HAMLET, NC - For the past five decades, Laticrete International's generous donations to social causes, often done in the name of an employee, are a reflection of the principles that Henry M. Rothberg founded the company on in 1956. Social responsibility is at the core of Laticrete's philanthropic endeavors, but sometimes generously supporting an employee can be equally as rewarding.

This year, Laticrete International donated $14,500 to one of their newest employees, Ron Munnerlyn, as a sponsorship fee for his Spec Miata racecar and the 2006 Spec Miata season sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Munnerlyn, who was recently hired by Laticrete as plant manager of their newest facility in Hamlet, NC, promptly thanked Laticrete by winning the Carolina Cup Pro Series Race on February 26, 2006, at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, SC.

“As one of the newest members of the Laticrete family, I have been impressed with the company's long-term commitment to their customers and their employees,” said Munnerlyn. “This sponsorship is further evidence of this commitment.”

Munnerlyn, 39, is a second-generation racer, but he didn't get behind the wheel competitively until the 2005 SCCA season. Remarkably, he finished 23rd out of 245 competitors in his first season, but this year he figures to finish even higher with one victory already under his belt. The SCCA is a member-driven organization, and the Spec Miata class is one of the most popular of the 10 divisions the SCCA sanctions, with races often drawing over a thousand spectators.

This year, the spectators in attendance can watch Munnerlyn fly by at top speed in his Spec Miata with the Laticrete emblem proudly adorning the hood of his white racer, and one of Laticrete's newest and most innovative products featured on the front-side panel: SpectraLock PRO Grout.

“It's no secret that racing is an expensive endeavor,” said Munnerlyn. “Laticrete's sponsorship is a win-win for the both of us, providing exposure for the company and financial support for the race team. The willingness of Laticrete to lend their support and to allow me to carry the Laticrete name across the finish line has meant a lot to me, especially since I haven't even been with the company for that long. To me, it says a lot about the type of company Laticrete is.”