Month: March 2024

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DRIVE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

The award goes to Subaru of Las Vegas for weaving “servant leadership” into its company culture.

Service to the community has long been in the DNA of Subaru of Las Vegas, but the COVID-19 pandemic opened the retailer’s eyes to just how essential it is to its neighbors. Because car dealerships were deemed essential businesses, Subaru of Las Vegas was able to provide common space where members of the public could safely distance and carry out critical events, such as Red Cross® blood drives. When public spaces weren’t able to open, Subaru of Las Vegas invited nonprofits, health organizations and others to use its community room to further their goals.

That commitment only strengthened in the ensuing years. In 2022, Subaru of Las Vegas donated time, space and monetary contributions to 50 nonprofit partners, up from 23 in 2020. The community room now provides space for two to four events per week for partner organizations.

“This is us. This is what we do,” says general manager Burton Hughes, who has worked for Subaru of Las Vegas since 2005. “That sense of giving back to the community permeates our business. It is the culture of our business.”

Hughes emphasizes servant leadership, a philosophy of shared power and an orientation toward the greater good. Guided by this principle, Subaru of Las Vegas’ charitable partners span a wide range of causes, from Make-A-Wish® Southern Nevada, which creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses; to Red Rock Search & Rescue, a volunteer team that assists in finding missing and lost neighbors; to Michael’s Angel Paws, which offers service, therapy, and obedience training for dogs.

Subaru of Las Vegas is guided by the Subaru Love Promise pillars, especially in its efforts to serve those with critical illnesses, support pets and animals and provide educational opportunities. Charitable partners also tend to have a personal tie to employees.

“There is so much need out there, and it’s impossible for us to fulfill all of that. But your heart tells you where you need to help,” says assistant general manager Jennifer Vitale. “All of us on staff are uniquely and personally connected to either a story or the services that a nonprofit provides. We’re impacted in some shape or form.”

Since 2019, Subaru of Las Vegas has donated more than $200,000 to Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada, empowering over 20 wishes for local children and young adults, including the complete restoration of a 1981 vehicle for 20-year-old Joseph, who is battling chronic kidney disease. The retailer also jumped at the chance to assist the Jolly family, whose son, Colin, was given an off-road wheelchair to enable him to join his outdoor-loving family on hikes and camping trips.

“Adventure, off-road, all of that – we said, ‘This is a Subaru wish for sure!’” says Hughes. Subaru of Las Vegas doesn’t only provide monetary donations to Make-A-Wish, but it has also hosted five wish reveals at its showroom. The chance to actually meet and welcome the children and their families has had profound impacts on employees.

“We expect to go into it to make a difference, and we all come out of it with them having made an impact on us,” Vitale says.

In another example of how service reciprocally impacts employees as well as the community, five staff members from Subaru of Las Vegas volunteered to have their dogs trained as therapy dogs with Michael’s Angel Paws. This involved roughly 100 hours of training per dog before they graduated to full therapy dogs. Today, those canine ambassadors bring smiles and comfort to seniors in assisted living homes as well as to children and families.

Hughes credits Subaru of Las Vegas’ noncommissioned sales model for providing staff the time to connect more substantially with customers. This allows them to learn about neighbors’ needs beyond just buying or servicing a vehicle.

“We’re connecting with people on a deeper level,” Vitale says. “The fact that our employees genuinely have a heart to give back to the community. … These are the things that matter to the people who walk through our door. They’re not getting a show. They’re getting real people.”

Finalists for Retailer of the Year

These five finalists for Retailer of the Year made a difference in their communities through supporting youth, giving to those in need and helping animals.

Faulkner Subaru Harrisburg, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Treating others as you want to be treated is a sentiment they live by at Faulkner Subaru Harrisburg in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, says president Doug Jones. He loves seeing how employees gravitate toward a certain charity and the joy people find in personally meaningful volunteer work. “To see them help, mentor and volunteer with such passion is a neat thing to witness,” he says. Faulkner Subaru Harrisburg partners with more than two dozen local charities and nonprofits.

Helping others is not limited to partnering with organizations. Staffers at Faulkner Subaru Harrisburg recently helped bring items to people without homes who were living under a bridge just miles from the retailer.

When they opened up their Subaru Ascent vehicles – which were full of tents, blankets, food, clothing, hats and shoes – some people started to cry, he recalls. “They were so happy that someone took the time to help them and care about them,” he says. “Times like this one are the reasons we do what we do.”

Five Star Subaru, Grapevine, Texas

Among the places supported by Five Star Subaru in Grapevine, Texas, the list of organizations is decidedly diverse, from Meals on Wheels to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society®. General manager Tony Hooman says, “Being able to contribute to causes that matter to us and our neighbors fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.”

Recently, he says, Five Star Subaru hosted what he described as a “joyous parade” to present a check to the Grapevine Relief & Community Exchange (GRACE), which the group said will go into their programs, such as a community clinic, food pantry and transitional housing.

