforts

About Alcoa’s Tennessee Operations
Alcoa’s Tennessee Operations is the world’s largest producer of rolled aluminum can sheet for beverage cans and is based in Blount County, Tennessee.  Locally, it employs approximately 1,100 at its recycling and fabrication plants in Blount County, its hydropower facilities and its downtown Knoxville office.  

About Alcoa Foundation
Alcoa Foundation is one of the largest corporate foundations in the U.S., with assets of approximately $436 million.  Founded more than 50 years ago, Alcoa Foundation has invested more than $530 million since 1952. In 2010, Alcoa Foundation contributed nearly $20 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the world, focusing on promoting environmental stewardship, enabling economic and social sustainability, and preparing tomorrow’s leaders through education and learning.  The work of Alcoa Foundation is further enhanced by Alcoa’s thousands of employee volunteers, who in 2010 gave more than 720,000 service hours. Through the company’s signature Month of Service (October) program, Alcoa employees share their energy, passion and purpose to make a difference in our communities. In 2010, a record 49 percent of Alcoans took part in nearly 1,000 Month of Service events across 24 countries, reaching 59,000 children, serving 17,000 meals, planting 16,000 trees and supporting 3,000 nonprofit organizations. For more information about Alcoa Foundation, please access www.alcoa.com/foundation.

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Media Contact:
Christy R. Newman
(865) 977-3358

Alcoa to Welcome Joe Cahn, the Commissioner of Tailgating and Champion of Recycling

Posted by Lisa Hood Skinner – October 21, 2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Commissioner of Tailgating, Joe Cahn, is on a mission–a crusade of sorts, and on Oct. 23, Cahn will be in Nashville when the Tennessee Titans take on the Houston Texans on behalf of the Aluminum Association’s Can Crusade, a 17-city tour of NFL cities created to educate fans about why using aluminum cans during a tailgate is the smarter choice.  Nashville is the 7th stop of the nationwide tour. 

“The Can Crusade is the single most important tour that I       have ever been on. As the Commissioner of Tailgating, I have a responsibility to the fans to make sure that they are hosting both a fun and safe tailgate on game day,” said Cahn. “The Can Crusade will help me accomplish this goal. Simply put, aluminum cans are the smarter choice as they are portable, stackable, infinitely recyclable and safer.” 

Prior to the game, The Commissioner will spread the word about the benefits of aluminum cans, handing out Can Crusade t-shirts, hats, can handles and additional swag at his RV, which will be parked in the LP Stadium parking lot. He will also cook up some of his signature jambalaya. 

The Commissioner knows about tailgating as he is one of the nation’s most sought-after authorities. He has traveled more than 800,000 miles and attended more than 800 games during the past 15 years serving as The Commissioner of Tailgating. 

Fans are encouraged to interact with The Commissioner during the tour through Twitter (@Tailgating_com) and Facebook (Tailgating.com), and check in at his RV on Foursquare to win prizes.  A special QR code will be displayed on his RV at all tour stops that will link fans to a special video message from The Commissioner. For more information about the Can Crusade, visit www.cancrusade.com.

 Look for The Commissioner of Tailgating in a parking lot at an NFL game near you at these tour stops:

·       Thursday, September 8, Green Bay, Wis., Saints at Packers, 8:30 p.m. EST 

·       Sunday, September 11, Chicago, Ill., Falcons at Bears, 1 p.m. EST

·       Sunday, September 18, Foxborough, Mass., Chargers at Patriots, 4:15 p.m. EST

·       Sunday, October 2, Cleveland, Ohio, Titans at Browns, 1 p.m. EST

·       Sunday, October 9, Pittsburgh, Pa., Titans at Steelers, 1 p.m. EST 

·       Monday, October 17, East Rutherford, N.J., Dolphins at Jets, 8:30 p.m. EST 

·       Sunday, October 23, Nashville, Tenn., Texans at Titans, 1 p.m. EST 

·       Sunday, November 6, Washington, D.C., 49ers at Redskins, 1 p.m. EST 

·       Monday, November 7, Philadelphia, Pa., Bears at Eagles, 8:30 p.m. EST 

·       Thursday, November 17, Denver, Colo., Jets at Broncos, 8:20 p.m. EST 

·       Thursday, November 24, Detroit, Mich., Packers at Lions, 12:30 p.m. EST 

·       Sunday, December 4, Miami, Fla., Raiders at Dolphins, 1 p.m. EST 

·       Thursday, December 15, Atlanta, Ga., Jaguars at Falcons, 8:20 p.m. EST 

·       Monday, December 19, San Francisco, Calif., Steelers at 49ers, 8:30 p.m. EST 

