$5 million program to provide
targeted support to five communities across North America
SEATTLE, Nov. 7, 2023
/PRNewswire/ -- Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE: WY) today
announced the launch of a new program that will provide targeted
support to five of its rural operating communities, starting with
Zwolle, La., and the northwest
Louisiana region. The new program,
called THRIVE, involves a commitment from Weyerhaeuser to invest
$1 million in each community over the
next several years. As part of this $5
million investment, the company will work with innovative
partners — including businesses, nonprofits and governments — to
further support these communities through grants and other types of
funding and local engagement.
"Giving back to our operating communities has been foundational
to our company since our first days at Weyerhaeuser, and we are
incredibly excited for the launch of our THRIVE program," says
Devin W. Stockfish, president and chief executive officer. "We made
our first donation as a company in 1903 and have always understood
that supporting and making a positive impact on our operating
communities is essential for our long-term success. We see
tremendous opportunity to make a real difference through this
program, and we're looking forward to amplifying the support we can
provide as a company and community member."
As part of the program, Weyerhaeuser will work closely with
local leaders and other stakeholders to tailor investments and help
ensure all plans and priorities make sense at the community level —
and that the company is providing the appropriate resources and
scale to be effective. In and around Zwolle, where the company operates a wood
products manufacturing facility, those plans include working with
partners to address challenges in areas such as housing, broadband
connectivity, education or workforce development and specific needs
such as infrastructure replacement.
"The town of Zwolle is excited
for our partnership with Weyerhaeuser and their new THRIVE program,
which will bring important investments to our community and help
make Zwolle a community that
'thrives' on excellence," says Marvin
Frazier, mayor of Zwolle.
"We have a longstanding relationship with Weyerhaeuser's mill in
Zwolle and look forward to
building on our partnership as we work together to address some of
our community's most pressing needs."
Weyerhaeuser expects to announce additional THRIVE communities
next year. Selected communities represent areas where Weyerhaeuser
has a significant presence (in Louisiana, the company operates five
manufacturing facilities, manages 1.35 million acres of timberland
and employs more than 1,000 people); where the company has a
history of employee and leadership engagement; where there are
opportunities to take advantage of external resources, such as
federal or state infrastructure grants, to strengthen advocacy
efforts; and where Weyerhaeuser can partner with other employers,
nonprofits and community leaders to amplify efforts and impact on
the ground.
"We want to provide the support these communities need, but we
know we can't do it alone," says Nancy
Thompson, senior director of advocacy and philanthropy for
Weyerhaeuser. "We are excited to partner with local leaders and
grassroots groups to help identify the areas of greatest need and
opportunity, and we'll build on what we learn with our first THRIVE
community to ensure we're making the greatest possible difference
in these communities and everywhere we operate."
ABOUT WEYERHAEUSER
Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the
world's largest private owners of timberlands, began operations in
1900. We own or control approximately 11 million acres of
timberlands in the U.S. and manage additional timberlands under
long-term licenses in Canada. We
manage these timberlands on a sustainable basis in compliance with
internationally recognized forestry standards. We are also one of
the largest manufacturers of wood products in North America. Our company is a real estate
investment trust. In 2022, we generated $10.2 billion in net sales and employed
approximately 9,200 people who serve customers worldwide. Our
common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
WY. Learn more at www.weyerhaeuser.com.
For more information contact:
Analysts –
Andy Taylor, 206-539-3907
Media – Nancy Thompson,
919-861-0342
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SOURCE Weyerhaeuser Company