Five Star Subaru also provided a check to Serving Our Seniors, whose services include transporting seniors to medical appointments, helping them with home repairs and creating wheelchair ramps. “This moment reminded us of the immeasurable power of unity and the profound impact we can create when we come together,” Hooman says.

Stanley Subaru, Ellsworth, Maine

Mark Politte, co-owner of Stanley Subaru in Ellsworth, Maine, recently received a note he will always remember. Every May, employees deliver care packages to all the schools in Hancock County for Teacher Appreciation Week. This year, they also attended the school assembly at Hancock Grammar School, where they encouraged the students to cheer on and celebrate teachers. “The energy from the kids combined with the excitement of the teachers was truly infectious,” he says.

After the assembly, a teacher wrote to say she had been struggling since COVID-19 and that seeing the assembly participation really inspired her. A child she’d taught during the pandemic, she says, came over and hugged and thanked her.

“[The teacher] said our thanks and encouragement in concert with the children assembled in that gym on that day reminded her that she was doing exactly what she should be doing and reenergized her passion for teaching,” Politte says.

Valenti Subaru, Westerly, Rhode Island

Even though Bruce Morrow, general sales manager for Valenti Subaru, doesn’t play an instrument himself, he feels strongly about supporting the arts. This year, that included The Chorus of Westerly, a local nonprofit that offers music and arts programming, and the Westminster Youth String Ensemble, also in Westerly, which brings together musicians ages 6 to 18 to learn, rehearse and perform music.

Morrow says he feels like it’s not as common anymore to hear of children in bands or playing instruments, so he loves to be able to help, including donations for $13,000 to both music groups that will go toward lessons and music education programs. “You can’t forget the arts,” he says.

W & L Subaru, Northumberland, Pennsylvania

For Andy Long, the dealer principal at W & L Subaru in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, the partnership with Janet Weis Children’s Hospital at Geisinger Medical Center is professional and personal.

This partnership, which has led to nearly $500,000 in donations over the last decade, is important to Long not only because giving back is a passion but also because his son once had emergency surgery there as a baby, and he knows firsthand the comfort and care the hospital provides.

The retailer also recently launched a fundraising effort to help the local Ukrainian community. Employees collected clothing and food and raised $22,000 in one month. A moment that stands out for Long was talking to a refugee who had lost family members in a bombing. After seeing what everyone was doing to help, “she told me there is good in the world,” he says.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kate Bernot is a Montana-based freelance reporter. Her other work for Drive includes a guide to responsible foraging, the benefits of backyard chickens and the story of vacationing in a fire lookout cabin.

In recognition of Black History Month, Griffith Foods was proud to sponsor the 2024 Black History Gala that took place on February 17th at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. The event celebrated the talents and contributions made by Black creators, innovators and artists in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.

The Black History Gala is part of the larger Black Creativity program offered at the Museum of Science and Industry. Learn more about the goals of this program and how you can get involved at https://www.msichicago.org/education/creativity-and-innovation/black-creativity/.

Griffith Foods

At Griffith Foods, our purpose defines who we are, what we do, and why we exist, highlighting what makes us distinct and authentic in the marketplace. We help our partners meet the evolving needs and desires of consumers in ways that respect and sustain the planet. Our care and creativity mean we’ll find the right mix of global reach and local impact to serve the earth and nourish all of us who call it home.

Our Sustainability Platform of People, Planet, and Performance guides how we behave, conduct business, and treat people, ensuring that everything we do leads to responsible growth for our entire ecosystem.

People 
We take care of our employees and the communities in which we do business.

Planet 
We all share one Earth, and we take environmental action to responsibly care for it.

Performance 
We operate ethically and strategically to create a positive impact for our business and for all of those with whom we interact.

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Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey.

My name is Cécile. I am French and was born in Paris. When I was studying, I decided to take a course in Madrid fourteen years ago and I fell in love with the city and the country of Spain. At that time, I met my wife, with whom I’ve been married for seven years, now. We have three wonderful daughters: Julia (who is five), Carla (who is three), and Sofía (who is one).

For me, the most important thing outside of work is family. I spend a lot of time with them, enjoying the outdoors, and occasionally, a good meal with beer on a sunny terrace.

On vacation, our usual destinations are France and northern Spain, Galicia, where we meet up with our extended family.

When our daughters are a bit older, I hope that we can travel to exotic places again. I also am looking forward to picking up my Kindle to read again, as it has been abandoned for ages…

I started working at GoDaddy three years ago as a Senior Marketing Manager for the French market. Nowadays, my role has evolved to Senior Go-To-Market Manager for the Spanish language, where I am responsible for adapting the global marketing strategy for our local audiences of Spanish-speaking customers. Additionally, I work closely with our Content Unit to develop the best strategies and create impactful content.

How does your team help support our customers?

