Column: Live United, by Maria Wedel

Several years ago, I read a book called “This I Believe,” edited by Jay Allison and Dan Gediman. The book contains the personal philosophies and closely held convictions of a number of individuals — some famous, some not. The book caused me to reflect on my own personal core values and what guides me through life.

As I reflected, one core belief surfaced. I believe the small things can make a difference. I realized while I may not have formed that belief into a formal sentence before a few years ago, the belief had been with me since an early age.

I was raised in a family with a tight budget but that didn’t stop my parents from believing they could have an impact. Prior to having any bills paid they would pull 10 percent from their earnings for local charities.

This philosophy to give back was passed along to me and my brothers, and even when I received my 80-cent allowance, I would dutifully hold aside my 10 percent or 8 cents — to give to my favorite charity.

But it wasn’t just that my parents instilled the value of giving monetary donations, they placed an even greater emphasis on building personal connections and taking care of others. My mom would often be found making soup and homemade bread for a sick neighbor or asking us to give up a toy for Christmas to donate to a needy family.

Quite honestly, when I started my professional career at the young age of 22, aligning my still “informal” core belief with a company was not at the top of my list. I found myself asking questions about development, career advancement, benefits and salary. Today, while those things are still important, I find myself first analyzing whether an organization aligns with my beliefs and values, and then thinking about the rest.

I have worked for Cargill for my entire professional career and currently am the general manager for the company’s further processed meat operation in Albert Lea.

Cargill’s purpose is to be the global leader in nourishing people. “Nourishing people” has a collection of meanings, which not only reflects the commitment to feeding people, but also the broader meaning, providing whatever is necessary for life, health and growth. It matches my core belief, because it requires taking care with every individual we touch.

Last year, Cargill and its employees donated more than $13 million to United Way, and in particular, the Albert Lea facility has impacted the southern Minnesota area with nearly $75,000 in donations since acquiring this business in 2008.

The Albert Lea facility is in the middle of its 2011 annual United Way campaign, and we are on track to have a record year of contributions. In addition to the monetary donations, employees from the facility have volunteered more than 725 hours in the community since June. I have been touched and honored to be part of a team, where during times of need, our employees find ways to give more.

United Way, put simply, is the easiest way to enrich lives and build stronger communities through quality education, stable income and good health.

From a facility standpoint, getting involved in the community creates an opportunity to enhance team work by coming together to make a difference.

On a personal note, I find that my donation dollar is stretched further through facility and corporate matches, which allows me to make a larger impact than donating in a silo.

The small things can make a difference. I encourage you to think — where can I make a difference today?

Give. Advocate. Volunteer. Everyone counts. Live United 2011.

 

Maria Wedel is the Albert Lea complex manager for Cargill.