Belden Solutions Marketing Manager Calvin Bow helps clean up a river in Singapore as part of his participation with WWS.

In 2020, Belden introduced Connect with Community, allowing employees to give back to their communities and make a difference to the people around them. All employees are given up to five days of paid leave for the purpose of volunteering with qualified charitable organizations. To date, hundreds of employees around the world have taken part, individually or as part of a team. Below are four examples of employees making a difference.

Brian January, a Belden IT manager based in the Indianapolis, Indiana office, started volunteering for Operation: Job Ready Veterans (OJRV) in the beginning of 2020 just as the pandemic was intensifying. “I sought skilled-based opportunities to give back to the community. I volunteered my time as a salesforce administrator, helping manage the organization’s workflow on client progress, seminar attendance, grant donation requests, endowment reporting and supportive service cost allocations.”

OJRV, a Midwest-based nonprofit organization, provides veterans, service members, their families and their communities transitional, career development and employment services. It offers services across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio and Wisconsin. In 2020, it helped attain employment for 573 veterans (10 of which were homeless) and 306 so far in 2021, an amazing accomplishment during a global pandemic “Assisting (them) with their salesforce optimization has been the perfect opportunity for me to help our nation’s veterans while simultaneously keeping my finger on the pulse of technology, a true win-win,” said January, who described his contribution as “truly humbling and gratifying.”

In October, a Belden team in Venlo, Netherlands, hosted their first Connect with Community week. Over 70 volunteers participated. Some activities included renovating a children’s petting zoo, cleaning the Maas River and volunteering at several local retirement homes, allowing some of the elderly to go outside for a walk or bicycle ride.

In honor of Belden’s 120-year anniversary, the Venlo team also raised funds and donated 120 food crates to the local food bank, Venlo Voedselbank. Belden President and CEO Roel Vestjens presented the crates of food and a check for €3,800. “It was rewarding to see employees from our production plant, distribution center and office come together to support these great causes. We really do succeed together through teamwork,” said Franziska Fehring, talent management specialist.

Calvin Bow, a Belden solutions marketing manager, has been volunteering with Waterways Watch Society (WWS) for more than five years. The non-governmental, nonprofit organization fosters appreciation and promotes conservation of the environment, especially the waterways in Singapore. Established in 1998, WWS has some 500 volunteers, ranging between ages 5-80 years old. They patrol the Singapore, Kallang and Geylang rivers on boats to fish out litter to ensure the waterways are clean and safe for all to enjoy. Over the years, WWS has grown to include patrols on bicycles, kayaks and pedal-boats.

“I have been volunteering with WWS to help educate the public on how littering upstream can affect water quality when it reaches reservoirs,” said Bow. “I am the skipper/ leader for the boat patrol and the land cyclist patrol and volunteer my time as part of the kayak patrol team.” He was also appointed a Community Volunteer Leader (CVL) by the National Environmental Agency (NEA) and the Public Utility Board (PUB). Both government bodies protect the environment and our water resources.”

“I volunteer with the WWS because it’s an amazing organization with a strong mission statement,” Bow said. “I also wanted to contribute with skills I have acquired through my life. I have my keel/boat skipper license, am a certified first-aider and also have a one-star kayak certificate. I appreciate how Belden recognizes and encourages employees volunteering in their communities.”

As part of the Connect with Community program, the Belden team in Singapore launched a corporate volunteer partnership with Food from the Heart. Belden employees helped with logistics by processing and packing donated food items at the warehouse. Employees from the Singapore facility filled 143 bags with rice, noodles, canned food, biscuits and other dry food for distribution to local families in need. To date, Belden associates have packed a total of 543 bags of food and donated a large number of items.

“It was really fun to have our colleagues come together for a great cause. It feels good to know that the work we are doing is making a positive impact on our community,” said HR Manager Mandy Hui.

Manufacturers GIVING BACK

This is part 9 of Wire Journal International's first-ever feature presenting 16 manufacturers that have given back to their communities: hundreds others could just as easily have been here. Each entry has a unique story, yet the common thread is the people—of all ranks—who care about their companies as well as their communities. Big volunteer efforts deserve applause, but so do smaller ones as they all head in the same direction. In a time when there is seldom a lack of daunting news, one can take pride in the industry spirit.

Not currently subscribed to Wire Journal International? Start your free subscription here. Not a Wire Association International member? Become a WAI member now.
We are the leading monthly publication and technical society for the wire & cable manufacturing industry. 

Looking for other parts of this feature series?

