Elgin Sweeper has been named the 2017 recipient of the Jack Shales Spirit of Community Award by United Way of Elgin. The company was selected for demonstrating exceptional corporate responsibility and community involvement through the 2016-2017 workplace campaign for United Way.
The award was presented to Mike Higgins, vice president and general manager of Elgin Sweeper, during United Way of Elgin’s campaign kick-off reception this afternoon at the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin.
“This special United Way recognition belongs to Elgin Sweeper employees who have generously devoted time, energy and financial support to serving their fellow neighbors and members of the local community,” said Mike Higgins, vice president and general manager of Elgin Sweeper. “Good citizenship and improving the communities where we live and work are core values at Elgin Sweeper.”
History of community support
When the Elgin Community Chest was formed in 1924, Elgin Sweeper helped support social services in the Elgin area. Elgin Sweeper’s employees have long been supporters of United Way, both in terms of giving and volunteer involvement. The company’s former president, Roger Parsons, served as United Way of Elgin campaign chair in 1989.
“Elgin Sweeper is proud to partner with United Way of Elgin to meet critical needs for education, financial stability and healthy lives,” Higgins said. “We have been a major contributor to United Way of Elgin for more than 90 of our company’s 103 years in business. In the last 10 years alone, our employee and corporate gifts have totaled more than $750,000.”
The Jack Shales Spirit of Community Award is named for Jack Shales, the longest-serving volunteer with United Way of Elgin – and one of five Lifetime Directors on United Way’s board – who began his involvement with United Way in 1954 as a campaign volunteer. This is United Way of Elgin’s highest award, given annually to a company that shows exceptional corporate responsibility and community involvement.
