ADS Receives Corporate Recognition Award for Philanthropic Commitment to Community
HILLIARD, Ohio - November 21, 2007: At an awards banquet last evening, Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (ADS), the world's largest manufacturer of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, was presented with the "Corporate Recognition Award" by New Jersey's Gloucester County Special Services Education Foundation, Inc. ADS received the prestigious award for the company's involvement in a public-private partnership aimed at creating a $600,000 athletic facility to host the Miracle League, a youth baseball program that serves children with special needs.
The Corporate Recognition Award is given annually to a company or organization that has made the greatest impact on the special needs children of Gloucester County or their families. Donations or charitable contributions benefit the Gloucester County Special Services Education Foundation's initiatives, including the Miracle League, Special Olympics, as well as the various scholarships offered to its students.
"We are honored to accept this truly wonderful award and we're especially happy to help bring the 'Miracle League' concept to the Gloucester County community," said Joe Chlapaty, President and Chief Executive Officer of ADS. "Our company has been involved with the program in our home state of Ohio and we think it's a truly wonderful concept that will benefit the community and those living in it."
ADS was nominated for the Corporate Recognition Award along with a long list of nationally recognized corporate contributors. Ultimately, the Gloucester County Special Services Education Foundation board selected ADS for the company's philanthropic contributions to serve children with special needs and it's long-standing commitment to the community in Gloucester County. ADS presented the Miracle League concept to the county and is the lead private sector contributor to the project, donating a total of $100,000 in cash.
"The Miracle League literature states that every child deserves a chance to play baseball," said Fred Keating, Superintendent of the Gloucester County Special Services School District. "ADS, Inc., through their generous donation to our Education Foundation of $100,000 toward the field, is helping that dream to come true for youngsters with special needs in Gloucester County."
Once complete, the Miracle Field will host the youth baseball league for physically and mentally challenged children. The field will primarily serve disabled children, and will be available to Special Olympians from across the region, autistic children and children enrolled in special education programs in Gloucester County, NJ.
"This new facility will ultimately serve thousands of children, and not just those who are part of the Miracle League baseball program," continued Chlapaty.
The Miracle League concept was created in 1998 and by April 2000, the first Miracle League Field opened with more than 100 registered players. Today, more than 150 Miracle League organizations exist across the country.
ADS has proven its commitment to the Gloucester County community. The company recently opened a $12 million, 68,000-square-foot facility in Gloucester County that is expected to bring 100 new jobs to the area and will serve ADS customers in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Washington, D.C. The plant will produce HDPE pipe for use in the development of local and federal highway projects and will serve construction projects in underground drainage applications.
About Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (ADS) is the world's largest producer of HDPE corrugated plastic pipe. Founded in 1966, it serves the storm water drainage industry through a global network of over 42 domestic and international manufacturing plants and over 30 distribution centers. In addition to its flagship N-12® pipe, the company offers a complete line of fittings and other accessories including StormTech® stormwater chambers, Nyloplast® drainage structures and various Geotextiles. To learn more about ADS, log on to www.ads-pipe.com or call 800-733-7473.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Tori L Durliat, Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
Corporate Manager of Marketing and Communications
401 Olive St.
Findlay, OH 45840
Phone: 419-424-8275
E-mail: tori.durliat@ads-pipe.com
