SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

The Calera Chamber of Commerce held its monthly luncheon on Nov. 14.

Lafarge sponsored the meeting and brought as guest speakers, Dr. Ralph Zee and Eugene Simpson of Auburn University.

Both guests are energy experts, and they spoke on the continuing efforts of Lafarge to develop new, environmentally friendly energy sources.

Dr. Zee, a pioneer in

energy research for the International Space Station, told Chamber members about the progress Lafarge is making with industrial waste plastics and chicken litter, a renewable resource Alabama has plenty of.

According to Alain Shooner, plant manager, Lafarge is the number one producer of cement in the world, as well as a leader in asphalt, gypsum wallboard and aggregates.

Lafarge employees about 200 area residents and currently burns coal and used tires for its operations.