INVISTA Shelby Site Receives Distinguished Carolina Star Award.

Recertification Marks Nine Consecutive Years as a Carolina Star Site

SHELBY , N.C. – October 13, 2005 – The INVISTA Shelby site received the Carolina Star Award from the North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL), Division of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH-NC), on Thursday, September 22, 2005 . This third recertification of the site marks nine continuous years as a Carolina “Star” site. To achieve “Star” recognition, the site works cooperatively with OSH-NC in a voluntary protection program (VPP) to meet North Carolina 's criteria of excellence.

Upon receiving this award, the site had worked injury free for over two years, in fact 857 days without an OSHA recordable injury. That represents 830,000 employee work hours.

The Honorable Cherie Berry, NC Commissioner of Labor presented the award at an awards ceremony and luncheon.

“Some companies can achieve ‘Star' status once, but the fact that you have maintained it for nine straight years shows your commitment to safety,” stated Commissioner Berry. “I am honored to be in a room today with employees that understand safety and live it every day.”

Accepting the Carolina Star award for the Shelby site were (left to right) Tommy Jones, EHS coordinator; Martha Hampton, B crew supervisor; Pat Collins, administrative assistant; and, Richard Dowdle, C crew operator. The award was presented by Commissioner Berry (far right).

Larry Williams, director, Sewing Thread, attended the awards ceremony as well.

“On behalf of Dave Trerotola, president, INVISTA Performance Fibers, and his leadership staff, please accept my sincere thanks and congratulations for your hard work, your dedication, and your continuing focus on the never-ending goal of maintaining a safe, injury free workplace,” said Williams. “You've done what has been asked, you've done it very well, and today is one recognition of that achievement. I salute you.”

In addition, The Honorable Jerry Self, county commissioner; Misti Humphries, president, Chamber of Commerce; several staff members of NCDOL; and Tony Branecky, Salisbury site manager, attended to show their support.

“I am so proud of the Star team, our employees and their commitment to EH&S excellence and thank you all for a job well done,” said Amy Carpenter, Shelby site manager. “We look forward to continuing working with OSHA for an accident-free environment.”

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