Markes Heating and Air

Dear Letter to the Editor,

 It’s great when corporations team up the civic groups for community causes; it’s even greater when corporations inspire others. Recently, the staff and volunteers Palmetto Chapter of the American Red Cross were inspired by Marke’s Heating and Cooling. We received $500 from Marke’s in an Internet contest where locals vote monthly for their favorite charity. Arriving for the presentation, we saw a homemade sign on the door: Welcome American Red Cross. It was touching that an employee had taken time to make this gesture. All the staff greeted us in a room to present us with the check, and listened with genuine interest about how the mission of the local Red Cross’s comes in life everyday in this community. We were even more touched to learn that the employees know the money charities receive may be money they won’t receive in bonuses. In a time where greed and bad behavior make daily headlines, it’s inspiring when ethics and a corporate conscience are alive and well in our community. On our visit, we saw the company’s ethic statement posted throughout the building. These are not just statements on a wall; Marke’s employees and management exemplify them in every way.

Debbie Szpanka

Executive Director

Palmetto Chapter/American Red

The Charity winner for June, nominated by you, is the Palmetto Chapter American of the Red Cross.

Good luck to all charities for next month!