Bridgestone/Firestone Pledges to Help Keep America Beautiful
Firestone Company-Owned Stores Nationwide to Participate
in The Great American Clean Up
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 28, 2002) - The
Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund will partner with Keep America Beautiful,
Inc. (KAB) as a national sponsor of the Great American Cleanup 2002.
To foster a cleaner and healthier environment and in support of the Trust
Fund's participation, Bridgestone/Firestone company-owned stores across
the country will participate in locally organized clean up, beautification
and community improvement programs.
"We're committed to promoting a healthier environment
and to being a good corporate neighbor, and this program allows us to
do both," said John Lampe, chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone
Americas Holding, Inc. (BFAH). "I'm proud that the Trust Fund and
Bridgestone/Firestone will be participating in this year's Great American
Cleanup."
The Great American Cleanup, which runs from March through
May, is the nation's largest organized cleanup, beautification and community
improvement program. Each year more than two million volunteers from
across the country pitch in to make their neighborhoods safer, healthier
and more beautiful places to live. More than 30,000 different events
in 12,000 communities are organized each year, including activities such
as litter cleanup, planting, recycling, painting and renewal programs,
and other beautification and refurbishing projects.
Bridgestone/Firestone company-owned stores will be announcing
local Great American Cleanup events in their stores via point of purchase
displays to direct volunteers to the Keep America Beautiful Web site
(www.kab.org). Individual
stores may participate in tree, shrub and flower planting activities.
The company is also encouraging all Bridgestone/Firestone tire dealers
to become involved in the effort by directing volunteers to the Keep
America Beautiful Web site or by joining in beautification efforts in
their local communities.
"Our stores are ready and eager to help promote
and implement improvement events nationwide," said Larry Magee,
chairman, CEO and president of BFS Retail & Commercial Operations,
LLC. "We believe that dedication to environmental issues is more
than just desirable, it is essential. We participate in ongoing environmental
efforts because it is important to us. After all, your neighborhood is
our neighborhood. We not only work in the communities where tire and
service center stores are located, we live there too."
Bridgestone/Firestone embraces a wide variety of environmental
programs and commitments around the world such as recycling scrap tires,
land rehabilitation and pollution prevention. The company has also been
recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as a charter member
of the National Environmental Performance Track. More information about
Bridgestone/Firestone's role in the Great American Cleanup is available
online at www.MasterCareUSA.com.
Nashville-based Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc.'s
parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire
and rubber company. BFAH, through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures
and markets a wide range of tires to address the needs of a broad range
of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle
original equipment manufacturers and those in the agricultural, forestry
and mining industries. The companies also produce Firestone air springs,
roofing materials, synthetic rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles.
Through BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC, it operates the
world's largest chain of automotive tire and service centers.
Keep America Beautiful, Inc. is a nonprofit organization
whose network of more than 500 local, statewide and international affiliate
programs educates individuals about litter prevention and ways to reduce,
reuse and recycle and properly manage waste materials. Through partnerships
and strategic alliances with citizens, businesses and government, KAB's
programs motivate millions of volunteers annually to clean up, beautify
and improve their neighborhoods, creating healthier, safer and more livable
community environments. |
