Rohm and Haas Responsible Neighbor Program

Rohm and Haas Responsible Neighbor program focuses largely on K-12 science (including environmental science), technology and math education. Rohm and Haas believes that its resources can best impact youth and inspire them in these fields by supporting:

• Professional development of teachers in math, science, the environment and technology
• Programs linking education in science, technology and math to workplace and career opportunities

Educational enrichment for students, particularly in the areas of math, science, technology and the environment either during or after school hours (including weekends, summer and other times when school is not in session). While programs can and should encourage imagination, inquisitiveness, creativity and invention, the activities should be structured.

Grants are made for program, project and general operating purposes. Grants made by Rohm and Haas manufacturing or research facilities typically range from $250 to $10,000. Contributions budgets and individual grants for each operating facility vary and are based in part on the number of employees at that location.

Grants made by the Corporate Contributions program (through the Company’s headquarters in Philadelphia) typically range from $5,000 to $50,000.

Rohm and Haas Company charitable contributions are made world-wide in locations where the Company has a significant operating presence. Rohm and Haas believes that its affiliates, subsidiaries and operating facilities can best determine the needs within their respective communities and neighborhoods. Charitable giving decisions around the world are managed and administered at the local level by the facility manager or his/her designate.

Is there a Rohm and Haas operation co-located with your chapter city?

Charles Wallace (Rohm and Haas) * 2008 Epsilon Award for Professional Achievement

We are pleased to recognize Charles Wallace for being honored as the 2008 Epsilon Award for Professional Achievement. He formally receives his award at the 2008 BDPA Awards Gala on August 9, 2008 in Atlanta GA.

Charles Wallace’s work has had an enormous impact on Rohm and Haas. With 24 years of IT experience, Charles has led the IT organization with strategic thought leadership to deliver innovative IT solutions. With an organization of over 300 employees in 37 countries, Charles has recently delivered two major projects resulting in over $1MM in annual operation costs.

Charles has also pioneered the use of online video technology within Rohm and Haas, which was recognized in CIO and Computerworld magazines. Charles was recently awarded CIO Magazines “Ones to Watch” in 2008 and Diversity Magazines “Top 50 under 50 MBA.”

Charles has strong community and philanthropy ties through various board appointments including United Way, NPower and BDPA Philadelphia. To sum up Charles’ achievements, he was promoted to Executive Director.

Curtis Jenkins (Rohm and Haas Company) * BDPA Epsilon Award for Community Service

I was pleased to learn that Curtis Jenkins is the 2008 BDPA Epsilon Award for Community Service winner.

Curtis joined Rohm and Haas Company in September of 2006. It was clear soon thereafter that Curtis was as committed to the core value of serving the community that he works in as Rohm and Haas has been during its almost 100 years of existence. The Greater Philadelphia Area community has felt the direct impact of Curtis’ broad, philanthropic interests as he guided the Rohm and Haas Company into taking another step to close the “digital divide” by providing families with much needed computers and software. He also gives of himself personally through corporate and community mentoring and development programs. Curtis has been recognized specifically by Rohm and Haas and the BDPA as a leader for change, a champion for our community and an example of how we all want to positively impact individuals and the organizations we work with.

Feel free to use the COMMENTS option below to congratulate Curtis on this remarkable Epsilon Award for Community Service!

Philadelphia is BDPA Chapter of the Year

A number of chapter awards were presented at the 29th annual BDPA Technology Conference held last week in Washington DC. The highest honor that can be given to a BDPA chapter is the prestigious 'Chapter of the Year' award. BDPA Philadelphia chapter took home the 'Chapter of the Year' award this year for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the BDPA mission and objectives over the previous year. BDPA Philadelphia beat out the 2006 winner, BDPA Cincinnati chapter, who managed to win first runner-up honors in 2007.

BDPA Philadelphia chapter also won the 'Chapter Membership Award' for their outstanding achievements in increasing BDPA's mission of being "a member-focused organization" and ensuring that each member of BDPA feels valued as a member of the association. Philadelphia's successes are a direct result of their programs and services initiatives led by current chapter president Curtis Jenkins and current president-elect Monique Berry. The chapter serves the community by providing weekly computer training for Philadelphia metropolitan-area high school students. The chapter's monthly program meetings sponsored by CIGNA serve to keep their membership informed of current trends in the IT industry. Finally, their overall member services initiatives help to bring in new members as well as retain the existing members.

Merck is a BDPA Gold-level sponsor and major contributor to the Philadelphia Chapter. Merck's Gina Gerhard won the 'Corporate Champion of the Year' award for her efforts to evolve the corporate relationship between BDPA and Merck at all levels. Other Philadelphia chapter sponsors that participated in the annual conference included Wyeth and Rohm and Haas.

Please leave a comment for the brothers and sisters of BDPA Philadelphia chapter if you have time or inclination!