Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Firestone Begins New Program

Sometimes a good idea and good intentions aren't enough. Sometimes you have to have money to make things work.

Recognizing this, Bridgestone-Firestone has introduced its EnviroLeader program, a way to financially support high school and college- age children of its employees wanting to undertake or be involved with an environmental improvement pproject.

The program was announced in Nashville, Tenn., April 22, Earth Day, by Bridgestone-Firestone president and CEO Masatoshi Ono.

"It's appropriate we launch this program on Earth Day," Ono said. "We hope it will encourage and support young people being involved with environmental improvement projects. Youth and enthusiasm, coupled with financial support from Bridgestone-Firestone, can lead to significant benefits for the environment."

The EnviroLeader program will provide grants of up to $1,000 that students may use to create, manage or support an environmental improvement project in their own community. Those projects may range from planting a tree to starting a recycling program, with funds available beginning May 15.

Funds may be used for a project developed by and involving just one student, or for projects involving several others, including efforts of local clubs, schools, fraternities, sororities, scouting organizations or similar groups.

"Many young people want to do something positive, but they don't have the money required to make a project or program successful," said Jim Vines, Bridgestone-Firestone environmental attorney.

"With this program, they can make a difference," he said. "Working independently, or with organizations such as 4-H, FFA or scouting, they can change a small part of the earth. We feel that's important."

At year end, the projects will be evaluated by Bridgestone-Firestone; the student having the project judged best will win a trip for two to Washington, D.C. During the capital visit, the student will tour museums and galleries, and meet national environmental leaders.

To request funds, high school- and college-age children of Bridgestone-Firestone employees must complete an EnviroLeader grant application. The forms are available by calling 615-872-1416, or by writing: Bridgestone-Firestone EnviroLeaders, 50 Century Blvd., Nashville, TN 37214.

Nashville-based Bridgestone-Firestone, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation of Japan, the world's largest tire and rubber company.

Bridgestone-Firestone develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton, Seiberling and private brand tires. The company also produces Firestone air springs, roofing materials (in Prescott), synthetic rubber and industrial fibers and textiles.