Materials maker Star Plastics of Ravenswood, W. Va., has been honored for its charitable work.
Star was one of five honorees for the 2020 West Virginia Spirit of Philanthropy Awards. The awards were announced during the recent 2020 Philanthropy West Virginia Virtual Annual Conference.
In a news release, Philanthropy West Virginia President and CEO Paul Daugherty said that this year's honorees "are tremendous examples of generosity, impact, and community transformation in the Mountain State. Philanthropy W.V. is proud to announce West Virginia's highest honor in philanthropy to these highly deserving individuals, companies, and foundations."
Star received the organization's Corporate Responsibility Leader Award, which recognizes those companies that personify best community engagement practices through giving, volunteering, and in-kind investments.
The firm was honored along with owner Doug Ritchie. Philanthropy W.V. officials said that Ritchie and his firm "lead its corporate commitment to the local communities, as well as in support of its employees' endeavors to serve their fellow citizens."
"While Ritchie and the employees of Star Plastics have always been good corporate citizens and highly active in their communities since its founding in 1988, the arrival of the pandemic in early 2020 highlights the positive impact that this company has on its community, the Mid-Ohio Valley region and our state," the group added.
"Star Plastics and its employees are always ready for the opportunity to support its community, and Doug Ritchie, its president and CEO, is personally dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Mid-Ohio Valley region and in West Virginia now and for the future."
Philanthropy W.V. will be awarding mini-grants in each recipient's honor from the Susan S. Landis Spirit of Philanthropy Endowment at the Beckley Area Foundation to a nonprofit of their choice.
Star does compounding work in polycarbonate, ABS and other engineering resins, with a focus on flame-retardant grades. In addition to custom compounding, the firm also offers toll compounding services. Star employs about 175 worldwide. Star operates compounding plants in Ravenswood and Millwood, W. Va., as well as two in China.