Businesses initiate volunteer help during slow times
City of Oconomowoc – Even though work is slow and times are tough, two local companies discovered resourceful ways to make the best of the situation.
After in-house needs were met, and in an effort to avoid furloughing workers, the businesses eyed ways to aid in supporting civic needs.
"We've been slowing down considerably in our production area," explained Sandy Milkent, human relations manager of Premold Corp., a supplier of reaction injection molding that employs 52 people.
But then the manager began to think of creative ways to handle the slowdown.
"We don't want to lay people off, so this time we put feelers out for volunteer opportunities for employees who were interested," she said.
As it turned out, the timing was ideal for one local organization, the Lake Area Free Clinic.
"I called the clinic to see if they needed any help and talked with Mary (Reich, executive director of the clinic), who reminded me they would be moving to the new building," Milkent said.
The idea is something Milkent is looking to expand.
"A lot of our employees live in the Watertown area, and we contacted the Chamber of Commerce there. They sent over a list of organizations, and the only one I could contact was Bethesda, and their thrift shop may need people," she said of Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services.
"The last thing we want to do is lay people off. If we can avoid it, we will. Hopefully our production will pick up soon," Milkent said.
Reich said the help was greatly appreciated.
"Their generosity is overwhelming at a time of great need," said Reich.
Local business support has been key in the clinic's move to its new location. Wismarq, a coil coating business in Oconomowoc, also helped the clinic during its move.
"We had the same experience with Wismarq earlier. They called with the same offer and sent people over to help tear up old carpeting. That is in addition to their very charitable donation of equipment and office furnishings," Reich said.
"I can't even tell you how much that means, not only in terms of help, but in community support. It is a testament to the community we live in," Reich said.
Jan Terrizzi, president of Wismarq Corp., said it is part of their corporate culture to be good neighbors.
"We also made a move and put a new portion of a building up and donated between $50,000 and $60,000 in office equipment to the Free Clinic."
Wismarq's donation included a full kitchen including fridge, microwave, tables and chairs; in addition to file cabinets, desks, chairs, and a conference table and chairs.
Earlier in the year when faced with a slowdown, Wismarq looked to its neighbor, The Lake Area Free Clinic.
Four Wismarq employees spent two full days helping to ready the clinic's new site.
"I think I've been to the doctor about three times in the last month. I can't even imagine not having that option," Terrizzi said.
To Terrizzi, such effort is what forges the bond of in area neighborhoods.
"I think that volunteering help and donating furnishings; it's all part of being in a small community. Our company is the kind of company that cares about its community. This is where we live and this is our headquarters. We will be there for them (the Lake Area Free Clinic) if they need more help," she added.
E-mail Newsletter
Top stories from the Lake Country area. Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings.
Enter your e-mail address above and click "Sign Up Now!" to begin receiving your e-mail newsletter
Get the Newsletter!
1.jpg)
Lake Country residents share their views on news, happenings and current events.
LivingLakeCountry.com features more than a dozen community bloggers - a group of volunteer conversation leaders who are up on the latest topics and never short on an opinion. Just a few are pictured here. Check out the rest and see what they have to say!
View All Blogs
Discussion Guidelines
Do you want to become a Community Blogger? LivingLakeCountry.com welcomes your thoughts and opinions. Contact us for more information:
I want to blog
Posted Wednesday, Jan. 25 |
|
Photo of the Week by Scott Ash:
MANY HATS - Kathy LaShelle from the Town of Merton tries on a handmade hat from Jo's Feltz at the Delafield Winter Market on Sunday, Jan 15. The market is an indoor farmers market and craft fair located at the Delafield Fish Hatchery on the third Sunday of each month through April.
News or Feature Story of the Week by Joe Trovato: Area school districts jump into WEA lawsuit
Design Layout of the Week by Matt Colby: What a difference a day makes
|
MORE: See full gallery
SUBMIT: Post Your Photos now
Do you have news or an event that you would like to share with the community? Whether it's a community organization, a business, a local school, or a notable neighbor, we'd love to hear about it!!
- Sussex-Menomonee Falls-Pewaukee Relay For Life Kickoff Event Sunday, February 19th 3:00 PM
- Summerstage "Break-A-Leg Gala"
- Pancakes at the House
- Christ the King To Host Chicago Gospel Choir Concert
- All God’s Children Preschool To Hold Family Open House to Preview 2012-13 School Year
- 3 & 4 Pre-K Open Enrollment at St. John's Mukwonago
- Winterfest Gallery
- Habitat for Humanity Welcome New Board Members
- J&J Construction Lake Country Receives Three Awards in Annual Remodeler Competition
- Hamilton Band Boosters hosts Italian dinner Feb. 15
MORE: See the rest of Your Stories
SUBMIT: Post Your Story now
