Safran Electrical & Power awarded with “Better Tomorrow” 2019 prize from United Way of Denton County
Historically Safran Electrical & Power, Denton partnered with United Way of Denton County (UWDC) when it was a Boeing site, but the partnership disappeared over time. As the facility was relocated from Corinth to Denton, TX in 2012, the Leadership team identified it as a great opportunity to reinvigorate the relationship with United Way of Denton County. Workforce campaigns have been run annually since 2013 with growth in employee contributions, participation and level of Safran Electrical & Power corporate sponsorship.United Way / Safran
United Way, an organization invested in the community
United Way of Denton County empowers donors, volunteers, businesses, governments, nonprofits, and community groups to invest in neighbors for a better Denton County community. The Organization focuses their efforts on four key impacts: first, to help children and families succeed, secondly, to guide and serve veterans and their families, thirdly, to advocate for overall mental health, and finally, to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring.
Safran Electrical Power, a strong partner
“During 2019 workplace campaign, the $55,000 target the Denton site wanted to achieve was surpassed. We reached $65,000 in pledged giving and corporate sponsorship for 2020“, explains Ashlie Bagley, Interconnection Systems Americas Divisional HR Director and member of the UWDC board. Indeed, the site participated in the UWDC Pacesetter Campaign, establishing Safran Electrical & Power as a key workplace campaign and setting a strong example to other campaigns in the areas for both giving and participation levels.
In addition, participants joined the annual UWDC leadership development program. Eddie Gray, Strategic Sourcing Manager, served as a Loaned Executive with United Way in 2019, supporting the workplace campaigns in the local school districts. He has agreed to continue his support in 2020. Finally, Interconnection Systems Americas Divisional Leadership team supports the UWDC Board of Directors with two placements. Brennan Brashears, Director of Purchasing, will be completing his first year serving on the Board, and Ashlie Bagley, Director of Human Resources, just completed her third year on the Board.
“United Way of Denton County is invested in helping our neighbors to live productive, healthy, full lives. Routine needs assessments help us understand the gaps in our community so we can use the funds in the best manner possible to move forward together. From an employment perspective, I know that the funds received by UWDC are used to support working individuals in our county with skills training, housing security, and mental health stability. Those factors contribute to a strong employment base, which is key for large employers such as Safran Electrical & Power.” – Ashlie Bagley.
A recognized engagement.
Regarding all those investments, Safran Electrical & Power was honored to receive the “Better Tomorrow” award from UWDC at the annual United Tribute gala. Kevin Pearson,
Project Manager and 2019 Safran Electrical & Power campaign co-chair, accepted the award on behalf of the entire Denton team. “I am extremely proud of what our team accomplished during this year’s fundraising campaign and am overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone here in the Denton facility. It was an honor to be able to represent Safran Electrical & Power Denton at the annual United Tribute Gala where we were recognized for the success of our 2019 fundraising campaign.” – Kevin Pearson
Kevin Pearson and Dawnyse Myers (campaign co-chair) took the opportunity to share the award with Denton site volunteer committee members on January 23, 2020, and warmly congratulate them for their strong efforts that led to this 2019 campaign success.
Initiatives for the future
Going forward, Safran Electrical & Power Denton continues to support UWDC through workplace campaigns, the Loaned Executive program, and support on the Board of Directors. Denton also had the opportunity to donate a used work truck to Camp Sweeney, a UWDC partner agency providing summer camp and ongoing support groups for children with Type 1 diabetes. In addition, Ashlie Bagley is supporting the Community Investment and Impact Grant Review Panel in 2020.
“The committee reviews the grant applications from the UWDC partner agencies (approved agencies to apply for UWDC grant funds), and we’ll conduct onsite visits with each partner agency through early February. We look to understand the need of the partner agency, review past progress to strategic goals utilizing UWDC grant funds, and confirm financial oversight of the agencies. After supporting UWDC for a number of years in various capacities, it has been interesting to understand in-depth the relationship with and needs of the partner agencies. I appreciate the thorough review and analysis of each application and agency to ensure fiduciary responsibility and criticality of need within Denton County.” – Ashlie Bagley
“Change doesn’t happen alone” in Denton County. Congratulations to all employees who show their willingness to demonstrate it every day in the Denton facility!