The Charleston plant began its relationship with the local area almost 50 years ago. Located 30 miles north of Chattanooga on 1,000 acres next to the Hiwassee River, we share the location with Arch Chemicals. It is a manufacturer of the world’s most popular pool treatment supplies and is a valued customer. We’re also about 10 miles from Olin Chlor Alkali’s division headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Over 320 people come to work every day. Olin spends more than $80 million with all sorts of local businesses, purchasing goods and services which support over 200 local jobs. Olin generates another $1 million in annual taxes—taxes that go to schools, to community services and to those in need.

As a corporate neighbor, it’s important that we add value to life in Charleston. Adding value means giving of ourselves to charitable and worthwhile efforts in the community, whether it’s creating them or contributing to them. Olin Charleston is a large contributor and supporter of United Way in Bradley and McMinn counties and Greater Chattanooga. We’re also involved with local education and have created strong partnerships with Cleveland State Community College, Tennessee Tech and Charleston Elementary School. We’ve worked with the Cleveland and Bradley Chambers of Commerce in support of programs like Teachers Academy, Job Shadowing and Workforce Initiative. We have developed programs to better educate and prepare the community’s high school students with practical skills and knowledge for the workplace. And we’ve contributed to the American Cancer Society, Keep America Beautiful, and Relay for Life.

Recreation opportunities are plentiful in and around Bradley County. The famed Ocoee River is perfect for whitewater rafting. Its challenging rapids were the site for Olympic competition in 1996. Anglers flock to the region's numerous lakes, streams and rivers, where it’s not uncommon to nab a stringer-full of crappie, bluegill, bass, catfish or perch. For even more outdoor adventures, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is only an hour's drive away.

Just 30 miles away is Chattanooga with its numerous entertainment, shopping and dining opportunities, including an amazing aquarium. This unique city, known for both its scenic beauty and its smart pattern of urban growth, was recently named by U.S. News and World Report as a "City That Works"—one of only four cities in the world to receive that distinction.

One of our main goals at the Olin Charleston plant is a safe working and living environment for our people and their families and our neighbors. This past year we invested $54 million in plant improvements and additional upgrades all designed to give you greater peace of mind. This was recently enhanced with a $2.6 million investment that resulted in a 60 percent reduction in air emissions.

Our performance has led to a number of environmental and safety awards. In 2007, we received the Tennessee Governor’s Award of Excellence for our unblemished safety record, and in 2005 we were given the Tennessee Governor’s Award of Excellence for Environmental Performance. We also received the Norfolk Southern Thoroughbred Award for “incident-free handling” of chemical rail shipments, and Olin Chlor Alkali is also a Tennessee OSHA VPP Star site—a certification that is awarded for doing an excellent job of putting employee safety and health first.