Good neighbors know it's important to talk
|
As a member of the community, Hemlock Semiconductor Group believes open,
two-way communication is an integral component in maintaining sustainable,
environmentally responsible operations.
As part of Hemlock Semiconductor's involvement with the Responsible Care®
initiative, the Hemlock Area Community Advisory Panel (CAP) was formed in 1997.
It provides a forum to address issues and opportunities affecting Hemlock
Semiconductor, Dow Corning Healthcare Industries Materials Site (HIMS),
and the local community.
The Community Advisory Panel meets six times each year. Members have the
opportunity to have their questions and concerns addressed by |
Front row (l to r): Reverend Edward Pankow,
Renee Herhold, Russ Taylor,
David Rengering, Leslie Orozco, John Shields, Jo Neuhalfen Jodi Wegner,
Butch Warner, Nancy Benjamin
Back row (l r): Andy Tometich, Maija Preston, Chris Heffner, Sherrie
Fritze-Harris, William Bailey, Tyronza Snowden, Terry Rock, Brian Klump, Deb
Kestner,
Judy Turner, Ruth Anne Rye | Hemlock Semiconductor and Dow Corning HIMS
management. Panel members assist the companies with effective local
communication of key environmental health, safety, transportation, and other
operational concerns.
Membership on the panel includes both plant management personnel and a
cross-section of representatives from Thomas and Richland Townships, assuring
the community their concerns are being represented. (Note: Members are not
expected to represent the company or community in terms of public relations or
to speak publicly on behalf of the panel.)
Responsible Care® is a trademark of the American Chemistry Council. |
CAP Member Biographies
|
 | Name: William Bailey
CAP member since: 2009
Township in which you reside: Thomas Township
Organization(s) you volunteer for: Served on more than 60 boards and
commissions over the years and one of my favorite is the Michigan Girl Scout
board of directors where I currently serve. Youth leadership development
is a big deal to me.
Others: Saginaw County Crime Prevention Council, Great Lakes Bay Regional
Leadership Institute board, University of Michigan Annual Fund committee, Dow
Event Center, Michigan Municipal League and others. |
Why do you feel serving on Hemlock Semiconductor and Dow Corning's CAP
is important? For economic development, job creation, green energy and
public safety.
To me, Hemlock Semiconductor is fascinating, cutting-edge and represents the
future in multi-level ways. The Solar Valley concept is critical for our region
and I look forward to playing a bigger role in that and Hemlock Semiconductor's
success.
Understanding Hemlock Semiconductor's operation have given me great comfort and
the knowledge to talk with my friends and neighbors about the levels of
planning and safety that makes living near the plant a joy.
What is your current position and/or role in the community?
-
Bailey & Associates, Inc. (public affairs and communications
consultants)
-
Consultant, University of Michigan, Public Affairs
-
In the Company of Ideas, Inc. - consulting project analyst
-
Small business owner
-
Community volunteer
-
Former public corporation chief executive
|
 | Name: Nancy Benjamin
CAP member since: 2002
Township in which you reside: Thomas Township
Organization(s) you volunteer for: American Heart Association, Hemlock
Sawdust Days, Saginaw Area Concert Band, Classic Legacy Band, Saginaw Eddy
Band
Why do you feel serving on Hemlock Semiconductor and Dow Corning’s CAP is
important? I like being informed, especially since I live in the
neighborhood. I come in contact with many people and when questions come up
about what is going on at Hemlock Semiconductor and the Dow Corning Healthcare
Site, I have or can get the information. |
What is your current position and/or role in the community? I am a
retired teacher from Hemlock Public Schools.
|
 | Name: Deb Kestner
CAP member since: 2004
Township in which you reside: Thomas Township
Organization(s) you volunteer for:Holy Spirit Parish, American Legion
and Eagles Club of Saginaw
Why do you feel serving on Hemlock Semiconductor and Dow Corning’s CAP is
important? As a neighbor and advocate for Hemlock Semiconductor and the Dow
Corning Healthcare Site I have been able to inform many neighbors and community
groups of all the great things these companies have done to partner for our
community. It’s great to be well-informed environmentally of the safety of our
corporate neighbor. |
What is your current position and/or role in the community? I am
employed by Verizon Wireless as a Government Account Executive in Saginaw, Bay,
Midland and Genesee Counties. I am also Vice-Chair on the Public Health Board
since 2004 and a board member on the Substance Abuse Committee of Saginaw
County.
|
 | Name: Renee Herhold
CAP member since: 2005
Township in which you reside: Richland Township
Organization(s) you volunteer for: Hemlock Business Association, Hemlock
Sawdust Day Committee, Richland Township Sesquicentennial Committee, Western
Saginaw County Health & Wellness Association, St. Peter Lutheran Church
Altar Guild and various committees
Why do you feel serving on Hemlock Semiconductor and Dow Corning's CAP
is important? As an employee and resident of the neighboring township, I
feel that serving on the CAP is extremely valuable. The information provided at
the CAP meetings permits me to have an inside look at the progress and
concerns, with the ability to share concerns on behalf of our community. |
What is your current position and/or role in the community? Richland
Township Manager
|
 | Name: Jo Neuhalfen
CAP member since: 2000
Township in which you reside: Thomas Township
Organization(s) you volunteer for: Trout Unlimited, River Cleanups,
Trail Cleanups
Why do you feel serving on Hemlock Semiconductor and Dow Corning's CAP
is important? When the expansions at Hemlock Semiconductor started, fear of
being next to a chemical plant came to mind first followed by the affect on
property values for myself and my immediate community. I agreed to serve on the
CAP because I wanted to know as much as possible about what was manufactured,
the actual and perceived risks, and how the growing plant was going to affect
our neighborhood. After 10 or 12 years, safety and environmental concerns
remain at the forefront for many in our immediate neighborhood. Hemlock
Semiconductor and Thomas Township have taken great strides to plan for safety
and inform the community and I trust will continue to do so. The information
gathered at the CAP meetings is easily passed on to neighbors to help them
understand as well. |
What is your current position and/or role in the community? My current
position is as HR/Safety Director for Wolgast Corporation and has been for over
20 years. Wolgast Corporation is a neighbor of Hemlock Semiconductor and the
Dow Corning Healthcare Site with an excellent safety record. My job, home
and family leave little time for community groups. When time permits, my
volunteer efforts go toward groups involved with the environment.
