Cummins in the Community

Cummins strives to become an integral part of each community that it resides in. One way it accomplishes this is through the countless hours of community service and involvement their employees log each year.

Here is one example of how Cummins employees have gone above and beyond in their community:

Every year, United Way of Elkhart County (Indiana, USA) recognizes those volunteers who go above and beyond to help the community, as it is supported by more than one hundred volunteers. So, as United Way began considering who to select for their Volunteer of the Year Award, this quote resonated with the judges: “The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.”

The level of commitment from two Onan employees, Lynne Syer and Julia “Lou” Ulrich, has allowed the United Way to build stronger communities through their exceptional voluntary leadership. Syer, Health Safety and Environment Leader, and Ulrich, Supply Chain Coordinator, were recognized at the annual awards banquet on May 14.

"While many volunteers have endless enthusiasm, these volunteers take it a step further," said the United Way’s Jess Koscher.

"They are creative and innovative. They embody the heart of a great volunteer. They look at what they can do within the community and within Onan to help change lives and support United Way.”

Syer and Ulrich serve on the Cummins Community Involvement Team (CIT) Committee, demonstrating once again their ongoing commitment to their community. The Onan Elkhart site was also recognized at the awards banquet as a “Platinum Company” for raising at least 110% more than the previous year.

Outside of the workplace campaign, Cummins Elkhart supports two UniUUsignature community events with United Way Elkhart: A cardboard boat race and Halloween event. The trick-or-treating event was in fact revived by Syer in 2013, after presenting the idea to United Way and city officials. It was a hit not only with the community, but with employees and their families. “I have always liked to think outside the box when it comes to event planning, and I have always enjoyed working with the community,” said Syer. “So, with the Cummins values in mind, I wanted to reach out and make a difference in the Elkhart community by proposing a Cummins-sponsored community safety event.”