3M invests in community through funds and volunteer work

Editor's note: This is the second of a three-part series on local manufacturer 3M following a recent information session and tour for local lawmakers and business officials.

Nevada Daily Mail

3M Nevada has a sizeable community footprint beyond its economic impact as the largest employer in Nevada and Vernon County and as the largest 3M plant of five in Missouri.

"3M invests in education, social, arts and environmental programs in the communities where we do business," said Marilyn Schullo, 3M manufacturing director.

"3M Foundation grants, employee volunteerism and 3M product donations join to support the quality of life in 3M communities."

According to a presentation given by Schullo recently to a tour group of state lawmakers and business officials, 3M's donations of cash and products were more than $56 million in the U.S. in 2012.

Locally, 3M's Community Giving contribution was more than $100,000.

This benefits agencies, organizations and entities ranging from the United Way to the Nevada Regional Technical Center.

That includes efforts through the 3M Foundation, which provides financial support to area school systems, including helping sponsor the Lego League for the Vernon County Youth Task Force.

"3M Nevada was one of the first facilities in the company to do that," said Plant Manager R. Todd Cantrell.

"We like working with schools, and we try to partner with employee involvement."

"In addition to our financial contribution, we provide a large amount of materials and product to the community for projects for schools and non-profits," said 3M Nevada Human Resource Manager Tom Mooney.

"These are things like projectors and supplies," noted Cantrell, "ranging in the tens of thousands of dollars."

Yet, it's not just about the money invested, he pointed out.

"3M employees share their expertise with school classes and through various volunteer efforts in the community in a variety of capacities."

"3M employees volunteer a large amount of their time," agreed Mooney.

"It is hard to put an exact dollar value on the amount of funding and time that 3M Nevada donates to the surrounding communities. We are just glad that we are able to help the communities that we live in and care about," said Mooney.

"We want to do our best for the community and the area," summed up Cantrell. "We try to be very involved."