Presented by Smart Business publications, the Pillar Awards honor Ohio businesses of all types and sizes that make outstanding contributions to their communities. Their purpose is to encourage a charitable environment, recognize creative efforts that make a difference, and demonstrate the ties between the for-profit and nonprofit worlds, the publication says.
This year’s Northeast Ohio honorees are being recognized at a December 6 event, and featured in the December editions of Smart Business Cleveland and Smart Business Akron.
“Social responsibility, community involvement, and supporting our neighbors in the places we call home: At Bendix, these are more than just words and ideas – they’re beliefs held deeply in our company culture, and turned regularly into actions that we hope make a positive difference, whether it’s here in Ohio or halfway around the world,” says Maria Gutierrez, director of corporate responsibility and sustainability at Bendix. “At all its locations across North America, Bendix encourages local employee-driven projects, helps fund community initiatives, and implements programs supported by Knorr-Bremse Global Care, a nonprofit organization founded by our parent company. Our decades-long tradition of contributing time and talent is a legacy we’re proud to continue every day.”
“Working with Bendix, we see firsthand the heart, soul, and sweat its employees put into giving back to their communities, whether it’s their ‘Green Team’ supporting environmental efforts, or volunteers mentoring students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), or building homes with Habitat for Humanity,” says Jeff Griffiths, executive director of HandsOn NortheastOhio, which nominated Bendix for the award. “The Valor Home, the Ohio Veterans Homes, the Friendship Animal Protective League, to name just a few – Bendix folks are out there helping in so many ways. They’ve got such a positive vision for the future, and we’re grateful for every opportunity we have to work with them.”
