FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2015
CONTACT:
Melissa Morgan, Director of Partnerships, (714) 480-6582, (562) 773-4619 cell, melissa@splash.ochumanrelations.org
Local Businesses Celebrated by OC Human Relations at AWARDS 44 on May 7 for Embracing Community, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
(Orange County, CA)—When thinking of big business the first thought that comes to mind is not community, diversity, philanthropy or just good old-fashioned helpfulness, but that is exactly what three local employers embody. OC Human Relations will honor PIMCO, U.S. Bank and Union Bank at the AWARDS 44 celebration for their passion to help the community and going far beyond to embrace diversity. The event is slated for Thursday, May 7 at The Grove of Anaheim. The nonprofit celebration is presented by SoCalGas, with honorary chair, Keith Swayne.
In addition to the three companies, the commission will honor a diverse array of community leaders and organizations in four categories including: Distinguished Business, Diverse Community Leaders, Community-Oriented Policing, and Outstanding School.
“Forty-four years ago, the Orange County Board of Supervisors created the OC Human Relations Commission to build mutual understanding among our diverse residents. 24 years ago we created a nonprofit to support that mission by building safe and inclusive schools and communities, developing diverse leaders and mediating conflict. OC Human Relations hosts this special AWARDS celebration and fundraiser to bring together an incredibly diverse collection of people in a beautiful mosaic, to share the stories of unsung heroes who make a difference every day, often one person at a time, and to lift up our vision to create safe and inclusive neighborhoods,” said Leticia Mata, president of the nonprofit, OC Human Relations.
Inclusion and Diversity is a fundamental core value for PIMCO. It is integrated into all aspects of the business. What began as a focus on gender diversity is now much broader. PIMCO’s approach to diversity includes culture, business segments, geographical diversity, unconscious bias, cognitive diversity, and inclusive leadership.
In 2014, more than 1,200 PIMCO employee volunteers contributed 27,559 hours of service to 138 organizations around the globe. “We believe in the power of people to do good, individually and working together. We also believe in corporate citizenship as a powerful business practice,” stated Sarah Middleton, executive director of the PIMCO Foundation. “We believe that greater engagement, particularly in helping the more vulnerable segments of the population, is an integral part of good business management and a healthier society. Through corporate citizenship, business can enable positive change and help provide leadership on social issues.”
U.S. Bank is ranked the fifth largest bank in the United States based on $403.8 billion in assets (as of December 31, 2014 per official FDIC data) and fourth largest in the U.S. in total branches. With 67,000 employees worldwide, U.S. Bank employs more than 1, 300 in Orange County. According to its Awards 44 nomination, “What makes U.S. Bank different is that it puts people and the community first.” U.S. Bank’s basic belief in human rights and the empowerment of diversity is the foundation of its success. At U.S. Bank women make up 60 percent of the workforce. The bank has received numerous awards for its workforce inclusion practices and its participation in the community including the “Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality” award through the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Corporate Equality Index. Additionally, U.S. Bank has been named the top supporters of veterans and military families for 2015 by G.I. Jobs Magazine.
Doing the “right thing” starts at the top for U.S. Bank. “I believe it is important to lead by example,” stated Joseph C. Hensley, market president for U.S. Bank of Orange County. “There always has to be a bigger purpose and that is our community. It is a part of our responsibility. I am so proud of our employees. They do extraordinary things as part of their everyday lives.”
As part of its business platform, U.S. Bank involves itself in all aspects of the community. “It’s a chance to give back, to be a part of the community,” stated Hensley. In 2014, the Orange County branch provided more than 4,200 hours of community service through its 354 volunteers. Volunteers participate in community events including Earth Day events, community cleanup days, Habitat for Humanity and community fundraising activities. In 2014, U.S. Bank and the U.S. Bank Foundation provided $881,000 in grant and sponsorship funding to 91 Orange County organizations.
Participating in the community is nothing new for honoree Union Bank. The bank’s core values include integrity, respect, service and collaboration. Currently, 84 bank officers serve on 143 nonprofit board positions that support housing initiatives, education, community economic development, health and human services, culture and arts, and the environment.
Throughout Union Bank’s 150-year history, the company has been committed to responsible banking. The success of the bank is tied to the communities it serves. In 2014, the bank’s charitable investment in local communities totaled $15.3 million, which included grants, contributions, and sponsorships to help finance the efforts of nonprofit organizations within the bank’s geography. The company’s employees volunteered more than 79,000 hours in areas such as financial education, business technical assistance, health and wellness, the environment, and many other worthy causes. More than 9,000 of those hours were volunteered by our Greater Orange County region, with over 2,000 hours specifically dedicated to financial literacy.
The continued, long-term success of Union Bank is dependent on healthy communities within its footprint. To this effort, the bank is constantly looking at ways to form partnerships and collaborate with community groups and organizations that have the most impact on improving the lives of those with the greatest needs.
“Making a positive impact on the communities we serve is an inherent part of our mission to do right as a responsible bank,” said Union Bank Managing Director and Regional Executive, Robbin Narike Preciado. “With 44 branches in Orange County, we are proud to support the community through charitable contributions; participation on local nonprofit boards; partnerships with local organizations to provide programs to diverse and underserved communities; employee volunteerism; and our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion. We are truly honored to work with organizations like OC Human Relations, whose contributions make our communities stronger and healthier.”
For more information about AWARDS 44 regarding honoree bios, to schedule interviews or to learn more, please contact Melissa Morgan at 714-480-6582 or melissa@splash.ochumanrelations.org.
AWARDS 44 Sponsors Currently Include:
- SoCalGas (Title Sponsor), Related California, Banc of California, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Kia Motors America, Southern California Edison and Wells Fargo
- Additional supporters include: Chevron, Clearinghouse CDFI, PIMCO Foundation, Keith Swayne, Union Bank and UPS
About OC Human Relations
OC Human Relations is a local nonprofit with the mission to foster mutual understanding among residents and eliminate prejudice, intolerance and discrimination in order to make Orange County a better place for ALL people to live, work and do business. OC Human Relations operates with the belief that ALL people should live free of violence and discrimination. The organization brings people together to create safe and inclusive schools and communities, develop diverse leaders and mediate conflict. For 44 years, OC Human Relations has been honoring individuals, law enforcement, schools and community organizations for their contributions to human relations. www.ochumanrelationsawards.org | www.facebook.com/ochumanrelations | www.twitter.com/weareoneoc
# # #
(BREAKOUT BOX) IF YOU GO
WHAT: OC Human Relations AWARDS 44, celebrating justice, diversity and the human spirit. OCHR will honor six diverse community leaders and three distinguished businesses throughout Orange County. Additionally, OCHR will present a community policing award and a distinguished school award.
WHEN: 5:30-9:15 p.m., Thursday, May 7.
WHERE: The City National Grove of Anaheim, 2200 East Katella Avenue, Anaheim.
TICKETS & SPONSORSHIPS: Available online.
For tickets, biographies for the 11 honorees, and other details, please visit: www.ochumanrelationsawards.org
Photos Available at www.ochumanrelationsawards.org/newsroom
Click here for a PDF of the Press Release
