Eaton Corp. received the “Spirit of Michigan” award from the Michigan Association of United Ways. Eaton’s facility in Galesburg, Mich., was the winner in the medium-sized business category (100-1,000 employees). The presentation was made during a Legislative Reception on Feb. 16 at the Capitol building in Lansing.
“The Spirit of Michigan award recognizes companies that deliver extraordinary results in improving education, income and health in local communities,” says Scott Dzurka, president and chief executive officer of MAUW. “The awardees are selected for their leadership and generosity focused on improving Michigan communities and advancing the common good through corporate and employee engagement.”
“As a corporation, we are committed to giving back to the communities in which we do business,” says Tim Sinden, president of Eaton’s truck operations in North America. “It’s an honor to be recognized by the Michigan Association of United Ways. We’re very pleased to have contributed, together with our employees, a total of $550,000 in 2011.”
Eaton’s Galesburg facility campaign for the Greater Kalamazoo United Way totaled $315,000, up 31 percent from the nearly $241,000 pledged in 2010. “The campaign was a true team effort that included raffles, special fund-raising events and a family fun night,” says Joan Blanchard, Eaton’s United Way campaign chair in Galesburg. “We exceeded our goals for 2011 and have even more ambitious hopes for 2012.”
In addition to the United Way campaign, the Galesburg Community Support Committee directed Eaton Powering Community Grants of $235,000 in 2011 and encouraged countless volunteer hours for many agencies throughout Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties.
“We’re delighted to be able to make a difference in our communities through Eaton Powering Community Grants and by connecting our employee volunteers with so many wonderful agencies,” says Bill Braun, lead for the Eaton Community Support Committee.
