Honda R&D Americas was named the Benefactor of the Year at the Columbus Business First 2017 Corporate Caring Award ceremony, in recognition of its work with nonprofit organizations in Central Ohio. HRA received the publication’s highest honor after being selected from a record 54 finalists.
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Columbus, Ohio’s COSI (the Center of Science and Industry) museum nominated HRA because of their partnership, which led to the creation of the “Meet the Innovators” exhibit that debuted last year. Teams from COSI, Honda, and the PAST Foundation partnered to create the exhibit, which highlights STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) educational opportunities and showcases the scientific research and development that is taking place at HRA’s Ohio R&D center in Marysville, Ohio.
“This is a proud moment and a great honor for our Honda associates, who are the pillars of our philanthropic endeavors,” said Honda R&D Americas President Frank Paluch. “Giving back to the communities where we live and work is an important part of our culture and we value the partnerships we have established with the many great organizations we have worked with throughout the years.”
In 2016, HRA also partnered on events with the United Way of Union County, the Union County Community Care Train, and the Cory Lunger Foundation. Volunteers from HRA also gave their time and money to the STEAM Mentorship Program, STEAMfest, Ballet Met, and the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.
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“COSI was delighted to nominate Honda R&D Americas for the Corporate Caring Awards,” said Dr. Frederic Bertley, president and CEO of COSI. “The Meet the Innovators exhibit demonstrates an innovative partnership approach between a science center and a corporation that required a tremendous commitment on the part of Honda R&D Americas’ employees.
“Honda R&D’s dedication to this exhibit resulted in a fantastic interactive, fun exhibit supporting our mutual interest in strengthening science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education in the Central Ohio community. And moreover, this collaboration drew a tight line and clear connection between how a cultural institution in Columbus, such as COSI, can expose and influence visitors to a leading corporate institution in our very own backyard. This power of influence for Columbus and connectivity to area residents, especially aspiring kids, cannot be overstated.”
HRA has a community volunteer program that allows its roughly 1,600 employees to receive paid time off when they are volunteering for non-profit organizations. Associates who total 40 or more volunteer hours in a year can apply for a “Volunteer Grant” of $200, which will be donated to the non-profit of their choosing.
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