·       Saturday, December 24, Dallas, Tex., Eagles at Cowboys, 4:15 p.m. EST 

·       Sunday, January 1, Houston, Tex., Titans at Texans, 1 p.m. EST

·       Super Bowl XLVI: Sunday, February 5, Indianapolis, Ind., 6:30 p.m. EST (TBD)

About the Aluminum Association:

The Aluminum Association based in Arlington, Virginia, works globally to aggressively promote aluminum as the most sustainable and recyclable automotive, packaging and construction material in today’s market. The Association represents U.S. and foreign-based primary producers of aluminum, aluminum recyclers and producers of fabricated products, as well as industry suppliers. Member companies operate more than 200 plants in the United States, with many conducting business worldwide.   

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Media Contact:
Christy R. Newman
(865) 977-3358
 

Alcoa Wins Large Business of the Year at Blount Partnership Business Excellence Awards

Posted by Lisa Hood Skinner – September 19, 2011

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Congratulations to Alcoa for winning the Large Business of the Year category of this year’s Blount Partnership Business Excellence Awards. Ken McMillen, Alcoa operations manager, accepted the honor on behalf of the company at the Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards breakfast last week.

One of the 21 businesses honored at the event, Alcoa was lauded for its support of Blount County through business capital improvements, community betterment projects and funding of charitable programs. Lisa Hood Skinner, senior vice president at Ackermann PR, said she nominated Alcoa for the award “because Alcoa sets the ‘gold standard’ as a corporate entity that has consistently and continuously… in good times and bad… provided years of unwavering commitment to the region’s financial interests and community efforts.”

Alcoa’s Tennessee Operations is the world’s largest producer of rolled aluminum can sheet for beverage cans. It has been in operation in Blount County, Tenn. since 1913 and currently employs approximately 1,100 East Tennesseans in its Blount and Knox County locations.
 
For more information:
Christy Newman
Alcoa Community Relations Manager
865-977-3358
865-250-9155
 

Representatives from Alcoa’s local operations proudly pose with their Large Business of the Year/ Blount Partnership Business Excellence Award.

 

Lisa Hood Skinner, left, senior vice president, Ackermann PR, congratulates Christy Newman, Alcoa community relations manager, on its Large Business Winner of the Year award. Skinner nominated Alcoa for the prestigious Blount Partnership Business Excellence Award. She submitted a package of information detailing Alcoa’s “gold standard of support” of Blount County through its capital improvements, community betterment projects and funding of charitable programs.

East Tennessee Students win Alcoa Foundation Scholarships

Posted by Lisa Hood Skinner – June 1, 2011

KNOXVILLE, TENN.—Alcoa Tennessee Operations and the Alcoa Inc. Knoxville Office announced today that three high school seniors have been named Alcoa Foundation scholarship winners.

Carlos Garcia, son of Adrian and Raquel Garcia of Knoxville

Carlos Garcia, son of Adrian and Raquel Garcia of Knoxville, has been awarded a $6,000 scholarship from Alcoa Foundation. Garcia is a recent graduate of Farragut High School where he was a member of the National Honors Society and Mu Alpha Theta.  He was co-captain of the soccer team and was ranked fifth in his graduating class.  He plans to major in civil engineering at Texas A&M University beginning this fall.

Patrick Givens, son of Scott and Dodie Givens of Knoxville, has also been awarded a $6,000 scholarship from Alcoa Foundation. Givens graduated from Bearden High School where he was an AP Scholar.

Patrick Givens, son of Scott and Dodie Givens of Knoxville

A member of the National Honor Society and the Bearden High School Student Government, Givens was also a three year letterman on the Bearden golf team.  He will be attending Vanderbilt University, majoring in engineering.

In addition, Kimberley Owen, daughter of John and Linda Owen of Knoxville, has been awarded a $6,000 scholarship from Alcoa Foundation.  Owen graduated from Bearden High School where she was a National Merit Commended Scholar.  She was president of Mu Alpha Theta, as well as a member of Student Government Association, Key Club, French and National honor societies.  A first degree black belt, Owen will be attending Clemson University in the fall.  She plans to study chemical engineering.

