First Chemical Company to Receive Ron Brown Award

The Honorable Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary of Commerce (left), presents the Ron Brown Award to Dr. Attila Molnar, president and CEO of Bayer Corp. Bayer is the first chemicals company to receive this award.

First Chemical Company to Receive Ron Brown Award

At a White House ceremony on January 5, Pittsburgh-based Bayer Corp. received the Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership for its Making Science Make Sense program, a company-wide initiative that advances science literacy across the United States through hands-on, inquiry-based learning, employee volunteerism and public education. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez presided over the award ceremony.

Bayer was one of three companies honored this year and is the first chemistry company to receive the award.

The Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership recognizes the country's outstanding corporate citizens. It is the only presidential award to honor companies for the exemplary quality of their relationships with employees and communities. The award is given annually to companies that have demonstrated a deep commitment to initiatives that not only empower employees and communities, but also advance strategic business interests.

"We are extremely honored to receive the Ron Brown Award," said Dr. Attila Molnar, Bayer Corp. president and CEO. "This recognition highlights our commitment to communities nationwide. I am especially proud of our employee volunteers who have taken a leadership role in advancing science literacy by sharing their insights and experience with scores of teachers and students around the country. By doing this, they embody our company motto, ‘Science For A Better Life.'"

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Making Science Make Sense has helped more than one million American students and teachers improve their science literacy and learning through a National Science Education Standards-based hands-on science approach.

Ten years ago, Bayer declared this commitment when it established Making Science Make Sense as a company-wide program. In so doing, it formally launched a nationwide, grassroots science education outreach program built on a 35-year-old foundation created by Bayer science volunteers in their local communities. This is one of more than 300 corporate social responsibility programs Bayer has developed globally to help people around the world improve their lives through education outreach, awareness and advocacy.