SOURCE:Eastman Chemical Company
DESCRIPTION:
Junior Achievement of Tri-Cities TN/VA recently inducted two Laureates into its Business Hall of Fame during a gala event at MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center. Mark J. Costa, Chairman and CEO of Eastman was honored as a business leader who has made contributions to the region through his business leadership and civic activities. Eastman was also inducted as a leading corporate citizen, marking the first time that a corporation has been inducted into the Business Hall of Fame.
Master of Ceremonies and Past Laureate Ken Maness welcomed guests to the 24th Annual Laureate Induction Celebration. “We are pleased to honor the accomplishments of Mark Costa and Eastman. Both Laureates have distinguished themselves through outstanding business achievements, community service, and philanthropy," Maness said.
Scott Niswonger, chairman and founder of The Niswonger Foundation, presented Costa with his award, commenting on his leadership and business contributions. In accepting the award, Costa thanked his family for their unwavering support, including his wife Gita and two sons, and his parents who he said encouraged his passions and instilled the value of hard work in him and his brother at a young age.
He also expressed his gratitude to Eastman and its global team of 14,000 employees. “I am honored and humbled to represent such an incredible company and to have the privilege of leading such a talented and exceptional team of people,” said Costa. “I’ve worked around many companies throughout my career, but I’ve never worked for a place where the people care so deeply about each other and about showing up each day to give their best and do the right thing.”
Close friends and colleagues attributed much of Costa’s success to his unique leadership style that stresses continuous coaching and self-improvement and strong communication. “Mark’s ability to communicate with people is unparalleled,” said Chad Baker, president, Baker’s Construction Services. “He takes the time to listen, which is a characteristic of a great leader.”
U.S. Senator Bob Corker presented Eastman’s award and acknowledged the importance of the company to the region and the state. He and leaders across the region and state praised the company for its leadership in strengthening the region to compete globally. They credited the company’s longstanding success to its ability to stay ahead of global competition.
Eastman Senior Vice President, Chief Legal & Sustainability Officer and Corporate Secretary David Golden accepted the award on Eastman’s behalf. “Eastman has a strong partnership with Junior Achievement not only here, but in communities across the globe. It is especially gratifying to work with partners to support Junior Achievement, teach the importance of free enterprise, and encourage progress and quality of life improvements throughout the region,” said Golden.
Golden added, “I am fortunate to work for a company with world-class technologies and assets, but at the end of the day, it is the people who make the difference. I am deeply grateful to accept this award on their behalf.”
Community leaders agreed that Eastman’s greatest differentiator is its people, whom they widely praised for their integrity and numerous contributions to the region. “If there is a problem in this community, we’re going to call Eastman and ask them to help us with it,” said Kingsport Chamber President & CEO Miles Burdine. “It doesn’t necessarily mean that they have to give dollars. Usually it is the expertise and caring hearts of their people that help solve community problems.”
Costa and Golden thanked Junior Achievement for the recognition and for the organization’s worthy mission of bridging the gap between education, business and the real world. Both spoke of the work that Junior Achievement and its volunteers do in the community and around the world to prepare today’s youth for tomorrow’s workforce through their programs to educate students in business and economics.
Video:Eastman named Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Laureate
Video: Eastman CEO Mark J. Costa named Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Laureate
Junior Achievement was founded nationally in 1919 and locally in 1966 to educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise, business and economics to improve the quality of their lives. The Business Hall of Fame honors those who have played a prominent role in the region and have demonstrated ethics and responsibility, courageous leadership, recognition of a positive contribution to the image of the region, and a reputation for financial achievement, corporate responsibility and public service.
Eastman is a global advanced materials and specialty additives company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in more than 100 countries and had 2016 revenues of approximately $9.0 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 14,000 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
KEYWORDS: Education, Awards, Ratings & Rankings, junior achievement, Eastman
