[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1236-E1237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE SYLVAMO EASTOVER PAPER MILL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 6, 2024

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a longstanding 
employer in Eastover, South Carolina. The Sylvamo Eastover Mill is 
celebrating 40 years of operation, and I join them in marking this 
significant occasion.
  Sylvamo operates some of the most technologically advanced paper 
mills in the world and is driven by the promise of paper to educate, 
communicate, and entertain. The Eastover Mill is the largest, lowest-
cost producer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America and the 
fourth-largest manufacturing employer in Richland County, South 
Carolina. Iconic paper brands like Hammermill, HP, and Williamsburg are 
all produced at the Eastover Mill, along with a variety of paper 
products that are staples of American businesses and homes.
  Sylvamo's Eastover Mill proudly employs 800 men and women and 
supports over 5,000 additional jobs in related industries in 
surrounding communities. Additionally, through its Community Council, 
the Mill has demonstrated a longterm commitment to listening to and 
addressing community concerns.
  Over the last few years, Sylvamo has provided several hundred 
thousand dollars to local nonprofits like Transitions Homeless 
Services, Harvest Hope Food Bank, and the local United Way. Employees 
participate in

[[Page E1237]]

community cleanup days, Reading Is Fundamental book giveaways with 
local schools, the Lunch Buddies School Program, and holiday events 
with the Eastover Senior Resources Group. In honor of Eastover's 40th 
anniversary, Sylvamo has also pledged an additional $40,000 donation to 
local organizations, including Webber Elementary, Richland County 
Library, Mother DeVeaux Adult Day Care, and Harvest Hope Food Bank.
  The Eastover Mill and Sylvamo are also committed to the long-term 
health of our forests and ecosystems. They partner with Forest 
Stewardship Council (FSC) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)-
certified suppliers to ensure that the fiber used in their paper 
products is harvested from responsibly managed forests in surrounding 
areas. The Mill also proudly produces over 90 percent of its energy in-
house from renewable, carbon-neutral biomass residuals.
  As part of its 2030 Sustainability Goals, Sylvamo is committed to 
increasing workforce diversity by achieving 30 percent women's 
representation, 35 percent women in leadership, and 25 percent minority 
representation in North American salaried positions alongside specific 
regional targets.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in 
congratulating Sylvamo's Eastover Mill on its 40th Anniversary. The 
Eastover Mill is a shining example of the future of American 
manufacturing--producing the paper we rely on responsibly and 
sustainably, supporting family-wage jobs, and contributing to the 
Eastover and Richland County communities. I wish Sylvamo continued 
prosperity and success in the years to come.