Bridgestone : and Americas Employees Give for Hurricane Relief

Bridgestone Corporation and Bridgestone Americas Inc. announced today the American Red Cross will receive USD $1 million to assist with relief efforts following hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The funding is intended to support recovery efforts across Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, key states in regions where Bridgestone has thousands of employees, customers and business partners.

'We have been humbled to hear of the tragic deaths associated with these hurricanes and send condolences to those who lost loved ones,' said Chris Karbowiak, Chief Administrative Officer for Bridgestone Americas. 'We are proud to employ some of our strengths to support the affected communities and help rebuild lives and livelihoods. And more than anything, we are proud that our teammates have given so generously to support their community needs and their affected colleagues.'

In addition to the American Red Cross donation, Bridgestone Americas is redirecting a portion of its annual Nashville-area United Way campaign allocation United Way relief efforts in Texas. Moreover, the Bridgestone Americas internal Employee Assistance Funds, build by annual employee giving, have allocated more than $400,000 to support teammates procure temporary housing and vital necessities such as food, bottled water, and building supplies in times of need.

To date, hundreds of Bridgestone employees have experienced losses or damages of their homes. More than 200 teammates have been able to receive support from Bridgestone Americas Employee Assistance Funds. The Bridgestone footprint in the affected areas of Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida includes approximately 6,000 employees employed at more than 500 retail stores, many manufacturing facilities and several distribution centers.

The Bridgestone Group conducts business in over 150 countries throughout the world. Bridgestone believes in the importance of building relationships of trust with local communities, as well as contributing to the development of and providing support for people's lifestyles and education in local communities in the countries where it does business.