| BIRMINGHAM, AL - Vulcan Materials Company announced that three of its operations have been recognized as gold medallion winners In the community relations awards program of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association. The gold medallion recognizes aggregates facilities that have outstanding, employee-supported programs for enhancing their communities. Vulcan's Southwest Division received a gold medallion for its creation and ongoing sponsorship of a sporting clays tournament to benefit the San Antonio Cancer Therapy Center. Vulcan began the event in 1994 and since then has raised over $350,000 for the Center. Approximately 80 Vulcan employees volunteer each year in support of the event. Vulcan's Southeast Division received two gold medallions. At its Columbia, South Carolina, quarry, Vulcan is working to enhance communications with its neighbors and to address specific issues related to truck traffic. By establishing open and ongoing dialogues with citizens and community leaders, and hosting an open house that attracted 10,000 visitors, Vulcan greatly improved its relationship with the community. The facility's managers are currently negotiating the terms of an agreement to resolve traffic issues. The other gold medal received by Vulcan was for its work with the Boys Home of the South, a residential facility for boys who are neglected, orphaned, abandoned or abused. Among its activities, Vulcan sponsors a number of special events throughout the year including a Christmas party. In 2001, Vulcan employees raised enough money to provide Christmas gifts to 33 of the residents. Vulcan's Southwest Division operates 14 quarries and other aggregates production facilities and distribution facilities in Texas. Vulcan's Southeast division operates 35 quarries in Georgia and South Carolina. Vulcan was ranked in the "Top 10 Companies in the USA for Social Responsibility" by Fortune Magazine. |