Another Star for Rohm and Haas South Africa – Community Development Recognition by AMCHAM

The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) has presented Rohm and Haas (NYSE:ROH) SA with two prestigious awards at a function held in Johannesburg recently. Rohm and Haas was awarded the winning ‘Star of Africa’ award in the community development category, as well as the overall ‘Star of the Stars’ award for 2008.

"Rohm and Haas has worked closely with Heifer International and the Sukuma project for many years and the sustainability and courage of the Nsikeni village is truly an inspiration to us all,” says Martin Rogers, site manager of the Rohm and Haas plant in New Germany. Rohm and Haas, South Africa has just over 60 employees, provides financial support to various community projects, including Heifer International’s training programme with the Sukuma Farmers Association. Rohm and Haas is determined to make a difference in South Africa by reaching out to communities beyond the plant’s immediate environment.

"These awards, which are the highest recognition of corporate social responsibility for American companies operating in South Africa, are a great honour for Rohm and Haas. Generous donations from Rohm and Haas employees throughout the world including our colleagues in Europe and NAR have made a difference to this project and many local staff members have made the three hour journey to visit the communities we support,” says Rogers.

He continues, "We believe the real winners here are the families of the Sukuma Farmers Association, which, with the support of corporate business and Heifer International, are building a brighter future for their children.”

Heifer International-South Africa’s mission is, in partnership with others, to promote community development, food security and environmental re-generation. Through participative methods, Heifer learnt that this community wanted to embark on food production and homestead gardening and this project, aptly named ‘passing on the gift’, has been a great success. Louise Driver, one of the adjudicators in this category, was impressed with this idea: "the passing of the gift concept is both original and creative.”

The award adjudicators also commented: "What makes this project so special is that the people of Nsikeni village are self-motivated. They began the process of enriching their own lives and with the assistance of Rohm and Haas and Heifer International they are doing just that, one chicken at a time.”

Members of the Sukuma Farmers Association have also started their own vegetable gardens. Mrs. Mtolo, the vice-chairperson of the Sukuma project says, "Now that we are selling eggs and some are being eaten at home, we see a huge difference in our children. They take the eggs and sell them at school. They carry lunch to school and life is much better than before. My vegetable garden produces spinach, carrots, onions and potatoes. My family eats a full nutritional meal.”

This is the second time Rohm and Haas, in partnership with Heifer International, has won the prestigious ‘Star of Africa’ Award from the American Chamber of Commerce. In 2006, the company was recognised for its involvement with the Imbumba Project in the KwaZulu Natal rural community.

Rohm and Haas will continue its partnership with Heifer International by starting a new community project in 2009 to improve many more lives in rural South Africa.

About Rohm and Haas Company

Leading the way since 1909, Rohm and Haas is a global pioneer in the creation and development of innovative technologies and solutions for the specialty materials industry. The company’s technologies are found in a wide range of industries including: Building and Construction, Electronics and Electronic Devices, Household Goods and Personal Care, Packaging and Paper, Transportation, Pharmaceutical and Medical, Water, Food and Food Related, and Industrial Process. Innovative Rohm and Haas technologies and solutions help to improve life every day, around the world. Based in Philadelphia, PA, the company generated annual sales of approximately $8.9 billion in 2007. Visit www.rohmhaas.com for more information. imagine the possibilities™