We are committed to promoting the economic vitality of our communities by supporting programs and organizations which foster job creation, community development and housing. Our goal is to strengthen the civic, social, and economic fabric and to improve the quality of the environment in our communities. Emphasis is given to programs which promote equal opportunity for socially and economically disadvantaged children and families.

Contributions are made to organizations concerned with the improvement of communities where a significant number of company employees live and work, provided the organization maintains a local chapter. Specific areas of interest considered for support include:

• Organizations which promote the economic and civic development of a community (examples are planning associations, safety councils, neighborhood associations, housing rehabilitation associations).
  
  
• Emergency volunteer services, such as fire departments.
  
  
• Youth development. As a general rule, donations to youth organizations are restricted to those that are not presently receiving funds from the United Way. A number of character-building agencies exist at the local level, to which a charitable contribution may be made, provided the request meets donation standards.
  
  
• Organizations that contribute to a better understanding of economic education and the American competitive enterprise system, e.g., Junior Achievement.