Companies Featured:
Hitachi Cable America (now Proterial Cable America), Viakable, Acme Wire Products, High-Performance Conductors (HPC), Kris-Tech, Allied Wire, Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc., Cerrowire, Belden, Fort Wayne Metals, Optimus Steel, Prysmian, Minnesota Wire, Southwire, Service Wire, Alloy Wire International
Bonus Content:
> Employer alert! Volunteers make for a better workforce.
> How can a small business start a ‘giving back’ program?

Deloitte has done multiple surveys on volunteering, and it has consistently found that creating a culture of volunteerism makes for a happier, more engaged workforce. That, they note, translates to better morale and a workplace atmosphere that has more of a team spirit.

The Deloitte reports (“Volunteerism Survey”) indicate that most people want to work for a company that supports volunteering by staff. It reports that 89% of working Americans believe that companies that sponsor such activities offer a better overall working environment. “In fact, 70% of respondents say that volunteer activities are more likely to boost employee morale than company-sponsored happy hours, and 77% say, ‘volunteering is essential to employee well-being.’”

Of the respondents, just 38% said that their employers provide access to company-sponsored or coordinated volunteer programs. Also, 69% said they are not volunteering as much as they would like to, and of those respondents, 62% said they cannot volunteer during the workday. “It appears that many employees understand the value of volunteering and have the desire to do more, but they aren’t reaping the full benefits,” said Doug Marshall, Deloitte’s managing director of corporate citizenship.

There are some caveats to volunteering. One survey of working Americans who had volunteered in the prior 12 months said that they want to be part of a program that is compelling. They want to see results that confirm their help mattered. Most employees would like to be able to suggest a different cause, not just always the charity that the company president prefers.

There are multiple benefits to employers who support volunteering efforts. Such programs create deeper connections and friendships among coworkers, which in turn can lead to smoother teamwork and better collaboration back at the office. Also, the volunteering experience helps foster a person’s leadership skills. Today’s dedicated volunteer could grow into a key company contributor and leader.

Manufacturers GIVING BACK

This is a sidebar from Wire Journal International's first-ever feature presenting 16 manufacturers that have given back to their communities: hundreds others could just as easily have been here. Each entry has a unique story, yet the common thread is the people—of all ranks—who care about their companies as well as their communities. Big volunteer efforts deserve applause, but so do smaller ones as they all head in the same direction. In a time when there is seldom a lack of daunting news, one can take pride in the industry spirit.

Not currently subscribed to Wire Journal International? Start your free subscription here. Not a Wire Association International member? Become a WAI member now.
We are the leading monthly publication and technical society for the wire & cable manufacturing industry. 

Looking for other parts of this feature series?

Companies Featured:
Hitachi Cable America (now Proterial Cable America), Viakable, Acme Wire Products, High-Performance Conductors (HPC), Kris-Tech, Allied Wire, Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc., Cerrowire, Belden, Fort Wayne Metals, Optimus Steel, Prysmian, Minnesota Wire, Southwire, Service Wire, Alloy Wire International
Bonus Content:
> Employer alert! Volunteers make for a better workforce.
> How can a small business start a ‘giving back’ program?

The Cerrowire crew that wired a Habitat for Humanity house.

Cerrowire manufactures building wire at plants in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, and Utah. It also partners with nonprofit organizations across the U.S. in the local communities where employees live and work. Below, Phil Schmidt, Cerrowire brand manager, discusses a very recently completed volunteer project.

On Nov. 9, 2022, 11 volunteers from the Cerrowire plant in Hartselle, Alabama, arrived at a Habitat for Humanity jobsite about 10 miles away in Decatur. They brought coils of CerroMax NM-B donated by Cerrowire.

While the volunteers make miles of NM-B every day, many of them had never been part of an electrical installation team. That day they helped a good cause while learning more about the products they make. Under the supervision of a professional electrician, Cerrowire volunteers pulled and stapled wire for lights, switches, outlets and appliance connections in the new home being built by Habitat for Humanity.

They finished in three hours, leaving with the knowledge that they had helped make it a better day for someone in need. Tim Staten, production lead, explained why he had volunteered again. “I feel it’s important to pay it forward, to help people. It also says a lot about my company (Cerrowire) to not only donate the wire but to organize a team to install it. It was a good day.”

Colleague Chris Shackleford, a jacket line operator, said that he was thrilled to have been part of the Cerrowire volunteer team. “I love helping people, and we’re building rapport with people outside of our job.” It was his first time volunteering and allowed him to “get into the electrician’s world.” Habitat was a great cause, and he will reach for the sign-up sheet when the next one is done.

This is the 8th Habitat Home that Cerrowire has sent crews to wire in North Alabama in the past few years. The local Morgan County Habitat group says they plan to increase the number of homes built each year to four or five. Cerrowire will be there when the call goes out.

