AWA and ATC-A team members take on the Rouge River

Each year area nature lovers come together for Rouge Rescue, hosted by the Friends of the Rouge. In keeping with Aisin CSR, approximately 35 AWA and ATC-A team members, and their families, dedicated their Saturday morning to clean up and plant vegetation near and along the Rouge River.

This year more than 300 native plants and several pounds of grass and wildflower seed (donated by Aisin) were planted near the river. The plantings will help stabilize the banks of the retention pond, prevent soil erosion, improve water quality, and provide food and habitat for native wildlife.

“Everyone worked hard and felt good about improving the appearance of the park,” said Rick Gorski, director, AWA Corporate Communications, and one of the volunteers.

The purpose of the Rouge Rescue is to clean and beautify the tributaries near the river, as well as provide a better flow of water for future years, and future generations. Aisin team members have participated in the Rouge Rescue program since 2011.

RoboRockets Robotics team attends FIRST Technical Challenge Competition

In February 2014, the East Middle School Robotics team, the RoboRockets, reached out to Aisin in order to gain sponsorship for a nationwide robotics competition. With the support of Aisin, the RoboRobotics were able to attend the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Technical Challenge Super Regional Competition in April. Due to contributions from Aisin and other local organizations, the team raised $3,500 towards their trip.

During the competition, held at the University of Iowa, the RoboRockets faced off against 72 other teams from Midwestern states. Unfortunately, the team was unable to gain a spot in the final world championship, but they consider their season to have been a great success.

The competition serves as a great way for the team to improve their professional skills, teamwork and knowledge of STEM. The RoboRockets have been competing together since they were in the fourth grade and will begin competing together as high school students this fall.

“Aisin helped support the East Middle School Robotics team, the RoboRockets,
who attended the First Technical Challenge in Iowa.”