Guest Blogger: Avnet Core Values and CR Goals the Same

Paul Lally works for Avnet in Austin, Texas.  Because of personal health issues, he got involved with the Austin Heart Walk which led to him organizing fund-raising events where Avnet employees, suppliers, reps, customers and friends rallied around Paul and participated.  Combine that with the Avnet Cares matching grants program, Paul raised more than $23,000. He has other events planned.

Paul believes that these events have been so successful because of all the hard work and dedication from those who helped. He also believes that these events directly tie in with Avnet’s Core Values (Integrity, Customer Service, Accountability, Teamwork and Innovation).

Guest Blogger Entry (with a nod to intern Cory Fetter for the assist)

Paul Lally on how his community relations activities tie into core values:

• Integrity – Following integrity to the letter of the law is what has demanded so much involvement from folks in our industry. Without our word being our bond, folks might have said ‘ahhh just another fundraiser’, but to see the same folks come out for both events and to have donated at a personal level, whether it’s been time or money, is a testament that they believe in the cause and the folks associated with it.
• Customer Service – This has been an afterthought and a byproduct of the activity set, but truly has been served and also has been reinforced by doing what we say we are going to do. The majority of compliments and involvement come from the customers involved.
• Accountability – I believe accountability has been achieved from all levels and folks involved. There’s a lot of word-of-mouth scenarios throughout the planning and execution piece of each event and a lot of time in between initial discussions with all parties and everyone came through for the cause!
• Teamwork – We have seen a level of teamwork from all involved and everyone has assisted in making these events such a great success!
• Innovation – There has been no shortage of this. Many suggestions and some trial and error have served us well here!