AkzoNobel and Mayor Megan Barry Team Up to Support Nashville Youth Council Initiative

AkzoNobel has completed projects around the world through its Human Cities program that are focused on sustainability and making urban cities more livable and inspiring.

"We appreciate organizations like AkzoNobel taking an active role in improving our city," says Mayor Barry. "This grant provides much needed funds for infrastructure improvement. The AkzoNobel Human Cities scholarship will also help us to develop the future leaders of Nashville, by providing resources for our students to pursue higher education."

"We are proud of our heritage in Nashville, which dates back to 1947, and the Human Cities grant announced today is another way for us to demonstrate our commitment to the city and people of Nashville," says Yvette Williger, AkzoNobel People Services Leader based in Nashville.

The Mayor's Youth Council is composed of top students from 23 public, private and charter schools in the city of Nashville who:

1. Provide input on government policies and practices that may affect young people
2. Advocate on issues and initiatives that could impact the lives of young people
3. Recommend and activate youth initiatives
4. Serve as communications liaisons between the Metropolitan Government and Nashville youth
5. Promote the accomplishments, abilities and contributions of the city's youth

Members of the Mayor's Youth Council are involved in student-led programs through the city's Oasis Center, a non-profit organization whose mission is to train the next generation of leadership in the city through community service and positive action.

"Students involved in the Oasis Center determine which projects they will activate throughout the year. The AkzoNobel Human Cities grant will give us the opportunity to have a greater impact on the city, and I look forward to the ideas that our kids come up with this year," says Tom Ward, President and CEO of the Oasis Center.

Funds from the Human Cities grant will be allocated over the next two years. As part of the partnership, a representative from AkzoNobel will help determine the sustainability projects the students activate, and local employees from AkzoNobel's Nashville facility will volunteer with students in completing these projects.

Earlier this year, AkzoNobel announced that it is investing $10 million to expand production capacity at its Nashville facility. The planned expansion is two-fold. Initially, the company has relocated 40 professional services roles to the city. There is significant investment to increase production capabilities and the company expects to add more than 30 new positions to support manufacturing. Over the next five years the company will look to bring additional new jobs to the city.

For more information, visit www.akzonobel.com.

AkzoNobel creates everyday essentials to make people's lives more livable and inspiring. As a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, we supply essential ingredients, essential protection and essential color to industries and consumers worldwide. Backed by a pioneering heritage, our innovative products and sustainable technologies are designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet, while making life easier. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have approximately 46,000 people in around 80 countries, while our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka. Consistently ranked as a leader in sustainability, we are dedicated to energizing cities and communities while creating a protected, colorful world where life is improved by what we do.

SOURCE AkzoNobel

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