Influence
of Sony on Springfield's Growth
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For many years Sony companies throughout America have contributed their hearts and souls to the children. Sony has given unconditional love and support to those in need. Their employees help make youth programs around America possible. It is no surprise that Sony has had a very positive effect on Springfield, as well as the rest of the continent, from the first day Sony was established.
Establishment
In early 1900s, managers of the New York-based Sony company decided it was time to build a new facility out West. Sony's site selection committee had been looking in Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, and California for their ideal location, but each visit to Oregon seemed to convince the committee they had found the perfect spot. From the rich soil to the beautiful golf course, the committee decided without a doubt where their West Coast facility would be established.
With the help of Oregon's Governor, Barbara Roberts, and an eighty million dollar grant from the New York company, Sony was soon underway. Ground breaking occurred May 10, 1994. With 40 of the 120 acres being developed, the 336,000 square-foot facility had the pilot production running exactly one year later. Since Sony was a disc manufacturing company, not many individuals had knowledge of disc production.
Two thirds of Sony employees are Springfield/Eugene residents, 95% of which are Oregon citizens. Four hundred people had to be trained due to lack of knowledge of the company's manufacturing process. University of Oregon, Lane Community College, and employees of New York Sony helped teach the trainees disc manufacturing, production, and shipments. One year later the company was running well and trainees soon became successful employees.
The establishment of Sony worked out well. Locals were impressed with Sony and no complaints arose. In the Springfield/Eugene area the vacant land Sony purchased drew no community disputes or protests in the preplanning, building, or completion stages. With Sony now based in Springfield, this gave other corporate businesses viable options to locate here also. "Sony helped lead the way for Hyundai" a Springfield News article stated in May of 1995. It's a domino effect how one factory attracts another. Hyundai saw the successful establishment of Sony which led Hyundai to settle in Eugene. In the critical role of attracting Hyundai, senior vice president of operations for Sony, Thomas Costabile, was said to have recruited the company. However, Monica Shovlin, Sony spokeswoman, said Constabile had nothing to do with recruiting Hyundai. Shovlin said it was the presence of Sony's location that caught Hyundai's attention. With their plans for operation in 1997, issues about water sources became a concern due to the 2.5 million gallons of water consumed each day. But, having two giant companies in Eugene/Springfield would create more business for retailers.
Sony believes offering support to the community helps provide a more positive impact on Springfield. Sony's contributions include: sponsorships, in-kind donations, and employee volunteer opportunities. The company really encourages employees to become more involved with the community. They even offer eight hours of paid time off each year, which gives employees an incentive to support at-risk youth programs. Sony Disc Manufacturing was recently given an award for "economic enhancement" by the Lane Council of Government because of strong community involvement. As a leader in the entertainment industry, Sony uses their advanced technology to enhance the quality of life. Sony is committed to providing at-risk youths a better safe-haven. In community involvement Sony helps domestic violence victims, protects national parks and forests, protects freedom of speech, and supports hospitals, clinics, medical research facilities, elder care centers, and mental health organizations throughout the nation.
Bringing employees together to volunteer and support adolescents allowed Sony to develop the program S.O.N.Y. (Some One Needs You). Touching lives is one of the many things Sony of America does well. In inspiring these individuals, Sony strives to develop creativity in children.
In the past 40 years, Sony has been involved with a wide variety of cultural institutions. In recognizing the importance of the institutions and the impact they make on American culture, Sony sponsors events to further the children's growth. With the variety of sponsorships and programs Sony has to offer, their high reputation has become worldwide. Sony provides 400 people with above level entry wages, and the employees receive the best health and dental benefits around. Gazing out of the cafeteria window of Sony, about 150 yards away, one can see Learning Time Day School. This quality day care, which Sony provides for employees, is very convenient and saves time picking up and dropping off children. This new trend Sony has created has caused large Oregon employers to do the same. If only there were more companies in America that could create such an impact on children like Sony has. Sony will continue to support youth programs, sponsor schools and family events, and provide a safe haven nationwide.
Becoming involved with this project has shown me how few companies are involved with children these days. Our children are the future. Sony has a very positive influence on the community. .
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