NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bridgestone Americas Inc. has donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross to help support the non-profit's relief efforts in Middle Tennessee following the floods there in mid-August.
"We have been humbled to hear of the tragic events associated with the recent flooding in Middle Tennessee and send our condolences to those who lost loved ones," Paolo Ferrari, CEO and president, Bridgestone Americas, said.
"We are committed to supporting these communities and helping rebuild lives and livelihoods of those affected by the recent flood."
The floods that followed torrential rains on Aug. 21 are being blamed for at least 22 deaths and millions of dollars of damage throughout a four-county area in central Tennessee west of Nashville.
According to media reports, the flooding took out roads, cellphone towers and telephone lines in rural areas and left hundreds of families homeless.
In disclosing its donation, Bridgestone said it believes in the importance of building relationships of trust with local communities, as well as providing support for people in local communities where it does business.
Besides its headquarters in downtown Nashville, Bridgestone has two tire plants, one industrial products plant, 59 retail stores and one distribution center in Tennessee, with over 4,500 employees.