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An important part of being responsible is being a good neighbor. The Akzo Nobel Fort Worth Plant believes in community interaction. Fort Worth Plant employees volunteer their time in the local "Meals on Wheels" program, the Fort Worth Adopt-a-School Program, the City of Fort Worth's annual "Clean Air Fair" Bike Rally, and other worthwhile organizations. Site personnel are actively involved in the Tarrant County Local Emergency Planning Committee, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce Environmental Committee, and the Tarrant County College Environmental Technologies Department, of which several college classes have been given at the Fort Worth Plant. Employees also participate in the Air and Waste Management Association, and the Society of Texas Environmental Professionals, and have held officer positions in each association. The Plant is also involved with benevolent organizations including the Near Northside Partners Council and the Northside Inter-Church Agency to help enhance the immediate neighborhood, and also the Shriner's Hospital's for Children.
The Plant has held several Open Houses for its neighbors, local businesses and community leaders to tour the facility and become familiar with its operations. In order to increase awareness of the facility, the Plant has sent representatives to personally talk to the neighborhood and political leaders and to individually pass out invitations to the residential homes and businesses within a ~1/2 mile radius of the plant. In addition to the Open Houses, Akzo Nobel conducted a community assessment regarding our operation. Representatives of the Plant conducted a door-to-door survey of the adjacent neighborhood and they were invited to comment of Akzo Nobel's operations, its environmental performance, and its role as an industrial neighbor. The results of the survey have given us direct feedback and have enabled us to improve our relations with our neighbors. We have gained a better understanding of our community's needs and expectations and how to satisfy them.
The Akzo Nobel Fort Worth Plant has formed a Community Advisory Panel (CAP) along with our neighboring plant, Ferro Corporation. The panel is a representative body of involved neighbors, community leaders and employees of Akzo Nobel and Ferro. The goal of the CAP is to promote two-way communication regarding community and company concerns, including health, safety and environmental issues. Through the CAP we seek to develop a mutual understanding and trust between industry and the community that will enhance the quality of life. New members to the panel are always welcome. Anyone interested in participating in this panel should contact the Plant Manager, Ryan Roark, at 817-625-1500 or by email at ryan.roark@sc.akzonobel.com.
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