For Johnson Controls Inc., diversity is a requirement for doing business right. That’s why we are calling women- and minority-led businesses to action. This year’s United Way of Greater Milwaukee Community Campaign goal is $44 million. We are all part of the solution, and that is why we hope to inspire new donors to take action.
Johnson Controls is sponsoring United Way’s Diversity and Inclusion Challenge Grant. We are matching all new and increased corporate gifts from women- and minority-led businesses three-to-one, up to $5,000 per company. Simply by becoming a new United Way donor or increasing your corporate gift, your contribution will be matched by our United Way challenge grant, multiplying the impact.
The work United Way supports is more important than ever given the impact of diminishing resources and growing need in our community. The effects of a struggling economy, like joblessness and poverty, are far reaching. They impact a community’s ability to attract new business, leads to decreased spending in our local economy, growing poverty and escalating crime.
It is our hope that companies will be inspired by the Johnson Controls Challenge Grant.
In total, the Johnson Controls Challenge Grant could leverage an additional $25,000 to the campaign. Johnson Controls sponsored the grant for the first time last year and 13 companies met the grant criteria – allowing us to secure five new and eight increased corporate gifts. This year the need is even greater and we are calling on more female- and minority-led businesses to act now.
The value of diversity in today’s business world is undeniable. It aids us in not only seeking, developing and cultivating the talent that lies within our workforce, but also assists us in serving customers and our communities.
United Way’s commitment to diversity makes it the partner of choice when addressing community challenges.
Accept our challenge – and make an even greater impact on the community. This is the year to give a first-time corporate gift, or increase if you can. In times like these, it’s important to think of others. I urge all businesses to make United Way a priority this year – no other organization supports the breadth and depth of programs.
With only three weeks left in United Way’s campaign, your immediate action is critical to meet our community’s growing needs. Please give now. After all, a healthy community is good for business. And a healthy economy is good for all of us.
For more information on the Johnson Controls Diversity and Inclusion Business Challenge, go to http://www.liveunitedmilwaukee.org.
Charles Harvey is the vice president of diversity and public affairs at Glendale-based Johnson Controls Inc.
