Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund Selected For Corporate Leadership Award By Association Of Fundraising Professionals
AKRON, Ohio (Nov. 13, 2009) — The Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, the philanthropic arm of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM), today received the 2009 Corporate Leadership Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals North Central Ohio Chapter at the association’s annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon.
“We are honored to accept the 2009 Corporate Leadership Award,” said Bob Handlos, Vice President of Product Development, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC a subsidiary of BSAM. “Our relationship with the Akron community is extraordinary — it started back in the days of Harvey S. Firestone and The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company and will continue into the future as the company prepares to break ground on our new state-of-the-art facility.”
The Association of Fundraising Professionals fosters the development and growth of fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising profession through advocacy, research, education and certification programs. The National Philanthropy Day was created to showcase accomplishments made in the name of giving. The National Inventors Hall of Fame, Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio and Habitat for Humanity of Summit County nominated the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund.
“At Bridgestone Americas, we’re not only committed to serving customers bybuilding better products but also to serving people by building better communities,” said Christine Karbowiak, Executive Vice President of Community and Corporate Relations, BSAM, and Chair of the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund. “Bridgestone Americas is committed to not only supporting but leading initiatives geared toward education, environmental conservation and driver safety education.”
Since its founding in 1952, the Trust Fund has donated more than $80 million to worthy causes. Trust Fund contributions complement the tireless volunteer work of Bridgestone Americas teammates and corporate donations of time, talent and resources.
About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:
Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world’s largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its One Team, One Planet message, the company is dedicated to achieving a positive environmental impact in all of the communities it calls home
About the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund:
The Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, the philanthropic arm of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM), is a charitable trust established in 1952 by The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, a predecessor to BSAM. It contributes millions annually to 501(c)(3) organizations in support of causes that champion children’s issues, education, and the environment and conservation.