PORTLAND, OR (December 21, 2001) - Based in Portland, OR, the Columbia-Willamette Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) recently presented the ASSE Foundation (ASSEF) with $10,000 to help advance safety and health development, research, and education in the public interest. The funds were raised from the Oregon Governor's Occupational Safety and Health Conference, a joint conference promoting workplace safety held every two years by ASSE's Columbia-Willamette Chapter and the Oregon-Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OR-OSHA).

A total of $30,000 was raised from the well-attended conference held this past March 5-8 in Portland, which had over 2,000 safety professionals in attendance including ASSE members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. The conference featured over 200 exhibitors and 200 speakers who provided updates and insightful information on occupational safety, health and the environment and fielded many queries and concerns on emergency planning and security in light of 9/11.

Of the $30,000 raised, the Columbia-Willamette Chapter and OR-OSHA donated $10,000 in safety and health training materials to the OR-OSHA Resources Library and $10,000 in grants to local organizations to enhance the work environment in the state of Oregon. The next Governor's Occupational Safety and Health Conference will be held in Portland, March 3-5, 2003.

Funding for the ASSEF comes from corporations and ASSE members - individual and through chapters countrywide. Through its programs the Foundation works to ensure the future of the occupational safety and health profession by providing financial resources to individuals and organizations. Each year the Foundation awards funds for applied safety research, scholarships, fellowships, internships and professional development. Applications for these awards are available on-line at www.asse.org/foundat.htm.

Founded in 1911 and celebrating its 90th anniversary, ASSE is the oldest and largest professional safety and health organization and is dedicated to protecting people, property and the environment. Its over 30,000 members manage, supervise, and consult on safety, health and environmental issues in industry, insurance, government and education.