We love inspiring our clients. Therefore, we emphasize seeking out customers who can share their impactful entrepreneurship stories with us. Thus, inspiring potential new clients to take the leap into launching their online business. Through creative content strategies, we aim to inspire, educate, and showcase how our products can help them achieve their professional and personal goals.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job as a woman in tech?

As a woman in tech, I feel happy to work for an international company with an open and modern corporate culture like GoDaddy. Additionally, it’s so rewarding to set an example for other women who dream of working in motivating and respectful environments.

Who has been your biggest female role model in your professional life and why?

A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to observe the success story of a close friend who climbed the ranks in globally recognized companies. Witnessing the achievements of a driven young woman was truly inspiring, especially considering the seeming impossibility of her accomplishments at the time. Her journey taught me a valuable lesson about the limitations we impose on ourselves due to our own mindset. I’ve come to believe in the importance of setting ambitious goals and crafting a roadmap to achieve them. The key is to take it step by step, fulfilling the milestones of your own plan. Do not be afraid of failure and use everything as a learning experience. Always think big!

Can you share a project or accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?

Apart from my three daughters and the family that I have created, of which I am very proud, I am currently immersed in a professional project to optimize our content strategy at an international level. Within this project, we are leveraging new AI tools. We are testing the latest available tools and devising use cases to achieve significant impacts on our business objectives. It is a very challenging project but highly motivating due to the impact it may have on our productivity and performance. I am hopeful to show positive results very soon.

What changes would you like to see in the tech industry for the next generation of women?

I believe that the tech industry has evolved positively in the inclusion of women. Company values are very important and should embrace diversity and inclusion. However, I still think there is room for improvement in recruiting more women into leadership positions and in areas traditionally dominated by men.

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

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The report highlights company progress against emissions reductions goals, sustainable innovation and investment in people and communities

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) released its 2023 Sustainability Report today, reinforcing the company’s commitment to improving life at home through strengthening the sustainability of products and operations; supporting employees, communities and consumers; and continuing accountability.

“Innovation has always been at the core of Whirlpool Corporation’s business, and it’s that spirit that has enabled us to make continued progress on our corporate responsibility commitments in 2023,” said Marc Bitzer, chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation. “I’m extremely proud of the progress that our employees and organization have made toward our goals this year.”

The 2023 Whirlpool Corporation Sustainability Report highlights progress on the company’s commitments to sustainability including:

Sustainable Products and Operations

In 2023, the company reduced GHG emissions by approximately 25 percent in scopes 1 and 2 market-based compared to the prior year.The company saw a ~7% reduction in scope 3 category 11 GHG emissions, staying on track to reduce emissions from products in use by 20% by 2030, compared to a 2016 baseline.The company announced a revolutionary new innovation—SlimTech Insulation Technology—that can improve refrigerator energy efficiency by up to 50% and has the potential to be reused.The company signed agreements with One Energy to add on-site wind and solar power in its Findlay and Clyde, Ohio operations which are expected to supply at least 70% of the plants’ energy needs when operational in 2025.The company’s 13 global refurbishment centers collected 410,803 products and refurbished 251,931.

Supporting Employees

More than 1,400 Whirlpool people leaders completed Unconscious Bias and Empathy training, and more than 15,000 Whirlpool employees completed online Inclusion and Diversity training.The company added the Whirlpool Family Network to its growing list of 19 global Employee Resource Groups to better support and enable parents and caregivers at work and at home.

Supporting Communities

In 2023 Whirlpool continued its relationship with Habitat for Humanity, contributing $144 million and 1.23 million products serving more than 1 million people globally in 24 years.Through the Consulado da Mulher program in the company’s Latin America region, 1,093 women completed entrepreneurial education programs.The company stocked and donated 388 refrigerators across the United States as part of its Feel Good Fridge Program, working towards its goal to fight food insecurity by installing 500 fridges by 2025.The company completed 143 climate-resilient and energy-efficient builds in the United States through Habitat’s BuildBetter with Whirlpool initiative.Whirlpool Corporation employees, along with a match by the Whirlpool Foundation, contributed $4.3 million to the United Way.

Recognition

Whirlpool Corporation has been recognized for this work with multiple accolades throughout the year, including being named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the second consecutive year, receiving a score of 100 from the Human Rights Campaign on its 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index, and being named one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune for the 13th consecutive year.

“Our company values have always been aligned with our ESG strategy, which means every employee plays a role in reaching milestones associated with our environmental sustainability, social responsibility and corporate governance work,” said Pam Klyn, Whirlpool Corporation executive vice president of corporate relations and sustainability. “I’m particularly proud of our progress toward reducing GHG emissions and improving lives and communities through our work with Habitat for Humanity and other organizations around the world.”

To learn more about Whirlpool Corporation’s 2023 Sustainability Report and corporate commitments, visit here: https://whirlpoolcorp.com/2023SustainabilityReport/.

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