Kimberley Owen, daughter of John and Linda Owen of Knoxville

These Alcoa Foundation scholarships are payable in four annual installments of $1,500 each.  These three students were awarded the scholarship based on academic achievement and potential, leadership ability, volunteerism/community service, and character, and were selected by a national panel of university professionals.

The award is part of Alcoa Foundation’s Sons and Daughters Scholarship Program which recognizes outstanding academic achievement by high school seniors.

During the 2011-2012 academic year, Alcoa Foundation will assist more than 180 students in the U.S. with their undergraduate college education.  These students represent 46 Alcoa locations in 18 states.

Since 1953, the Sons and Daughters Scholarship Program has recognized outstanding academic achievement by awarding more than $19 million in scholarships to more than 3,500 students.

Alcoa Foundation is one of the largest corporate foundations in the U.S., with assets of approximately $436 million.  Founded more than 50 years ago, Alcoa Foundation has invested more than $530 million since 1952. In 2010, Alcoa Foundation contributed nearly $20 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the world, focusing on promoting environmental stewardship, enabling economic and social sustainability, and preparing tomorrow’s leaders through education and learning.  The work of Alcoa Foundation is further enhanced by Alcoa’s thousands of employee volunteers, who in 2010 gave more than 720,000 service hours.  Through the company’s signature Month of Service (October) program, Alcoa employees share their energy, passion and purpose to make a difference in our communities. In 2010, a record 49 percent of Alcoans took part in nearly 1,000 Month of Service events across 24 countries, reaching 59,000 children, serving 17,000 meals, planting 16,000 trees and supporting 3,000 nonprofit organizations. For more information about Alcoa Foundation, please access http://www.alcoa.com/foundation

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Contact:  Christy Newman
Alcoa Community Relations
865-977-3358 or 865-250-9155

Alcoa Foundation Sponsors Collegiate Recycling Challenge

Posted by Lisa Hood Skinner – March 30, 2011

University of Tennessee at Knoxville to showcase donated bins at Recyclympics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Alcoa Foundation has joined forces with Keep America Beautiful as a key partner of RecycleMania, a nationwide college and university recycling competition.

During the 8-week challenge, colleges and universities compete to see which can reduce, reuse and recycle the most waste on campus. The goal is to change behavior about recycling and raise awareness about waste reduction programs on campuses.

Alcoa Foundation supplied 50,000 recycling bins and awarded 13 universities across the U.S. with stackable, six-gallon bins appropriate for use in student housing or offices. The schools were selected based on their ability to develop a strategic plan to collect the most recyclable materials.

University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UTK) received 8,000 recycling bins.

From February 6 through April 2, hundreds of institutions of higher education have been competing to see who recycles the most on a per capita basis, who produces the least amount of waste and who recycles the largest percentage of their overall waste.   After six weeks of competition, UTK’s recycling rates are up 25 percent compared to 2010 levels.

UTK plans to wrap up its RecycleMania competition with the Second Annual Recyclympics event from 1-3 p.m., Friday, April 1 on the TRECS Intramural Field, located at 2111 Volunteer Blvd., between TRECS and the Tom Black Track.

“It’s going to be awesome,” said Jay Price, UTK’s Environmental Coordinator. “We need as many people out there as possible to learn about how they can make a difference through recycling.  And at the same time, they can test their skills in our recycling games including the phone book shotput, recycling obstacle course, compact discus, the recycling bin moon boot race, and the battery bucket race.”

The event helps celebrate the fact that with the newly donated bins, UTK now can boast that 100 percent of its residence halls have recycling bins.    In addition to supplying bins to all student residents, UTK will be providing bins to the more than 2,000 offices on campus, according to Price.  Before, offices had bins for recycling paper, but nothing for aluminum, plastic and glass recyclables.

“Alcoa Foundation’s bin grant has allowed us to expand our recycling initiatives into areas of the campus that were previously underserved,” Price added.  “The 8,000 bins have been and will continue to be instrumental in helping us increase our overall recycling rates.”

“Alcoa has set a goal to increase the nationwide recycling rate of aluminum cans to 75% by 2015, and one way to do that is to make it more convenient for institutions like colleges and universities to recycle. The distribution of 50,000 bins across 13 college and university campuses – and the education and awareness that comes along with the donation – will be a giant step in the right direction,” said Beth Schmitt, Alcoa’s Director of Recycling.

