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Michelin: North American and Research HQs; Test Track; Michelin Retread Technologies and TCI Tire Centers HQs; 6 plants

(GREENVILLE, SC) Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. will recognize Michelin North America, Inc. with its 6th International Economic Development Award at the Greenville Chamber's Annual International Reception on Tuesday, May 20, beginning at 5:30 p.m., in the Carolina First Center. This will be the Chamber's 16th annual reception to honor the many international companies in the Greater Greenville area.

This award is presented by the law firm to an organization that has played a major role in international business development in the northwestern part of South Carolina. Michelin North America will receive the award because of its investments and employment in South Carolina for the last 30 years.

(Press release continued below. You can learn more about Michelin from their InnoVenture 2008 presentation. Click here to see the Power Point slides along with the presenter.)

Michelin North America established its first modern plant in the United States in Greenville in 1975. Since then, the company has invested more than $2.2 billion in the state and its presence here now includes:

• the company's North American headquarters (Greenville),
• North American research & development headquarters (Greenville),
• a 3,000 acre test track (Laurens),
• headquarters for Michelin Retread Technologies (MRT) and TCI Tire Centers, LLC (both in Duncan),
• the world's largest semi-finished rubber processing plant (Sandy Springs), and
• tire building facilities in Greenville (2), Lexington (2) and Spartanburg (1).

In addition to employing almost 8,000 South Carolinians spread across 37 of the state's 46 counties, Michelin currently has almost 3,000 retirees in the state. More than one-third of the company's 22,300 employees are based in South Carolina. Michelin and its employees contribute more than $2.4 million and thousands of volunteer hours each year for community programs across the state.

Michelin North America Chairman and President Jim Micali will receive the award on behalf of Michelin from Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Managing Director Anne S. Ellefson and Greenville Mayor Knox H. White. The International Reception recognizes the hundreds of international companies doing business in the Upstate and thanks them for their investment in the area. The Consulate General of France Philippe Ardanaz will be the keynote speaker.

“The Upstate’s international companies are not only important to the region for the jobs they create, but for the cultural opportunities they bring to the community as well,” said Chamber President and CEO Ben Haskew. “The Chamber hosts this annual event to say thanks to all of the Upstate international companies - for the impact they have on Greenville’s economy and its citizens.”

Previous recipients include South Carolina State Ports Authority, Donaldson Industrial Center, Greenville Technical College, BMW Manufacturing Co. and the Upstate Alliance.

Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m., the program at 5:45 p.m., and the reception immediately following the program. Cost per individual ticket is $75 for Chamber members or $100 for non-Chamber members. International companies, defined as those owned by a parent located outside the United States, will receive two (2) complimentary tickets. For more information, contact Karen Crowder, at the Greater Greenville Chamber, 864-239-3706.

About Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. provided business, litigation, governmental, and financial legal services to national and international clients. With a history dating back more than 100 years, it is one of the largest law firms in the Carolinas. The Firm has offices in Charleston, Columbia, Florence and Greenville, South Carolina.

About the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary, non-profit organization of businesses and professionals in Greenville County and the surrounding Upstate dedicated to promoting a preeminent business community: supporting innovation, collaboration and success by all businesses, small to large; providing vision, leadership and programs necessary for a progressive and diverse economy and quality of life. For more information on the Greenville Chamber, call 864-242-1050, or visit www.greenvillechamber.org.
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