Manufacturers GIVING BACK

This is part 8 of Wire Journal International's first-ever feature presenting 16 manufacturers that have given back to their communities: hundreds others could just as easily have been here. Each entry has a unique story, yet the common thread is the people—of all ranks—who care about their companies as well as their communities. Big volunteer efforts deserve applause, but so do smaller ones as they all head in the same direction. In a time when there is seldom a lack of daunting news, one can take pride in the industry spirit.

Not currently subscribed to Wire Journal International? Start your free subscription here. Not a Wire Association International member? Become a WAI member now.
We are the leading monthly publication and technical society for the wire & cable manufacturing industry. 

Looking for other parts of this feature series?

Companies Featured:
Hitachi Cable America (now Proterial Cable America), Viakable, Acme Wire Products, High-Performance Conductors (HPC), Kris-Tech, Allied Wire, Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc., Cerrowire, Belden, Fort Wayne Metals, Optimus Steel, Prysmian, Minnesota Wire, Southwire, Service Wire, Alloy Wire International
Bonus Content:
> Employer alert! Volunteers make for a better workforce.
> How can a small business start a ‘giving back’ program?

(Left) Parade Grand Marshal Chris Ulbrich and wife, Tammie, at Wallingford’s 350th anniversary celebration. Wallingford YMCA. (Right) The Ulbrich Outreach team that helped build the new Ulbrich Steel playscape at the East branch of the Wallingford YMCA.

Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc., manufactures hundreds of alloy products. It also has a long family legacy of supporting organizations that develop youth and community in Connecticut in the Wallingford, Meriden, and North Haven areas. Below, the company outlines what it has done.

The Ulbrich tradition of giving back to the local community has been consistent throughout the four generations of the family business.

On May 27, 1963, the Boys Club of Wallingford was founded by a group of dedicated citizens that included Fred Ulbrich, Jr., the son of Ulbrich Steel founder Fred Ulbrich, Sr. It served the community, and two years later was accepted into membership by the Boys Club of America. In the 1980s, girls were admitted as full-time members, and the Boys & Girls Club of Wallingford opened its doors to a new facility on July 3, 1995. On Sept. 9, 1995, in recognition of years of support, the club was officially renamed the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club, with Fred the co-chairman.

Fred Ulbrich, Jr., was also a founding member of the Wallingford Rotary Club, the former Director of the Oakdale Musical Theater, and campaign Chairman of the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford. His life epitomized philanthropy. He died April 12, 2014, and the Fred Ulbrich Memorial Fund was created in 2015 by his three sons: Chris, Derek and Jason Ulbrich. The Fund has continued Fred’s mission, helping numerous community programs that include music, arts, sports and education.

In 2019, the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club expanded into North Haven and is currently operating out of seven locations across the two towns. In July 2022, it merged as part of the creation of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater New Haven, which now provides services to thousands of youths in the region.

In 2020, the town of Wallingford was set to celebrate 350 years since its incorporation in 1670. The Covid pandemic delayed the celebration, but on June 18, 2022, the town of Wallingford finally held the long-anticipated parade. The two-mile route was filled with over 2,000 marchers from companies and community organizations across Wallingford.

Ulbrich was the major sponsor and one of the leaders of the parade was CEO Chris Ulbrich as the Grand Marshal, riding in a bright red 1963 Cadillac Series 62 convertible. sitting in style alongside his wife, Tammie, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club. Ulbrich employees and Community Outreach Team members proudly marched with their families beside the Ulbrich Steel and Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club floats. 

Furthermore, the YMCA’s summer program for childcare is named Camp Ulbrich, in honor of Fred Ulbrich, Sr.’s extensive support and fund-raising efforts. His community- minded philanthropic legacy lives on, as he was a giant of a man when it came to helping children and those less fortunate than him.

Throughout the years, Ulbrich employees have also been an important part of the efforts. The company has encouraged them to join in to better the lives of children in their communities, and many have done just that.

In January 2020, the Ulbrich Philanthropy Committee was created by the Ulbrich Family in order to manage, evaluate and distribute all donations to non-profit organizations that directly impact our community. It is directed by Chair Liliana Ulbrich, Marie Ulbrich and Susan Ulbrich.

Over the years, the Ulbrich family has donated millions of dollars to community causes. It is safe to say that the Ulbrich name has been synonymous with giving back: the philanthropic legacy lives on through the Ulbrich family and Ulbrich employees, and all those they have served.

