22 July 2008 

LaSalle/Peru, IL – Carus Corporation was pleased to host Illinois Senator Debbie Halvorson of Crete, IL for an informational session on 21 July 2008.  Halvorson has represented the 40^th District in the IL Legislature since 1997.  She is currently serving as the Senate Majority Leader, a position she has had since January 2005.  Halvorson is the first woman to serve in that position.  In addition, she is the Vice Chair of the Executive Committee and a member of the Transportation Committee.  She is running for Illinois’ 11^th congressional district seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, a position currently held by Jerry Weller who is not running for re-election.

Senator Halvorson spent the morning meeting with members of the Carus management team and touring the LaSalle manufacturing facility which manufactures permanganates, phosphates and base metal catalysts, all of which provide environmental solutions for air, soil, and water.  At the end of the plant tour, employees were invited to an open meeting where they were able to ask questions about her positions on issues that affect not only the manufacturing community but also education and other areas of concern to them.  Senator Halvorson noted “In Congress, I'll fight for our businesses in LaSalle County and throughout the 11th Congressional District. I'm so glad that the Carus Corporation invited me to visit their facility to see firsthand what they do. At a time when people are justifiably worried about the economy, it's great to see a local business doing so well and benefiting the region with so many good jobs."

According to the American Chemistry Council, the chemical industry in IL creates nearly 50,000 good-paying jobs, and the average IL chemical company employee earns an average of $73,284, which is 39% higher than other manufacturing wages in the state.  “We were honored to have Senator Halvorson visit our facility,” said John Bortak, Vice President of Manufacturing.  “We invite others to take the tour to see firsthand our commitment to providing high-wage jobs and creating the essential products we us in our everyday lives.”

Carus is planning to host a similar meeting with Halvorson’s opponent, Martin Ozinga, on a date that is yet to be determined.

Carus Corporation, founded in LaSalle, IL, in 1915, is a world leader in permanganates, phosphates, and base metal catalysts, all of which Carus manufactures primarily for environmental applications.  Carus Corporation is a member of the American Chemistry Council and an active participant in the industry’s award-winning Responsible Care^® initiative, working to make life better, healthier, and safer through chemistry.