The KAB partnership further reinforces Alcoa and Alcoa Foundation’s commitment to increasing recycling across communities. Since 2008, Alcoa has distributed more than 100,000 recycling bins, launched the Make an Impact program to help families live more sustainably, developed a free Aluminate™ recycling iPhone app, and invested nearly $3.5 million in community-based recycling programs in the last five years.

In announcing the partnership, Alcoa Foundation also launched a unique “Download to Donate” initiative, donating $1, up to $50,000, to KAB for every free Aluminate™ recycling app download, between America Recycles Day (November 15, 2010) and February 6, 2011. The funding will further strengthen KAB’s environmental education programs and recycling infrastructure.

For more information on UTK’s Recyclympics: www.pp.utk.edu/Recycle/

For more information on RecycleMania: www.recyclemania.com

Media Contact:
Christy Newman
(865) 250-9155
christy.newman@alcoa.com

Alcoa Foundation grants announced; $190,000 invested back into region

Posted by admin – October 28, 2010

Alcoa, Tenn. — Alcoa Foundation is granting $190,000 to nine non-profit organizations in Blount, Knox, and Sevier counties in Tennessee and Graham County, NC. 

Alcoa’s Community Advisory Board -  a group of 11 business, community and government leaders responsible for evaluating and making recommendations to Alcoa Tennessee Operations and Alcoa Foundation on what projects should be funded – reviewed 25 grant proposals totaling more than $750,000 in funding requests.

This year’s grant-selection process focused on grant programs that “Build Tomorrow’s Workforce and Leaders.”

“Results of a recent community survey, along with the business goals of Tennessee Operations and the valuable input of our Community Advisory Board, led us to narrow our grant making focus to preparing our community to be competitive and build future leaders,” said Chris Jackson, Alcoa Tennessee Operations Location Manager.

Specifically Alcoa was interested in programs that:

  • Offer adult education in workplace readiness skills
  • Strengthen the education system to prepare students for successful careers
  • Engage young learners in science, math, engineering and technology

Additional grant dollars will fund environmental programs in our communities, including a total of $25,000 to the City of Maryville to help enhance and improve recycling efforts at the annual Foothills Fall Festival.  This program was the recipient of a surprise $10,000 grant given in honor Alcoa’s Month of Service and was granted on 10.10.10!

The following is a list of grants that Alcoa Foundation and Alcoa Tennessee Operations are awarding in 2010:

Organization Name 2010 Grant Grant Purpose
Adult Education Foundation of Blount County $19,000 New Start career preparation program for adults
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley $15,000 Club Tech Technology Centers
City of Maryville $15,000 and $10,000 Recycling Project at Foothills Fall Festival
Friends of the Smokies $25,000 (year 3 of 3) “Trails Forever”; Teacher-Ranger-Teacher initiative
Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team $28,050 Engaging in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education project
Haven House/Mane Support $18,145 (year 3 of 3) HALT – Horses Assisting in Life-Changing Transitions
Leadership Blount $12,000 (year 3 of 3) Youth Leadership Blount program
National Parks Conservation Association $17,102 (year 3 of 3) Cades Cove shuttle pilot program
Pellissippi State Community College $30,700 Career Readiness Improvement Program for Knox and Blount Counties

About Alcoa’s Tennessee Operations
Alcoa’s Tennessee Operations is the world’s largest producer of rolled aluminum can sheet for beverage cans.   It has been in operation in Blount County, Tenn. since 1913 and currently employs approximately 1,100 East Tennesseans in its Blount and Knox County locations. 

About Alcoa Foundation
Established in 1952, Alcoa Foundation is a global resource that actively invests in improving the quality of life in the countries around the world where Alcoa operates. The Foundation’s grants address global and local needs in Areas of Excellence that include: Conservation and Sustainability, Global Education and Workplace Skills, Business and Community Partnerships and Safe and Healthy Children and Families. Alcoa Foundation manages Alcoa’s ACTION and Bravo! programs which recognize the volunteer efforts of employees with grants to the organizations they serve. For more information about Alcoa Foundation, visit www.alcoa.com under Community.

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Media Contact:
Christy Newman
(865) 977-3358
 christy.newman@alcoa.com

Alcoa Inc. Community Advisory Board welcomes new member

Posted by Lisa Hood Skinner – June 17, 2010

Alcoa, Tenn. — Rick Davis, of Robbinsville, N.C., recently joined the Alcoa Community Advisory Board.

