RD & TS TECHNOLOGY, EASTMAN CHEMICAL CO.

Within Eastman Chemical Company’s many divisions and organizations, the Research, Development & Technical Service (RD & TS) department is just one piece of the company. Each division has their own team or group of people who work together on a regular basis to keep an ongoing communication with their community needs. Several years ago, this Technology group adopted the local chapter of American Red Cross. In the prior two years, they have also adopted Small Miracles Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters. The team meets periodically to discuss the ongoing activities with each of their partner agencies to find out how they can help or what service is needed.

With regards to the American Red Cross, they have many annual and regular projects. The building that they are located is on the property of another local business so they are required to lease the building. It is an older building, so the employees in RD & TS help keep the building safe and presentable by painting, replacing floors, replacing light fixtures, plumbing, landscaping and even power-washing the building. These projects are done on an as needed basis. The volunteers also participate in community education by distributing various types of disaster bulletins and brochures to area nursing homes, assisted living homes, trailer parks and other at-risk environments. There are volunteers who serve on their personal time in addition to the time allotted by Eastman Chemical Company.

In the communities of Kingsport, there are many children growing up without the guidance of a mother, father or parental figure. Many of the children have not bee matched with a big brother or sister so they are on a waiting list. RD & TS volunteers get the children together and do activities with them throughout the year like their annual back to school picnic where there is games and food as well as school supplies to give to the children.

Small Miracles Therapeutic Horseback Riding is a relatively new organization in the community. RD & TS volunteers have helped to provide information to the community about the organization. The organization purchased land to build a new barn for their facility, and the volunteers will be working on the land building fences, painting, building sheds, delivering materials and solicit donations and volunteer labor from other organizations.

Eastman Chemical Company is proud of their RD & TS volunteers. They have impacted the entire community of Kingsport, Tennessee, in some way. They are proud to give back to their community and to teach the youth to mature and do the same thing.