LEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Southern Base of the Research Triangle Region NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, January 29, 2008 LEE INDUSTRY POSTS IMPRESSIVE SAFETY ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN '07 SANFORD -- With so many Lee County industries expanding last year -- in two months alone, four companies began or completed multimillion dollar projects -- it's not hard to understand why observers were so focused on growth. Though that was good news, particularly in a volatile manufacturing environment, it may have obscured another big story in local industry. Safety. The biggest safety announcement came in mid-December, when Wyeth in Sanford was named a Carolina STAR site. Administered by the North Carolina Department of Labor, the Carolina STAR program recognizes work sites that are self-sufficient in their ability to control hazards though a comprehensive safety and health programs. "We are excited to be recognized with the Carolina STAR award and to be the first recipient among pharmaceutical manufacturers in the state," said Nita Tosic, managing director of Wyeth in Sanford. "Our commitment to employee health and safety is steadfast, and we will continue to be active supporters of the state's efforts with this program." About 71 work sites hold the Carolina STAR distinction, according to information published by the state Department of Labor. Caterpillar Inc. and Kinder Morgan Material Services' Sanford Terminal, both in Lee County, are among them. But that wasn't the only safety accomplishment last year. Arden, a company manufacturing restaurant apparel and outdoor furniture cushions, threw a celebration last spring to celebrate one decade at the cushion plant with no accidents requiring employees to lose time from work. Its sister plant has surpassed that mark with 12 straight years. Many other Lee County companies were recognized last year with safety awards presented by the North Carolina Department of Labor. Among the list are many involved in some way with manufacturing. They include LCI Inc., which earned its ninth-consecutive Gold Award for having less than half as many lost and restricted work days as the statewide industry average, and Wolverine Metal Stamping Solutions, which earned its fifth Gold Award in a row. The list of Gold Award recipients in the county includes companies manufacturing pool and spa equipment, chicken products, high-tech electronic instruments, construction machines, bricks and textiles. Bob Heuts, director of Lee County Economic Development, says safety managers and attentive companies are primarily responsible for the achievements. But there are other forces that help place a premium on safety. Central Carolina Community College, which trains employees for many area industries, is one. The Central Carolina Society for Human Resource Management, which unites managers responsible for personnel, is another. "Manufacturing is vital to our community," he says, "so we've created the kind of culture where safety is important, not just an afterthought. "Our companies pay a lot of attention to training and they're always willing to collaborate through our industrial support groups to share ways to enhance safety. That's one of the reasons we've been so successful." Lee County Companies Receiving 2007 Department of Labor Safety Awards GOLD AWARDS. Lee County Library System (14 consecutive years), City of Sanford Big Buffalo Waste Water Treatment Plant (13), City of Sanford Beautification & Golf (12), City of Sanford Community Development (12), City of Sanford Water Treatment Plant (11), City of Sanford Financial Services (10), LCI Inc. (9) and Lee County Enrichment Center Senior Services (9). Lee County Finance Office (7), Lee County Tax Office (7), Lee County Youth Services (6), City of Sanford Engineering (5), Employment Security Commission Sanford Office (5), Wolverine Metal Stamping Solutions (5), Lee County Department of Social Services (4), City of Sanford Administration (3), Pentair Water Pool and Spa (3), Pilgrim's Pride (3), Santronics (3) and Tramway Veneers (3). Carnes Co. (2), Caterpillar (2), Lee Brick and Tile Co. Plant No. 2, Lee County Administration (2), Lee County Human Resources (2), Lee County Information Technology (2), Lee County Office of Emergency Service (2), Lee County Registrar of Deeds (2), Lee County Strategic Services (2) and Pearson Textiles (2). Lee Brick and Tile Co. Plants No. 1 and 3 (1), Lee County Parks and Recreation (1), Lee County Solid Waste (1) and Lee County Sheriff's Department (1). SILVER AWARDS. Arden Companies Food Service and Institutional Division (4 consecutive years), Arden Companies Outdoor Replacement Cushions (3), Coty (1), Hanesbrands (1), Lee County General Services (1), Lee County Health Department (1), Lee County Transit System (1) and Static Control Components (1). AWARD CRITERIA. Gold Awards are based on a lost workday case rate that is at least 50 percent below the statewide rate for the specific industry, a rate including both lost workdays and restricted workdays. Silver Awards are based on lost workdays, but not restricted workdays. All award winners must not have had any fatal accidents at the site. -- 30 -- Media Contacts Bob Heuts, Director Jane Haber, Administrative Assistant 919.774.8439 (phone) 919.775.5410 (fax) info@lcedc.com (e-mail) More On the Web LCEDC Media Web: http://www.lcedc.com/media/ This release: http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr012908.txt