Rachel Watts

Principal, Jim Allen Elementary School

Mill Community Advisory Council Member

"Throughout the International Paper Company Water Quality Improvement Project, IP continued to be an active partner in education with our school. The project was completed ahead of schedule, local citizens were well informed about the specifics of the project, and the environment remained their number one priority. IP is dedicated to the Pensacola/Cantonment community and we are fortunate to partner with an exceptional company."

Jim Hizer

President and CEO, Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

"The Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce applauds International Paper for its corporate responsibility. Since 1941, International Paper has been a vital part of this community by employing 500 local residents with an annual payroll of $40 million. IP recently has made a substantial investment to improve its processes and protect and resore our area's wetlands, demonstrating a strong commitment to economic, social and environmental sustainability. They are doing the right thing for the Pensacola Bay Area."

Jim Donatelli

Senior Vice Pres., Regions Bank

"The Pensacola Mill is a major economic driver in this area with annual impact numbers in the hundreds of millions. But they also understand that in order to do business in Northwest Florida, they must balance industry and environmental protection and are willing to spend whatever it takes to do so. As an employer, neighbor, and environmental steward, IP is an undeniable asset to our community."

Al Stubblefield

CEO, Baptist Health Care

"International Paper's Water Quality Improvement Project is a prime example of their commitment to excellence. In addition to environmental protection, IP is also a choice employer for our community, committed to safety and ethics as the core of their business model."

Robert Wells

Mill Employee, Power Business Unit

USW Local 01561 Union Leader

"I believe it does not have to be an 'either/or' proposition when it comes to economics and the environment. We can preserve some very valuable jobs and tax revenues and still make progress in caring for the environment. I am confident that the Water Quality Improvement Project will move us in both directions at the same time."

Denise Samuel

Mill Employee, Finance Dept.

President, Pensacola Mill MLK, Jr. Steering Committee

"First of all, International Paper is located where I've resided all my life. I have seen a lot of changes in the Pensacola Mill beginning with St. Regis, to Champion, now International Paper. The mill has also faced many challenges and I am proud to be an employee of 18 years.

Each year, the mill MLK, Jr. Steering Committee awards scholarships to assist local graduating seniors in furthering their education. Since its inception, mill employees alone have given $129,400; not including any additional company funds."

Wes Greeson

Area Process Manager - Powerhouse Operations

"I was born and raised in Pensacola. I have very fond memories as a child enjoying Perdido Bay and the many water ways along the beautiful Gulf Coast. Now that my wife and I have a family of our own, we continue to enjoy Perdido Bay and the all the activities which the local bays have to offer.

I am very honored to be a 13 year employee of International Paper. Environmental stewardship remains an active part of our daily focus. The waste water project and the partnerships developed are a great example of how current technology and the natural environment can benefit each other in a very successful way. I am excited to be a part of a company with such forward thinking and anxious to see how other local industries and utilities adopt such mindset.

Thank you to all who were part of the water quality improvement project development, implementation and will continue to be part of the support for its continued success! "

Keith Wilkins

Deputy Chief, Neighborhood and Community Services Bureau

Mill Community Advisory Council Member

"By removing the 22 million gallon discharge to upper Eleven Mile Creek, IP has taken the most significant action to date in restoring the entire Eleven Mile Creek water shed as well as the creek itself. The new treatment process and receiving wetlands should provide a significant improvement to Perdido Bay’s water quality. We are very optimistic about the improvements and appreciative of IP’s commitment to protect and conserve Escambia County ecosystems."