Winner: Avnet, Inc.
Campaign: Avnet Tech Games
When computer and electronics distributor Avnet wanted to reach out to community colleges, an under-served market, it worked with Maricopa Community College District in Arizona
to create the Avnet Tech Games. This competition gave MCCD students a chance to showcase their talents, gain experience and earn scholarship money.
The games included building Lego robots that would navigate a maze and perform a set task; building a digital device to meet specific criteria; creating e-commerce Web sites
for an Avnet value-added reseller; configuring a small, networked environment that would withstand attempts to gain unauthorized access and develop a "security policy" document to
go with it; inventing a technical product prototype; and building the fastest computer and the most innovative computer possible. A career fair rounded out the package, giving the
participants a chance to network with company representatives.
The campaign garnered $16,000 worth of scholarships, $55,000 in donations for the event and $22,000 in donations for parts and equipment from the corporate community. A total
of 300 students and faculty members participated, and each of the 19 winning students received a $1,000 scholarship. Their work was evaluated by 24 corporate judges, and 30
executives from sponsoring companies and 15 administrators from MCCD attended the career fair and awards lunch.
Avnet also scored a victory, achieving a 25% boost in brand awareness in the Phoenix community - where, by the way, the company does not run any local advertising.
Honorable Mentions
With a particular focus on childhood obesity and the diversity of its members, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware's "Working Well Together" improved the quality and
accessibility of its services and support for other organizations focused on health-related issues. It used paycheck stuffers and fact sheets, as well as educational materials in
Spanish, to inform members and businesses of opportunities for health benefits at lower prices. The expansion of care management programs and promotion of preventive care in
conjunction with a program to reward physicians for improving their services demonstrates a continued commitment to the health needs of the region.
Rallying retirees, employees and family members, Honeywell volunteers shared their time and skills on more than 27 projects through "Rebuilding Together," the nation's largest
non-profit effort committed to rejuvenating communities through rebuilding. The program has been a natural avenue for thousands of Honeywell volunteers to help revitalize their
communities since 2003; the involvement of local politicians and community members and news of the company's efforts have encouraged others to help.