Aisin Receives Accolades from Gleaners

Each year area gardens and farms, large and small, contribute more than 300,000 pounds of produce to Gleaners, the largest community food bank in Michigan.

In recent years, corporate gardens, like the one created by Aisin team members two years ago, have stepped up, and are now among the leading contributors of fresh produce for those in need. These "company gardens" will continue to play an important role in creating a more healthful food mix, says Gleaners.

Aisin's 50 x 20 foot garden started with individual donations from team members. Many who weren't able to tend to the garden during lunch break or after hours, often donated produce from their own gardens at home, to add to the bounty of corn, beans, tomatoes, pumpkins, and Japanese eggplant. In 2010 Aisin's garden harvested nearly 400 pounds of produce, slightly less than anticipated due to unauthorized visits by neighborhood deer.

AWA Quality Manager Erik Ronse, who chaired the garden team, says working in the garden was a labor of love.

"We wanted to give back," says Ronse. "We started the garden last year in the middle of the recession, which was a difficult time for so many people in our industry. We were fortunate we weren't going through massive layoffs like other companies, and are just pleased to be able to help those in need."

Celebrating Diversity

Aisin World Corp. of America has long supported the efforts of organizations like the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council and the National Minority Supplier Development Council. Recently, AWA team members attended the 27th annual MMSDC awards program to "Celebrate the Stars of Diversity."

The event is a premier, local business networking venue, and a testimony to the impact that corporate partners and minority businesses are making in our industry.

AWA received accolades as it was nominated in two categories: Manufacturing Level One Supplier of the Year, and Advocate of the Year, Karina Stevens.

Success is at the center of the celebration, says Louis Green, president & CEO, MMSDC.

"That 'success' is manifest as 46,000 jobs provided by our MBEs and over $12 billion in contracts from our corporate members," he says. "Given the economic challenges we've all faced, it's important that we recognize how critical the member companies of MMSDC are key drivers of the city, state and nation's economic recovery."

DHDC Helps Break the Cycle

The Detroit Hispanic Development Corp. works throughout the year to make a positive difference in the lives of children and young adults in Southwest Detroit. For several years, Aisin World Corp. of America, along with General Motors, Toyota, and many others from the typically-generous automotive industry, has supported the DHDC with funds and the donation of time and management services. AWA's Mike Lapinski has been a DHDC Board Member for three years.

Among the important fundraising efforts of the non-profit DHDC is the annual "Dream Makers Gala," which many AWA team members have attended over the years. This year's event was held in the Atrium of DTE Energy, which donated the use of its impressive facility.

The sell out event raised a record amount of funds for the DHDC, which will ensure a continuation of kids programs and services.

DTE President Anthony Early, who spoke to the group of more than 400, said Detroit has the talent and capability to grow economically.

"I call on the business and community leaders here this evening to work diligently to form strong partnerships with DHDC and other organizations to help close the knowledge and skill gaps," said Early. "Closing these gaps will enable Southwest Detroit residents to secure higher paying jobs and create more community wealth for themselves and their families. But they can't do it alone. We must stick together."

Among the many activities at the Dream Makers Gala, which included a huge display of silent auction items, was the playing of WJR radio's "Breaking the Cycle," featuring the DHDC. To listen, click here.

For several weeks this fall, WJR donated approximately $30,000 in airtime to DHDC in the form of the "Breaking the Cycle" reports, which celebrates positive people and organizations in our communities.

Recently, Mike Lapinski and DHDC Executive Director, Angie Reyes, along with two DHDC student ambassadors, visited Mike Fezzey, president and general manager, WJR, to present a gift of appreciation for the "Breaking the Cycle" opportunity. Fezzey, one of the top radio executives in the Midwest, was humbled by the gesture, and pledged his ongoing support to the DHDC.

Aisin Helps Raise Record Funds for Think Detroit PAL, Paul W. Smith Classic

Aisin World Corp. of America has long enjoyed a relationship with WJR Radio's Paul W. Smith, one of the leading talk show hosts in the Midwest, and a vocal cheerleader of the auto industry.

Over the years AWA has sponsored marketing programs and activities with WJR, including broadcasts at international motor shows in Detroit, Frankfurt and Tokyo, and the 2005 World Expo in Aichi, Japan. All of these activities have lead to countless public relations opportunities for AWA, and helped to raise awareness of the company in the industry and community.

In August, 2010, AWA was once again pleased to support the efforts of Paul W. Smith as he held the annual golf classic benefitting Think Detroit PAL (formerly known as the Detroit Police Athletic League). Think Detroit PAL provides character enriching opportunities in athletic, academic and leadership development programs to 12,000 Detroit youth. As one of many sponsors, AWA helped raise nearly $500,000 -- the highest total of the event in its seven year history.

Aisin joined other sponsors including WJR, Ford Motor Company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Toyota Motor Sales USA, Compuware Corporation, Chrysler Group LLC, and PNC Financial Services, among many others.