Manufacturers GIVING BACK

This is part 7 of Wire Journal International's first-ever feature presenting 16 manufacturers that have given back to their communities: hundreds others could just as easily have been here. Each entry has a unique story, yet the common thread is the people—of all ranks—who care about their companies as well as their communities. Big volunteer efforts deserve applause, but so do smaller ones as they all head in the same direction. In a time when there is seldom a lack of daunting news, one can take pride in the industry spirit.

Not currently subscribed to Wire Journal International? Start your free subscription here. Not a Wire Association International member? Become a WAI member now.
We are the leading monthly publication and technical society for the wire & cable manufacturing industry. 

Looking for other parts of this feature series?

Companies Featured:
Hitachi Cable America (now Proterial Cable America), Viakable, Acme Wire Products, High-Performance Conductors (HPC), Kris-Tech, Allied Wire, Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc., Cerrowire, Belden, Fort Wayne Metals, Optimus Steel, Prysmian, Minnesota Wire, Southwire, Service Wire, Alloy Wire International
Bonus Content:
> Employer alert! Volunteers make for a better workforce.
> How can a small business start a ‘giving back’ program?

Allied Wire & Cable staff and a reel named “Pink Betty” that helped raise funds for breast cancer awareness.

Allied Wire & Cable (Allied), specialty distributor and manufacturer of wire and cable, supports multiple causes, both national and local. Below, Chris Gefvert, director of marketing & ecommerce, provides an overview of some of the activities.

AWC has a tradition of giving. Each December, Allied’s six branches across the country “adopts” local families in need for the holidays. The chosen families in the surrounding community provide wish lists of food, clothing, household accessories and (equally important) children’s presents. Last year, over 100 Allied employees purchased the requested items themselves, and each office participated in the gift-wrapping event as part of the holiday celebrations.

For the past four year, Allied has supported breast cancer awareness and treatment. The star of the efforts is a sturdy, vibrant pink reel, nicknamed “Betty,” that is three times sturdier than its traditionally colored counterpart. It replaced one of the most popular and commonly used sizes: 12 x 8 x 5 in., and had a key role in October when we held our charity week fundraiser. To date, Allied has donated more than $60,000 to the cause as part of their Charity Week Fundraiser, as well as through the sales of our Pink Betty reels. To add to the total this year, customers were prompted to enter the word “Betty” into their PO and Allied donated a portion of the proceeds from the order to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Allied’s rollout of pink reels is just one of the company’s initiatives to give back to local and national communities. Thanksgiving is a way for everyone nationwide to express their gratitude and appreciation, and this year Allied teamed up with Comstar to support Philabundance, a local nonprofit food bank that serves families who face hunger. We donated an estimated six tons of turkey to various families in our community. With the help of a local grocery store (Giant Store #6317), we sent more than 650 20-pound turkeys directly to Philabundance.

Individual actions also count. Michael Herman, one of our purchasing managers, bicycled all 2,443 miles of Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica, California for a Charity called Radshare, which gives inner city kids bikes and helmets. Our entire organization got behind him and funded the journey, including PTO time, and donated $2,500 to the charity at the half-way point then another $1,500 when he finished his 26-day trip.

The charities benefit by our actions, but so do employees. “We often think that our work only affects the world of wire and cable, but the truth is that we can impact so much more than that,” said HR Analyst Bradley Warmhold. “I am very happy that Allied is community-focused, not just profit-focused.”

Added HR Director Tracey Mitchell, “The opportunity to improve someone’s life, even in the slightest way, is a privilege. Life can be challenging; a smile can brighten or change a person’s day. Morals and values I was raised with and have made sure to instill in my children, no matter what we have or do not have, we give to others.”

Manufacturers GIVING BACK

This is part 6 of Wire Journal International's first-ever feature presenting 16 manufacturers that have given back to their communities: hundreds others could just as easily have been here. Each entry has a unique story, yet the common thread is the people—of all ranks—who care about their companies as well as their communities. Big volunteer efforts deserve applause, but so do smaller ones as they all head in the same direction. In a time when there is seldom a lack of daunting news, one can take pride in the industry spirit.

Not currently subscribed to Wire Journal International? Start your free subscription here. Not a Wire Association International member? Become a WAI member now.
We are the leading monthly publication and technical society for the wire & cable manufacturing industry. 

Looking for other parts of this feature series?

Companies Featured:
Hitachi Cable America (now Proterial Cable America), Viakable, Acme Wire Products, High-Performance Conductors (HPC), Kris-Tech, Allied Wire, Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc., Cerrowire, Belden, Fort Wayne Metals, Optimus Steel, Prysmian, Minnesota Wire, Southwire, Service Wire, Alloy Wire International
Bonus Content:
> Employer alert! Volunteers make for a better workforce.
> How can a small business start a ‘giving back’ program?