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DaimlerChrysler: Building Teams and Communities Through Project: CARE

12 September 2000

DaimlerChrysler Corporation: Building Teams and Communities Through Project: CARE

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 12 Team building normally
consists of group lunches, Excel courses and training programs.  At
DaimlerChrysler Corporation, four departments under the Regulatory Affairs
unit decided to take team building one step further by creating the
opportunity to build their team and strengthen the community at the same time.
That's why the group developed Project: CARE -- Communities Achieving Results
with Employees.
    On Wednesday, September 13, Project: CARE will rejuvenate two homes in
Auburn Hills, occupied by senior residents who are unable to perform general
upkeep.  Two groups of employees will work from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the
homes weeding, raking, trimming trees and shrubs, painting and repairing a
handicap ramp.  One group will go to a home on Alberta St. and the other group
to a home on Delvan St.
    There are 52 employees involved in Project: CARE.
    Although a first-year initiative, Project: CARE was approved by
DaimlerChrysler as an activity that could be done during working hours.
    "DaimlerChrysler's Project: CARE is a win-win for the company and for the
residents of Auburn Hills because it allows us to build team cohesiveness and
simultaneously help the surrounding community," said Jim Lyijynen,
DaimlerChrysler's Vice President of Stationary Environmental and Energy.
"This initiative supports our long-standing commitment of investing in
communities where our employees live and work, and allows us to make a lasting
difference in Auburn Hills."
    The employees located the homes by contacting the city of Auburn Hills who
made the connection between the DaimlerChrysler group and people in need of
assistance.
    "The employees of DaimlerChrysler have been great supporters of the senior
services program," said Karen Adcock, Auburn Hills Director Senior Services.
"Numerous employees give up their lunch time and weekends to deliver Meals on
Wheels to homebound seniors in the area.  And now this wonderful group of
volunteers will be helping two senior families spruce up their yards, clean
out gutters and paint trim.  On behalf of the seniors, I thank DaimlerChrysler
employees for their community spirit."