UCC Retirees Gather for Charleston Reunion
More than 550 Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) retirees from as far away as California and Arizona recently gathered for the first UCC reunion ever hosted in Charleston, West Virginia. The event provided the perfect opportunity for retirees to reconnect with friends and former colleagues.
Dow’s Peter Molinaro, vice president of Federal and State Government Affairs – and former UCC employee – gave the event’s keynote address. In anticipation of the recently held mid-term election, he spoke to retirees about Dow’s current legislative priorities, including: advanced manufacturing, chemical plant security, free trade, taxes and energy and climate change.
Molinaro also updated the attendees on Dow’s strategy and renewed commitment to innovation, referencing Dow’s recent collaboration with Alstom to design, construct and operate a pilot coal power plant to capture carbon dioxide. This news was of particular interest to the attendees, because all the coal at the plant is sourced locally from West Virginia.
The history of innovation stemming from UCC and the Charleston area was a central theme throughout Molinaro’s speech. “Our success today is built on the rich legacy of innovation from both Union Carbide and Dow,” he stated. “We all came from a place with a sustained tradition and history of technological innovation.”
In addition to reminiscing with other reunion attendees, the UCC retirees were treated to a tour of the West Virginia Education, Research and Technology Park – formerly the Dow Technology Park – as well as tours of the Institute Manufacturing Site and the former location of the Union Carbide Building 82 in South Charleston. The reunion also featured a “Memory Lane” display with photos of employees and UCC sites.
The timely reunion was also the perfect opportunity for Dave Clash, Carbide Retiree Corps president, to share an update on the Centenarian Program that recognizes retirees who are celebrating their 100th birthday. The first official honoree was UCC retiree Tom Sarginson who celebrated his century milestone on April 12, 1990. Today, the program recognizes all Dow and UCC employees turning 100. At the Charleston gathering, three centenarians were recognized: Robert “Lee” Sargent, Gaylord Maines (who is 102) and Walt Ranson.
In all, the event was a resounding success. Many thanks go out to the reunion committee, the many retiree volunteers and the local Dow and Bayer Operations for their continued effort and support in leaving behind nothing but pleasant memories for everyone involved.
Interested in Joining the Carbide Retiree Corps?
The Carbide Retiree Corps, Inc. (CRC), is an organization of retired Union Carbide Corporation employees that provides opportunities for fellowship, communication, continued use of your skills and information exchanges with Company management. If you are interested in joining, simply complete the registration form on the CRC web site (www.crc-inc.org) or contact:
Carbide Retiree Corps, Inc.c/o Membership
505 River Ranch Rd
Salisbury, NC 28144