The people at STERIS Corp. have a simple vision — to see the world free from infection and contamination.
And since its founding in 1987 with a single product, it has pursued that goal by becoming a world-leading biotechnology powerhouse that touches the lives of millions of people around the globe every day as its products and services ensure the safety of prescription drugs, the cleanliness of health care and consumer products, and the protection of hospitals and other environments from harmful contaminants.
But it’s not just products the company is using to grow — corporate social responsibility is a critical driver and key component to the company’s growth plan. Each year, STERIS employees invest thousands of hours supporting the missions of nonprofits both in Northeast Ohio and in communities around the world in which it has operations.
Employees’ volunteer efforts include fund-raising campaigns and serving in mulityear leadership commitments as trustees or board members to various organizations.
In addition to the work of its employees, the STERIS Foundation is managed by a board of trustees and funded by STERIS Corp. The foundation makes grants in support of health and scientific education, human services, and civic and cultural activities in the communities in which STERIS operates major facilities. Since its inception in 1995, the foundation has contributed $2.4 million to nonprofit organizations.
STERIS also provides corporate donations to support community events that are more appropriately funded by the company than by the foundation and include memberships and sponsorships.
It invests more than $2 million annually in corporate donations. Recipients include AmeriCares, which received $383,000 in STERIS products to aid in tsunami disaster relief; and Lakeland Community College and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Conservation, which both received a donation of a $100,000 sterilizer. STERIS has also donated medical supplies to U.S. military units overseas and donates medical supplies to organizations such as Doctors Without Borders.
In addition, STERIS President and CEO Les Vinney served as chairman for the 2004 fund-raising campaign of United Way of Lake County. The campaign exceeded the $3.6 million fund-raising goal for the first time in 10 years and increased donations 4.2 percent over the 2003 campaign.
STERIS employees donated $102,000 to United Way, exceeding the $60,000 campaign goal by 70 percent. And 36 employees participated in United Way of Lake County Day of Caring, an all-day event to improve the communities in which they live.
How to reach: STERIS Corp., (440) 354-2600 or www.steris.com
