A Hole in One for Hancor and History

Findlay, Ohio – March 6, 2003: A half-century of history unfolds over the greens of the Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio. The 150-acre course was the dream and is the reality of William J. (Bill) Powell. Powell bought a rundown dairy in 1946 and two years later opened the only golf course in America, built, owned and operated by an African American. Clearview Golf Club began with nine holes and expanded to 18 in 1978. In addition to a designation as a National Historic Site by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2001, and recognition as an Ohio Historic Site, Clearview is expanding from par 69 to par 72 and from 5800 total yards to 6400 yards.

The PGA has been actively involved in the historical designation of the golf course and is instrumental in ongoing fundraising efforts to carry forward the legacy of Bill Powell and the Clearview Golf Club. The PGA teamed up with Hurdzan/Fry Golf Course Design in development of a master refurbishment plan for the course. The golf course’s drainage system is a main component of that plan.

"That is where Hancor comes into the golf course renovation plan," says Steven Anderson, President of Hancor. "History is so important to preserve, and we at Hancor are proud to be a part of keeping the dream of Bill Powell alive."

The renovation project includes installing and/or updating the drainage system that connects two ponds. Hancor’s exclusive EcoFirst pipe in two diameter sizes was selected for use at the ponds and throughout the course. Because EcoFirst is made from recycled polyethylene and offers superior performance and service life capabilities, it is the ideal product for this drainage project.

Available in sizes from 4-inch to 30-inch diameters, EcoFirst offers the choice of a bell-and-spigot for silt-tight applications and plain end for soil-tight applications. The exclusive five-year warranty makes EcoFirst a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for any water management project.

Anderson adds, "It is so satisfying when history and technology can come together. Preserving the original design of the Clearview Golf Club and at the same time, using modern technology to ensure proper drainage and the ongoing enjoyment of the course, is a delightful task."

EcoFirst is yet another example of Hancor's stewardship of an ongoing commitment to the environment. As an Official Partner of Ducks Unlimited (DU), Hancor is the official supplier of wetland structures and pipe systems for DU’s water management and conservation projects. DU is the world’s largest private, non-profit wetland and waterfowl conservation body, and to help support these efforts, Hancor returns to DU a percentage from every sale of EcoFirst pipe.

One of the nation’s largest suppliers of storm water management systems, Hancor manufactures a wide variety of plastic drainage and water conservation products for commercial, residential, construction and agricultural markets. Hancor was founded in 1887 in Findlay, Ohio and operates manufacturing facilities and service centers across the country.

EcoFirst is a registered trademark of Hancor, Inc.

William J. Powell, Clearview Golf Club, Course Owner and Architect

Renee Powell, Head Golf Professional, Clearview Golf Club

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Tori Durliat, Hancor, Inc.
Marketing Communications Manager
401 Olive Street,
Findlay, Ohio 45840
Phone: 1-800-537-9520
Fax: 1-419-424-8302
E-mail: tdurliat@hancor.com