PPG Industries, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Renew Partnership

Aug 17, 2011 Judith Rubin Uncategorized 0

PITTSBURGH–(BUSINESS WIRE)–PPG Industries (NYSE: PPG), PPG Industries Foundation, and the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium announced today that they have renewed their partnership, which was initiated in 2001 and scheduled to expire in 2012.

During a ceremony this morning at the Zoo, PPG Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Charles E. Bunch announced a $6.9 million contribution over 10 years and introduced the PPG Conservation and Sustainability Fund. This fund awards grants to help support a variety of field studies and projects with a multidisciplinary approach to conservation. It will enable the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium to support research and conservation work around the world, especially in countries where PPG operates.

Bunch said, “PPG and the Pittsburgh Zoo are both long-standing, sound and deep-rooted Pittsburgh institutions. At PPG, we believe that this partnership helps to underscore our commitment to the Pittsburgh area – a place that we have called ‘home’ for more than 127 years.”

“PPG Industries is more than a sponsor; they are our partner, and together we are pioneering new and exciting efforts to support wildlife conservation around the world,” said Dr. Barbara Baker, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. “In the past 10 years we have developed the PPG Aquarium into a world-class marine environment, reached a benchmark of 1 million visitors, built the state-of-the-art Water’s Edge habitat and now are one of the top 10 zoos in the country.”

The new 10-year agreement also supports expansion projects at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, such as the Animal Health and Education Center slated for completion in 2012, and a new Top of the World reptile and mixed-species habitat to be built on undeveloped land at the Zoo.

“By supporting the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, we believe that we’re clearly enhancing the region’s value,” Bunch said. “The Zoo plays a key role in educating all of its visitors, and notably children, about the importance of preserving and protecting the world in which we live. As such, our partnership also underscores a shared commitment to sustainability, conservation and education.”

In addition to supporting conservation efforts, PPG Industries and PPG Industries Foundation also sponsor the Zoo’s annual PPG Party for the Planet and PPG Festival of Water events and are naming sponsors of the PPG Aquarium.

More than 10,000 Western Pennsylvania Girl Scouts participated in today’s celebration, thanks to PPG Industries.

Established in 1951, the PPG Industries Foundation demonstrates the values of PPG Industries by enhancing the quality of life in communities where the company has a presence. Interests of the foundation, in order of priority, are education, human services, culture and arts, and civic and community affairs. PPG also supports charitable causes by encouraging employees’ volunteerism and board service with nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.ppgfoundation.com.

About the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium strives to foster positive, lifelong connections between animals and people. Whether through our exhibitry, educational programs, or our many conservation projects, our goal is to make certain the Earth remains a suitable home for all life by our discovery of the interconnectedness of the natural world.

PPG: BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE SURFACE.(TM)
PPG Industries’ vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty products company. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. Founded in 1883, PPG has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in more than 60 countries around the world. Sales in 2010 were $13.4 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.