Millercoors and River Network: Announce winning organizations to receive $50,000 for watershed protection programs

More than 14,000 people vote to determine final winners

Media contacts:

Karina Diehl
MillerCoors

312.496.2973

Matt Burke
River Network
503.542.8383



CHICAGO (March 31, 2010)
– MillerCoors and River Network, a national non-profit organization focused on water quality, today announced the recipients of $50,000 in grants to local non-profits. The funds, part of MillerCoors $75,000 donation to River Network, will go toward protecting and restoring local water resources through agricultural means.



The winning organizations were chosen by the public through an online voting competition in which more than 14,000 people voted. MillerCoors and River Network awarded the organization with the most votes, Thornapple River Watershed Council in Caledonia, MI, a $25,000 grant to complete its proposed project. The second place winner, Dan River Basin Association in Eden, NC, received $15,000 and the third place vote-recipient, Butler Soil and Water Conservation District in Hamilton, OH, received $5,000. Five remaining finalists received $1,000.


“We are proud to invest and support these organizations that help protect and conserve watersheds on a daily basis,” said Kim Marotta, vice president of corporate social responsibility at MillerCoors. “MillerCoors shares a strong commitment to water stewardship and believes in the power of community. Congratulations to these organizations that are making difference in their communities as well.”


Details for the first, second and third place winners’ proposals follow:



Winner: Thornapple River Watershed Council; Caledonia, MI


The project will provide support for the installation of riparian buffers and sediment and nutrient control structures along a designated trout stream in the Thornapple River Watershed. This installation will also serve as an education-demonstration site for agricultural Best Management Practices for water quality.



Second Place: Dan River Basin Association; Eden, NC


The goal of the project is to improve the quality of the Dan River by protecting streamside buffers, promoting the Purple Sweet Potato as a less chemical-intensive replacement for the traditional tobacco crop, monitoring/reducing bacteria levels and assisting locally-based efforts to identify opportunities to conserve riparian land.



Third Place: Butler Soil and Water Conservation District; Hamilton, Ohio


The Edgewood Storm Water Project is an innovative collaboration to preserve the quality of the Great Miami River Buried Valley Aquifer by treating storm water infiltrating the ground. Located on the property of a soon to be constructed area high school, the project will also serve as an awareness and educational model to the school, local community and region.


“To achieve a healthy water future, local organizations must have the capacity to protect and restore our rivers and watersheds,” said Matt Burke, director of community relations for River Network. “Thanks to the support and leadership from MillerCoors, communities around the country are actively moving forward with projects that will have long-term benefits for people, wildlife and future generations.”


MillerCoors and River Network will continue to work with the winning organizations throughout the year as the projects are executed.


A portion of MillerCoors donation will be used to support River Network.


More information on MillerCoors commitment to sustainable development and water stewardship can be found on GreatBeerGreatResponsibility.com. You can also read more about the finalists on the River Network blog at www.RiverNetwork.org.



About MillerCoors
Built on a foundation of great beer brands and more than 288 years of brewing heritage, MillerCoors continues the commitment of its founders to brew the highest quality beers. MillerCoors is the second largest beer company in America, capturing nearly 30 percent of U.S. beer sales. Led by two of the best-selling beers in the industry, MillerCoors has a broad portfolio of highly complementary brands across every major industry segment. Miller Lite is the great tasting beer that established the American light beer category in 1975, and Coors Light is the brand that introduced consumers to refreshment as cold as the Rockies. MGD 64 completes the company’s premium light beer portfolio, offering consumers fresh, crisp taste at just 64 calories. MillerCoors brews premium beers Coors Banquet and Miller Genuine Draft; and economy brands Miller High Life and Keystone Light. The company also imports Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell, Grolsch and Molson Canadian and offers innovative products such as Miller Chill and Sparks. MillerCoors features craft brews from the Jacob Leinenkugel Company, Blue Moon Brewing Company and the Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company. MillerCoors operates eight major breweries in the U.S., as well as the Leinenkugel’s craft brewery in Chippewa Falls, WI and two microbreweries, the 10th Street Brewery in Milwaukee and the Blue Moon Brewing Company at Coors Field in Denver. MillerCoors vision is to create America’s best beer company by driving profitable industry growth. MillerCoors insists on building its brands the right way through brewing quality, responsible marketing and environmental and community impact. MillerCoors is a joint venture of SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company.



About River Network:
For 20 years, River Network has provided leadership, support and coordination for people working for watershed protection at the local, state and regional levels. In addition, River Network serves as a catalyst and coordinator for major projects, such as this one, that require national leadership and collaboration among widely separated organizations. With more than 700 partner groups in all 50 states and beyond, River Network is helping build a powerful new water protection movement in the United States. To learn more about River Network, visit www.rivernetwork.org.