Rick Davis

Founded in 2001, the Alcoa Inc. Community Advisory Board assists Alcoa Inc.’s Tennessee Operations in the prioritization of its Alcoa Foundation grants by sharing the needs of their constituents and communities.  The Community Advisory Board is composed of business, government and community representatives from Blount, Knox and Sevier counties in East Tennessee and now Graham County in western North Carolina.  Davis joins nine other members of Alcoa’s Community Advisory Board:  Bernie Bowman (Maryville), Jim Hart (Sevierville), Jackie Hill (Alcoa), Doug Kennedy (Knoxville) Larry Martin (Maryville), Wanda Moody (Knoxville), Luis Velazquez (Knoxville), George Williams (Alcoa), Anne Woodle (Knoxville), and Georgiana Vines (Knoxville).

Davis is the executive director of the Graham County Revitalization Economic Action Team (GREAT) – a role he has held since 2008.  A long-time educator, Davis retired in July 2008 as Graham County Schools’ Superintendent.  He has also worked as a teacher, principal and administrator in western North Carolina since 1975.  A graduate of Robbinsville High School, Davis holds bachelors, masters and educational specialist degrees from Western Carolina University.  Residents of the Stecoah Valley, Davis and his wife, Sara, have two grown sons, Benjamin and Patrick.

About Alcoa Tennessee Operations

Alcoa’s Tennessee Operations is the world’s largest producer of rolled aluminum can sheet for beverage cans and is based in Blount County, Tennessee.  Locally, it employs more than 1,000 at its smelting and fabrication plants in Blount County, its hydropower facilities and its downtown Knoxville office.

About Alcoa

Alcoa is the world leader in the production and management of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina combined, through its active and growing participation in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa’s businesses to customers.  In addition to aluminum products and components including flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems.  More information can be found at www.alcoa.com

Editorial Contact:
Christy R. Newman
(865) 977-3358
christy.newman@alcoa.com

Area non-profits receive donations from Alcoa Inc.

Posted by Joanne Hurd – June 17, 2010

Alcoa, Tenn. – Seven local charities are the beneficiaries of Alcoa Inc. employees’ good ideas.  During a recent luncheon to recognize innovative and “above and beyond” projects of Tennessee Operations’ employees, a total of $7,000 or $1,000 each , was presented to representatives from:

  • American Red Cross, Blount County – disaster relief fund
  • Angelic Ministries – food and clothing for the needy
  • Blount County Humane Society – animal shelter/foster program
  • Lost Sheep Ministry – food and clothing for the homeless
  • The Love Kitchen – food for the homeless and homebound
  • Muscular Dystrophy Association – Research
  • RIO Revolution – Helping Hands ministry

“We appreciate Alcoa and all they do in our community,” said Chris Davis, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Blount County Chapter.  “We are able to do what we do with the help from companies like Alcoa stepping up and lending a hand, especially during times of disasters like the floods in Nashville.”

 The donations were made possible through Tennessee Operations’ suggestion system. Employees are encouraged to make suggestions on how to improve certain areas of business operation within the plant.   With every suggestion, Alcoa contributes $5 to the “community chest.”

“By making suggestions for improvements, our employees are not only helping to improve our reliability and the long term viability of this facility, they are making a difference in our community,” said Chris Jackson, Alcoa Tennessee Operations Location Manager.

Local organizations were nominated and selected for funding by Alcoa employees. 

About Alcoa Tennessee Operations – Alcoa’s Tennessee Operations is the world’s largest producer of rolled aluminum can sheet for beverage cans and is based in Blount County, Tennessee.  Locally, it employs more than 1,000 at its smelting and fabrication plants in Blount County, its hydropower facilities, and its downtown Knoxville office.

Media Contact:    
Christy R. Newman
(865) 977-3358
christy.newman@alcoa.com

Alcoa announces plans for work force reduction

Posted by Ryan Willis – January 5, 2010

Alcoa, Tenn. — Alcoa Tennessee Operations is working withAlcoalogoblue local union representatives to align workforce needs with business volumes for 2010.  The plant’s Rigid Packaging Division plans to reduce employment by 90 positions to meet this need. 

