|
Most large high-tech companies in Silicon Valley have created foundations that contribute, sometimes very generously, to various charities. Applied Materials, however, helped set the standard years ago.
When Applied Materials opened its doors in Sunnyvale in 1982, it almost immediately distinguished itself as an organization that truly cared for its neighbors. In 1984 the company started a formal community affairs program, and the Applied Materials Foundation continues its good works today.
The tradition continues with the change in the company's leadership. On Oct. 22, Applied Material's new President and CEO, Mike Splinter, embarked on a tour of projects and places that the company has historically supported.
The day began with a round-table discussion with city leaders at the new Sunnyvale Community Services building on Kifer and culminated with Splinter kicking off the holiday food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank with a check for $100, 000 and 3,000 chickens.
Among those present at the round table were Sunnyvale Community Services Executive Director Nancy Tivol and City Manager Bob LaSala, as well as Council members John Howe, Pat Vorreiter and Jack Walker.
Tivol noted that her organization is the largest area contributor to the Second Harvest Food Bank, due in large part to Applied Material's corporate food drive.
When Splinter asked how Applied Materials might continue to be of assistance, Council member Pat Vorrieter brought up the issue of housing. In a later phone interview, Vorreiter explained, "Applied Materials is one of the first companies to recognize that housing is not only a social issue but is also an economic issue, and Applied Materials is one of the first to donate to the city's housing trust, a fund that helps support affordable housing."
Vorreiter said that it's important for people to live in the town where they work. They do better on the job and also have time and inclination to contribute to the community they live in. Council member Jack Walker reiterated that with the state removing resources previously allocated to the city, private-sector giving is crucial in terms of guaranteed fiscal support for the city.
Mike Splinter assured the city that his company would remain sensitive to the city's needs, and that the Sunnyvale community could expect continued support from Applied Materials.
"It's a community-sensitive company," Vorreiter said. "They've always been involved."
|
