Mannington Still Doing the Right Thing

Salem, NJ, January 30, 2006--Mannington Mills does business the world around, but its heart and soul remain in Salem County. One of the largest flooring manufacturers in the world, Mannington also has plants in Epes, Ala., Calhoun, Ga., and High Point, N.C, according to the Sunbeam. Mannington Mills is one of the six corporate partners joining Today's Sunbeam as one of The Partners of Salem County in 2005. The Partners program was founded in 2000 and works to improve the quality of life for all Salem County residents. Founded in Salem in 1915 by John Boston Campbell, the company has always been active in the Salem county community. Today, Mannington's Chairman of the Board is Keith Campbell, John Boston Campbell's great-grandson. Among many other things, Keith carries on the Stand Up For Salem Main Street program started by his father, John "Johnny" Campbell. It's rare for a company to make it to the fourth generation of family ownership. In fact, only about one in 1,000 companies can make that claim. "It's such a jewel of a business," says Keith Campbell. "Over the years, we've created such a family-oriented culture here at Mannington. I don't think that could happen in a non-family owned business." Giving back to the community is of great importance to Mannington. Participating in its third year with the Salem County Partners Program, Mannington has a long history of giving back. Keith Campbell serves on a number of boards in the county and is active with the United Way. Many other Mannington associates are active in community organizations, from the Chamber of Commerce to Stand Up For Salem; volunteering during the United Way Day of Caring and coaching youth sports. As part of its Partners sponsorship, each year Mannington hosts an art contest for Salem County high school students, called "Art is Cool." Held in the spring, students and their parents and teachers are invited to Mannington for a reception honoring the winners, where they receive prizes for their winning artwork. "We look forward to that event every year," says Amoroso. "It's such a great experience for everyone involved - and we're always so impressed with the great talent of the art students in Salem County." In addition to Mannington Mills, The Partners of Salem County include The Delaware River and Bay Authority, The Memorial Hospital of Salem County, Pennsville National Bank, PSEG Nuclear and Today's Sunbeam. Each year, the Partners are involved in activities that benefit every sector of the county. Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, the Salem County Vocational Technical School and the Inter-Agency Council are a few of the organizations that have been assisted by The Partners' work in 2005. High school students participate in several Partners projects including the "Don't Drink and Drive" program which is in collaboration with the Salem County Prosecutor's Office. Students also benefit from the annual Salem Community College Gala which raises scholarship money. This year's event is planned for April 1. The Salem County Vocational Technical School Educational Foundation dinner is planned for March 2. Through these two events, more than $200,000 in scholarship money has been raised for Salem County students. The Partners will also be involved in contributing funds for the Community Spirit awards and the Calvary Community Development Corporation. They will also continue the tradition of the Salem County Sports Hall of Fame. The religious community will come together in May for a diverse celebration at the annual Prayer Breakfast. "The Partners have made a real difference in Salem County over the past years," said Ceil Smith, publisher of Today's Sunbeam. "In 2006 we plan to continue our mission together to help improve the lives of county residents in a variety of ways."