Congressman John Shimkus Presented National Association of Manufacturers’ Award at LyondellBasell
April 20, 2017
TUSCOLA, Ill., April 20, 2017 – Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) was honored by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) with the Manufacturing Legislative Excellence award during a special presentation held at LyondellBasell’s Tuscola plant.
Congressman Shimkus was honored by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) with the Manufacturing Legislative Excellence award during a special presentation held at LyondellBasell’s Tuscola plant. L-R: Dustin Olson, Director of Manufacturing LyondellBasell, Congressman John Shimkus, Shawn Cullen, Site Manager of Tuscola LyondellBasell and Joel Heilman, Federal Government Relations LyondellBasell.
The award recognizes members of Congress who demonstrate support for policies that enhance the ability of U.S. manufacturers to succeed in the global economy.
Dustin Olson, director of Compounding, Catalysts and Ethanol Manufacturing for LyondellBasell, and Shawn Cullen, the company’s Tuscola site manager, presented Congressman Shimkus with the award.
“Manufacturing companies like ours face many issues ranging from international trade to energy policy to taxes and regulations. Because of the complexity of these issues, it’s important to have voices in Washington that truly understand the implications of these important policy proposals, ” said Olson. “LyondellBasell is appreciative of the leadership Congressman Shimkus has shown on behalf of the manufacturing industry and the State of Illinois.”
After the presentation, Congressman Shimkus participated in a roundtable discussion with area businesses and LyondellBasell employees on issues important to local industries.
“With the passage of Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) reform last year, we were able to make necessary changes to an outdated law that improve protections for public health and the environment,” Congressman Shimkus said. “TSCA improves chemical regulations and increases confidence in the safety of chemicals, which benefits consumers and chemical manufacturing companies like LyondellBasell. I am honored to receive this award today and I look forward to continuing to work for the people in the 15th District.”
“This is Congressman Shimkus’s third visit to our site and we appreciate his willingness to discuss issues that are important to our employees and their families,” said Cullen.
The Tuscola plant, which began production in 1953, employs approximately 130 workers and manufactures ethyl alcohol, diethyl ether and specialty polymers. Products from this site are used in many everyday applications, such as health care and personal care products like cough suppressants, mouthwashes, liniments and lubricants.
“Manufacturers in Illinois and across the country are changing lives for the better, through the jobs we create and the products we make,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Rep. Shimkus is helping to make our success possible by standing with manufacturers when it matters and casting the right votes.”
Media Contact: Megan Borchers O: 815-942-7474 C. 815-210-1980 megan.borchers@lyb.com