“This is a difficult, but necessary decision,” said Chris Jackson, Rigid Packaging Division Location Manager. “While we continue to pursue additional business, it is clear that we must take action now for the business to remain viable for the long term.” 

Jackson said that the company is working with Union leadership to offer voluntary severance packages to reduce the number of involuntary layoffs.  Employees were informed of the changes Monday and the reductions are expected to be completed during the first quarter of this year. 

“This situation is not a reflection on our work force, and we are committed to reducing the impact on them as much as possible,” Jackson said. 

Alcoa will continue working with local union leadership to review options as required by the collective bargaining agreement.

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Media Contact
Lisa Skinner
(865) 584-0550
lskinner@ackermannpr.com

Alcoa takes first place for fundraising efforts

Posted by Lisa Hood Skinner – December 10, 2009

Pictured (L to R): Cindy Hill, Kelly Davis, Myra Hair, Janine McWilliams, Barbara Nicholson and Kate Mast pose with the first place Race for the Cure award presented to Alcoa.

Pictured (L to R): Cindy Hill, Kelly Davis, Myra Hair, Janine McWilliams, Barbara Nicholson and Kate Mast pose with the first place Race for the Cure award presented to Alcoa.

ALCOA, Tenn. – As part of Alcoa Inc.’s annual Worldwide Month of Service program, 177 local Alcoa Inc. employees and family members participated in the 2009 Race for the Cure, taking first place in the Extra Large Team Division, raising more than $17,000.

The Oct. 24 Race for the Cure event was just one of local Alcoa employees’ 2009 Month of Service activities held this fall.  Efforts to generate proceeds included the Race for the Cure BBQ and Fundraiser, t-shirt sales and the “Cook for the Cure” live auction.  The BBQ, sponsored by the Tennessee Alcoa Women’s Network, raised more than $7,000, and the live auction hosted in Alcoa’s Knoxville office raised nearly $2,000.

“We’re proud and honored to be presented with this recognition,” said Kevin Anton, vice president, Alcoa Inc.  “A lot of employees and their families put their hearts and souls in raising funds this year.  Breast cancer is a disease that touches all of us in one way or another, and being able to give back and support such a worthy cause in this community where we live and work is a key value for us.”

Alcoa President and CEO Klaus Kleinfeld recently congratulated the record 23,000 Alcoa employees who took part in the company’s 2009 Worldwide Month of Service – volunteering in 800 community events to support those in need and invest in the sustainability of our planet.

Numerous services projects by the 360 (up 59 percent from 2008) local Alcoa employees helped benefit more than one dozen nonprofit organizations.   Alcoa employees volunteered for 15 local events and activities from painting and cleaning on Alcoa Day at the Knoxville Zoo to recording business textbooks for Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, a nonprofit effort to help students who cannot read print material effectively.

Through the collective hours of volunteer work by Alcoa employees, 1,579 service hours were contributed to the community—the equivalent of one person working 40 hours a week for 10 months.

The annual Worldwide Month of Service program brings together Alcoa’s global workforce to make a positive difference in the communities where they live and work – this year partnering with nearly 1,900 non profit community organizations across 23 countries.

Despite the challenging year, employee involvement in the company-wide initiative soared in 2009 – demonstrating a commitment to working in partnership to meet the challenges of the economic downturn and addressing priority community concerns such as climate change.

Month of Service is the centerpiece of year-round volunteer efforts by Alcoa employees, who last year gave 705,000 hours of voluntary service – the equivalent of more than 350 people working full-time.

About Alcoa’s Tennessee Operations

Alcoa’s Tennessee Operations is the world’s largest producer of rolled aluminum can sheet for beverage cans.   It has been in operation in Blount County, Tenn. since 1913 and currently employs approximately 1,200 East Tennesseans in its Blount and Knox County locations.

About Alcoa Foundation
Established in 1952, Alcoa Foundation is a global resource that actively invests in improving the quality of life in the countries around the world where Alcoa operates. The Foundation’s grants address global and local needs in Areas of Excellence that include: Conservation and Sustainability, Global Education and Workplace Skills, Business and Community Partnerships and Safe and Healthy Children and Families. Alcoa Foundation manages Alcoa’s ACTION and Bravo! programs which recognize the volunteer efforts of employees with grants to the organizations they serve. For more information about Alcoa Foundation, visit www.alcoa.com under Community.

Editorial Contact: Christy Newman

(865) 977-3358

christy.newman@alcoa.com