September 2017 MiMfg Magazine 15
Why should a local manufacturer go beyond the walls of their facility and connect with their town ?
• “ Simply put , we are part of the community . Our community doesn ’ t stop at the parking lot , and our business needs don ’ t stop at the curb . We ’ re interconnected . We live here . We care about having vibrant schools and a vibrant local economy that benefits our families , our friends , our neighbors and our business . Likewise , the community counts on us to be a good corporate citizen , to do our part to make this the best place possible .”
— Robert Betzig , Pfizer
• “ It ’ s very simple – our employees work , live , and raise their families here , and we are appreciative of the positive relationships we have developed with our communities over the years . So , while it ’ s good for our brand and reputation – it really goes beyond that , it ’ s just the right thing to do .”
— Katya Pruett , BorgWarner
• Our towns and communities are where our workforce lives . We think it is important to support and insure they have a safe and stable place to reside . “ It is important to give back and invest in the communities in which we do business .”
— Mark White , Shape Corp .
• “ Their very survival may depend upon it . Today ’ s talent moves first and finds a job secondly . Your community had best be attracting talent and your business had best be doing its part !”
— Jay Dunwell , Wolverine Coil Spring Co .
• “ Many of our employees have deep roots in this community . Our factory opened in 1946 . Since that time , the factory has employed generations of local families . We take pride in our workforce and their dedication and loyalty to their jobs and their community ties .”
— Bruce Fandel , MAHLE Engine Components USA Inc .
Pfizer Plants the Seeds of Success in Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo has seen steady economic development , significant investments in capital and workforce development at major companies since the Great Recession . One company that has shown great commitment to Kalamazoo is Pfizer , the global leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing . Pfizer has invested $ 800 million in its sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing operations since 2005 and has dedicated itself to ensuring Kalamazoo remains a vibrant , attractive community to recruit and retain employees . “ Through the Kalamazoo Promise , which allows local students to pursue postsecondary education tuition-free , we have a great opportunity to nurture a strong , talented base of scientists , engineers and skilled trades employees right where our manufacturing plant operates ,” says Robert Betzig , site leader , Pfizer Global Supply Kalamazoo . “ Doing so means we must actively partner with local schools , administrators and other groups to grow talent and strengthen the overall community .”
Community outreach is a core value to Pfizer and one recognized through its Corporate Citizenship Program and the Pfizer Foundation . Over the last three years Pfizer has also created and grown a Community Outreach Program focused on STEM and skilled trades in Kalamazoo County schools .
“ We launched a three-step partnership with local schools as part of our Community Outreach Program ,” explains Betzig .
Community outreach is a core value to Pfizer , which employs hundreds of workers in Kalamazoo and 2,366 statewide .
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We are passionate about the work we do and proud to be developing this program in partnership with the community . The best part is knowing we ’ re making a difference .
”
— Robert Betzig Pfizer
First , they “ Plant the Seed ” at the elementary and middle-school level , generating excitement for science and helping students envision careers in manufacturing . Second , Pfizer helps interested high school students “ Choose Their Path ” so they select courses with an eye on developing the right skills and knowledge . Finally , once students have a career in mind , Pfizer helps them “ Live Their Future ” by providing real-world experience in their chosen field through internships and apprenticeships .
“ We are passionate about the work we do and proud to be developing this program in partnership with the community ,” says Betzig . “ The best part is knowing we ’ re making a difference .”
Those efforts were recognized earlier this year when Communities in Schools – Kalamazoo presented Pfizer with a Champion Award for engaging students in local schools . Communities in Schools has also educated the Pfizer team on the needs of local students and provided resources to grow existing programs .