The Mitsubishi Cement Corp. (MCC) cement plant in Lucerne Valley, Calif., received the Outreach Award from the Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine as part of the 2014 Cement Industry Energy and Environment Awards. The Outreach Award recognizes facilities that strive to enhance community, employee, and government relations through innovative communications and programs.
The plant participated in and initiated a number of outreach activities over the course of 2013 including a STEM Education tour featuring the importance of science, technology and math education. Employees presented to “at-risk” students from Big Bear High School on how they use basic disciplines to do their jobs and solve problems.
MCC also contributed more than $60,000 directly to local schools and more than $200,000 to other local charities through fundraisers, events and tours. During 2013 there were 16 tours totaling 226 people –the largest were from local schools. MCC accepted more than 2 million waste tires, which were utilized as alternate fuel. Employees also participated in the Lucerne Valley July 4th parade, Tour de Big Bear bicycle ride, Lucerne Valley Tailgate Trick-or-Treat event and the “Ride in the Rocks” fundraiser for MCC Educational Foundation.
The 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 contribute to making their communities better places to live and work. Five categories are recognized: outreach, environmental performance, land stewardship, innovation, and energy efficiency. Additionally, PCA presents a special honor to a plant demonstrating excellence in multiple categories.
