Program recognizes people who are making a positive impact in their community
SAGINAW, Mich. – Nexteer Automotive is proud to announce that Odie Pruitt III, site maintenance manager; David Smith, maintenance team leader and Sheldon “Snap” Matthews, a lean specialist contractor at Nexteer, have been recognized by the Detroit Pistons “Come Together” program, which celebrates community champions from across the state.
When a co-worker, Diana Templeton, lost her home in Vassar to a devastating fire in February, they organized a group of colleagues and friends to help raise funds and collect goods for the family. Matthews, a Saginaw resident and longtime Detroit Pistons season ticket-holder assisted by reaching out to the Pistons organization to help with their efforts. These individuals are a perfect example of community champions, individuals who selflessly go above and beyond to help those in the community. They held a pancake breakfast benefit, a popcorn giveaway and an auction that included items donated by the Detroit Pistons – and their efforts are ongoing.
Templeton, her husband and four daughters are living in a mobile home while their house is rebuilt. Unfortunately, the Templeton’s insurance didn’t cover the contents of their home and the family needs to replace all of their clothing, appliances, furniture and additional items. That’s where the team at Nexteer stepped in to help.
“We are extremely pleased that the Detroit Pistons are recognizing the hard work and time the Nexteer team put into organizing efforts to assist Diana and her family,” said Vince DeZorzi, senior vice president and chief operations officer at Nexteer. “Nexteer employees have always come together to assist a colleague in need and they take great pride in making positive contributions to their local communities. It’s this family culture that sets Nexteer apart and makes it an ideal company to work for.”
To honor Pruitt, Smith, and Matthews as part of the Detroit Pistons “Come Together” program, the team will be providing tickets, parking passes and discounted concessions and merchandise vouchers for Nexteer volunteers who are assisting with the fundraising and goods collecting for the Templetons. The group will attend the Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls game on Sunday, April 15, where they will be recognized at halftime for their outstanding efforts. Diana Templeton and her family will be attending the game as well.
Nexteer worked with the Detroit Pistons to establish a special “Templeton Family Fund” account through PNC Bank, the Detroit Pistons presenting sponsor. Anyone wishing to make a donation to help the family can visit any PNC Bank branch.
The Detroit Pistons encourages nominations of worthy individuals or groups to be honored in its Come Together program. Those chosen will be invited to a future Detroit Pistons game to receive their honor. Nominations can be submitted by visiting the team’s “Come Together” website at www.pistons.com/cometogether and filling out the online form.
ABOUT NEXTEER
Nexteer Automotive is a multi-billion dollar global steering and driveline business solely dedicated to electric and hydraulic steering systems, steering columns and driveline products for original equipment manufacturers. Its 9,800 workforce serves more than 60 customers in every major region of the world. The company has 20 manufacturing plants, five engineering centers and 15 customer service centers strategically located in North and South America, Europe and Asia. Nexteer Automotive’s customers include GM, Fiat, Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and PSA Peugeot Citroen, as well as automakers in India, China, and South America.
CONTACT
Nexteer Automotive:
Luis Canales
Director of Global Communications
989-757-3086 (office)
luis.canales@nexteer.com
Max Muncey
The Quell Group
248-649-8900 (office)
248-952-7094 (cell)
mmuncey@quell.com