The Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce announced Lafarge North America Inc. as the 2012 Business of the Year at the company's fourth annual Northampton Chamber IronPigs Night June 27.

Tony Pristash, Northampton chamber president, says the chamber board selected Lafarge for outstanding spirit and commitment in contributing to the success and growth of the chamber, the business community and the Northampton area.

Pristash presented the Lafarge staff with a plaque and other citations, as well as a media package from Regina Luciano of The Lehigh Valley Press.

Lafarge, located in Cementon right across the river from Northampton, produces and sells cement, ready-mixed concrete, gypsum wallboard, aggregates, asphalt, paving and construction, precast solutions and pipe products.

The company's ambition is to be the cement supplier of choice in the market and create value for stakeholders continuously improving the consistency and quality of products.

Lafarge's commitment goes beyond producing cement of the highest quality and making the plant a safe and satisfying place to work. Active involvement with community life and ongoing efforts to protect the environment are equally vital components of the plant's mission.

Since community involvement provides a better understanding of the plant's neighbors and their issues, it forms an important part of the company's present and planning. Employees of the plant reach out to the community in a variety of venues, including but not limited to a community newsletter, plant tours, educational programs, news releases and participation and sponsorships supporting the local Northampton chamber, which is a partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce=.

"On behalf of the management and our great employees here at the Lafarge Whitehall Plant, we are very excited to receive this prestigious honor," Lafarge said in an official statement.

"The 2012 Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award signifies that we are not only succeeding as a company, but also as a good neighbor and well-respected member of the community. Thank you for this wonderful Award and know that as always, we remain committed being the best business and community partner we can be."

Lafarge employees celebrated the night with staff, family and fellow chamber members while enjoying an evening of baseball.