|
 | Name: Maija Preston
CAP member since: 2011
Township in which you reside: Thomas Township
Organization(s) you volunteer for:Junior League of Saginaw Valley,
Children's Zoo at Celebration Square, Swan Valley Schools
Why do you feel serving on Hemlock Semiconductor and Dow Corning's CAP
is important? I care about my community. I am a neighbor of Hemlock
Semiconductor, and the company plays a very important role in our area. Through
its rapid expansion, residents have been left with many concerns. I want to
understand the businesses' economic, environmental and philanthropic
philosophies. Personally, by being an educated member of CAP, it will ease
fears I have regarding safety. By easing those fears, and seeing how Hemlock
Semiconductor "gives back" to our community, I can be a good ambassador
for the company. |
What is your current position and/or role in the community? Community
Volunteer, Dental Hygienist
|
| Name: Terry Rock
CAP member since: 1997
Township in which you reside: Thomas Township
Organization(s) you volunteer for: Pride (President), Thomas Township
Kiwanis (President), Fordney Club (Board Member), St. Andrew's Church, Covenant
Health Care, First Presbyterian St. Andrew's Food Pantry
Why do you feel serving on Hemlock Semiconductor and Dow Corning's CAP
is important? Great for communication and community relations.
What is your current position and/or role in the community? President at
Armstrong Consulting
|
 | Name: Ruth Anne Rye
CAP member since: 2000
Township in which you reside: Richland Township
Organization(s) you volunteer for: R3M Ministries Board of Directors
(Rescue Mission of Saginaw, Good Samaritan Mission, Bay City, and Community
Village - a Home for the Aged Community Village Advisory Board, Michigan
Antibiotic Resistance Reduction Coalition, MI Department of Community Health,
MI Society for Infection Prevention and Control
Why do you feel serving on Hemlock Semiconductor and Dow Corning’s CAP is
important? In my personal and professional life I am in contact with
persons, local, regional and state, who are interested in Michigan and its
industries and opportunities. Because I am a CAP member I am able to share
current information about the two industries, their products, growth,
commitment to safety, plans for expansion, employment opportunities and
community outreach.
|
What is your current position
and/or role in the community? I am retired but an Infection Prevention
Consultant working primarily on special initiatives. I am currently working on
two long term care projects – a study at the University of Michigan and for the
Michigan Office of Public Heath Preparedness. I consider my role as being an
ambassador for my community.
|
 | Name: John Shields
CAP member since: 2000
Township in which you reside: Richland Township
Organization(s) you volunteer for: Board of Appeals, Hemlock Lions Club
(46 years)
Why do you feel serving on Hemlock Semiconductor and Dow Corning's CAP
is important? To keep informed so we can tell others what is going on at
Hemlock Semiconductor.
What is your current position and/or role in the community? Retired 14
years, Christmas light Chairman, Bell Ringing Chairman, Salvation Army
|
 | Name: Russ Taylor
CAP member since: 2001
Township in which you reside: Thomas Township
Organization(s) you volunteer for: Kiwanis, Saginaw Future Board,
Hopevale Church Elder and Usher, SAGA Board, MMWA Board, Dow Event Center
Advisory Board, SMATS Board - Vice Chair, Community Group Leader
Why do you feel serving on Hemlock Semiconductor and Dow Corning's CAP
is important? Having open lines of communication is always the key to the
success of any activity or entity. The CAP creates that forum and familiarizes
the affected individuals with one another. The CAP has made it possible for
information and ideas to be shared in a non-confrontational manner. |
What is your current position and/or role in the community? Thomas
Township Manager
|
 | Name: Judy Turner
CAP member since: 1998
Township in which you reside: Richland Township
Organization(s) you volunteer for: Hemlock Public Schools, Richland
Township Library, Midland Public Schools, Relay for Life (American Cancer
Society), Hidden Treasure Pre-school
Why do you feel serving on Hemlock Semiconductor and Dow Corning's CAP
is important? It keeps me abreast of the progress of the corporation and I
am able to share a more knowing perspective with the community at large.
Knowing accurate information and being able to share it after relieves people
of concerns they may have; that awareness is often relevant. |
What is your current position and/or role in the community? Consultant
for Hemlock Public Schools
|
 | Name: Butch Warner
CAP member since: 2000
Township in which you reside: Richland Township
Organization(s) you volunteer for: Fordney Club, Democrat Ex-Board
(Saginaw) for 45 years, Son's of Italy
Why do you feel serving on Hemlock Semiconductor and Dow Corning's CAP
is important? It gives me great knowledge of the activities in the area and
Hemlock Semiconductor, the Dow Corning Healthcare Site and my fellow CAP
members.
|
| What is your current position
and/or role in the community? Saginaw County Road Commissioner, Officer in
the Sons of Italy Lodge |