Edina Fire Department
At Edina Operations, we are long-time supporters of the Edina Fire Department because we support their mission to serve the community by protecting lives, property and the environment in a safe, efficient and professional manner. We recently contributed towards the purchase of a new firefighting thermal imaging camera to be used by the department. This extremely valuable tool is needed on a regular basis by the Fire Department and can make a life-saving difference in a fire situation.
Edina Police Department
Keeping Edina one of the safest communities in the metro area is priority number one for Edina Operations. That's why our employees are proud to contribute to the Edina Police Department as they protect and serve our community. Last year, our charitable donation helped the Edina force purchase a covert video system to conduct surveillance operations in a variety of conditions. This purchase allows the local police to successfully solve crime problems that require ongoing surveillance by literally catching the crooks in the act.
In March, our 5400 Dewey Hill Road location hosted the Edina Police Department's K-9 trial event. Fifty K-9 teams from all enforcement agencies across the Midwest participated in the competition, which involved pre-staged courses in non-manufacturing areas. As part of the competition, the K-9 teams were tested on their efficiency in searching for and finding narcotics and associate paraphernalia.
Edina Community Foundation
As a corporate citizen of Edina, Dow Water & Process Solutions shares the Edina Community Foundation's mission of "Strengthening Our Community," and has a significant commitment to supporting the Foundation and its Designated Fund partners. A portion of its 2008 grants to the Foundation included more than $12,000 that allowed for the purchase of respiratory fit-testing equipment for the Edina Fire Department and a GPS tracking device and night vision equipment for the Edina Police Department.
FIRST Robotics Team 1816/The Green Machine
As a science and technology company, Dow Water & Process Solutions is in a unique position to work with local schools in its communities to support science education. In 2008, Dow Water & Process Solutions partnered with the Edina Robotics FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Team 1816 or "The Green Machine" as a Silver Sponsor, donating more than $5,000 as well as countless hours of mentoring and technology expertise.
The Green Machine, a group of thirty high school students in the Edina area, utilizes its interest in math, science, engineering, computer programming and marketing to compete in the FIRST Robotics Competitions across the country. Without the support from companies like DW&PS, local students wouldn't have the opportunity to learn and apply engineering, marketing and science skills.
Greater Twin Cities United Way
With the numerous economic uncertainties building towards the end of 2008, Edina Operations donated more than $50,000 to the Greater Twin Cities United Way as part of the company's annual United Way campaign.
Funds raised help the United Way provide resources to develop the kind of lasting change that helps children succeed, strengthens and supports families, promotes self-sufficiency in seniors and individuals with mental and physical challenges, and helps build vital and safe communities.
City-Wide Park Clean Up
Employees at Edina Operations are committed to keeping the city parks of Edina in pristine condition, and free of litter and debris. In an effort to maintain the high quality of Edina's parks, Dow Water & Process Solutions employees and their families have "adopted" Cornelia and Normandale Parks, as well as proactively uncluttering the creek bed alongside Nine Mile Creek. In 2009, the team continues its commitment to the community by "adopting" our neighboring park, Lewis Park.
Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Environmental Learning Program
Employees at Edina Operations know that establishing learning opportunities at area schools make environmental education accessible to everyone, giving children the ability to be environmentally responsible close to home, not just in the rainforest or the ocean. By assisting with the purchasing of equipment for experiential learning opportunities, developing sites for hands-on outdoor learning and observation, and providing enrichment development for teachers, Dow Water & Process Solutions has helped educate more than 7,000 students ranging in age from 6 to 18 on environmental stewardship and awareness.
Project Earth: Outdoor Classroom
Directly behind Edina High School lies a wooded area most Edina residents recognize for its bugs, birds and plants. Through a charitable contribution from Dow Water & Process Solutions and the high school's environmental club, Project Earth, students were able to turn this unmanageable wilderness into an outdoor classroom. The finalized classroom now hosts a 25- to 30-person seating area, the perfect site where teachers and students can enjoy nature rather than discussing it indoors.
Ronald McDonald House of the Twin Cities
At Edina Operations, we know that nothing is more important than keeping families together and strong while they are facing the stress of a critical pediatric illness or disease. That's why our employees are regular contributors to the Ronald McDonald House of the Twin Cities. In order to make sure no family in need is ever turned away, Dow Water & Process Solutions is proud to fund the housing, programs and services here so that families can focus on the one thing that really matters, getting the best possible medical care for their critically ill child.
Special Olympics of Minnesota
In 2008, Edina Operations had the pleasure of sponsoring the Athlete Leadership Programs' Global Messenger Course in Minneapolis. Through this program, Special Olympians are empowered to achieve acceptance and success as they seek new challenges and ways to utilize their experiences off the field-especially talents that may have gone unnoticed, like public speaking.
A total of 23 athletes and mentors from across the state, many of whom had never spoken in front of a group or with a microphone, underwent training to learn presentation skills so they can help promote the message of Special Olympics, and the courage and dignity of their fellow athletes, to the general public.
The Works: A Technology Discovery Center
Open to the public since 1995, The Works has welcomed almost 100,000 visitors with unique, "hands-on, minds-on" exhibits and acclaimed educational programs to a museum that brings technology, science and engineering to life for people of all ages. Through financial support from Edina Operations, The Works makes quality participatory programs available to students and families from all walks of life.
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
Sometimes, a helping hand is all that's needed to change a life. Dow's Edina Operations extends such a hand with its contribution to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. Through donations of funds and time, Dow's Edina employees reach out, acquire new skills, share old skills and work shoulder to shoulder to achieve a common goal, helping to provide hardworking, low income families with the dignity and pride of homeownership.
Twin Cities Regional Science Fair (TCRSF)
Committed to educating tomorrow's generation in science and technology, Dow Water & Process Solutions is pleased to provide operating funds to the TCRSF. Through this organization, students in grades 6-12 have the opportunity to learn more about science and engineering through participation in science projects on a regional, national and even international level.
Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP)
Dow's Edina Operations is excited to assist VEAP in providing financial, emotional and physical support to low-income individuals and families living in our community. Through charitable contributions from our business, VEAP is able to provide emergency financial assistance for housing, utilities, transportation and other economic essentials to those in need-helping provide stability within a family by keeping their housing, getting the parents to work and keeping children in the same school.
Young Scientists Roundtable (YSR)
Funded in large part with grants from corporations such as Dow Water & Process Solutions, Young Scientists Roundtable offers students in grades K-12 an opportunity to hear about many different fields of science from the scientists themselves. Held monthly, YSR events incite interest in science for kids of all ages.
