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TO DESIGNATE FEBRUARY 6, 2008 AS "INTERNATIONAL PAPER DAY" TO HONOR INTERNATIONAL PAPER AND THEIR 2,200 EMPLOYEES AND ELEVEN FACILITIES IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, FOR THEIR PROTECTION OF FORESTLANDS THROUGH CONSERVATION LAND DONATIONS, SALES AND EASEMENTS AND FOR THEIR EXCEPTIONAL COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, an essential part of International Paper's business strategy is to make uncoated paper and packaging products in a safe and healthful workplace, to manage natural resources wisely by using no wood from endangered forests, and to continually improve International Paper's environmental performance; and
Whereas, International Paper's health and safety programs are achieving great results with two company work sites in the State certified under OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program and forty-nine certified as Voluntary Protection Program sites in the United States, one million safe work hours recorded at the Georgetown, South Carolina Mill, and no lost time incidents at the Sumter, South Carolina sheet converting facility in two years. In 2007, International Paper provided a safe work environment for employees by achieving the best ever company worldwide total incident rate of 1.06; and
Whereas, International Paper is actively reducing greenhouse gas emissions and participating in several programs worldwide, including the Chicago Climate Exchange and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Leaders programs; and
Whereas, International Paper's Georgetown and Eastover Mills are taking part in the South Carolina Environmental Excellence and EPA Performance Track programs, and International Paper is a sponsor of the State's Champions of the Environment program; and
Whereas, International Paper is a valued corporate citizen in our communities. In 2007, International Paper's South Carolina employees donated three hundred and thirty-one thousand dollars to the United Way. The International Paper Foundation also donated more than eighty-six thousand dollars to South Carolina community-level environmental, economic and educational programs; and
Whereas, International Paper's biodiversity efforts are multiplying as they undertake work in habitat restoration, applied forest research and partnership programs with some of the world's most renowned environmental groups. Many of the parcels that have thrived under the company's leadership are home to bald eagles, black bears, and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Several tracts also provide vital linkages between existing public and private conservation areas; and
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, designate February 6, 2008 as "International Paper Day" to honor International Paper and their employees for their protection of forestlands and for their exceptional commitment to improving the environment for all South Carolina.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the International Paper Company as an expression of the South Carolina General Assembly's admiration and gratitude for the company's successful efforts on behalf of the people of South Carolina.
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