CLEVELAND, Tenn. (June 10, 2009)—Before the turn of a shovel of dirt on their property in the Hiwassee River Industrial Park, Wacker Chemical Corporation has invested in the workforce of Cleveland and Bradley County.           

During recent honors ceremonies at Bradley Central, Cleveland and Walker Valley High Schools, the “WACKER Spirit of Innovation” Scholarship Award was presented to Marissa Mallett, Bradley; Erica Swindle, Cleveland; and Matt Cohen, Walker Valley.

The students received the $1,000 scholarship because they attained the highest grade-point average at their respective high school. Each must also attend an accredited college or university and must attend the school stipulated.

Gary Farlow, president of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, presented the scholarships.

“Wacker Chemical Corporation is establishing a community presence even before we break ground in north Bradley County,” Farlow said in making the scholarship presentations on behalf of Wacker Chemical Corporation. “This is a company that values education, which is necessary for the jobs Wacker will bring to our community, and these students reflect academic excellence.”

He continued, “This scholarship, which will be presented annually, demonstrates Wacker’s commitment to Bradley County and to rewarding educational excellence in our community. Their decision to implement it now indicates the kind of corporate citizen they will be.”

Dr. Ingomar Kovar, president and CEO of Wacker Chemical Corporation, applauded the scholarship recipients.

“The obligations of a major company extend far beyond the development and sale of products,” Kovar said. “WACKER is pleased to provide scholarship assistance to those talented students who have excelled in the classroom and have demonstrated the initiative to work hard in pursuit of their life’s goals and ambitions. We are very proud of their achievements.”

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