Nov. 18/25 2013; Volume 27/number 15
Salem, N.J.—Mannington Commercial said it has launched Choices for Good, a pay-what-you-can for flooring program for public schools across America. “Too many times, we saw public schools in these communities, and many others, struggling with budget shortages,” said Jack Ganley, president of Mannington Commercial. “Without the funds necessary to perform much-needed renovations, facilities suffered, and so did teachers and students who learn in them. Inspired by initiatives we admire in other industries, we decided to do something about it.”
Beginning in the fall, Mannington set aside dedicated flooring inventory that would be available to K-12 school systems, at a “pay what you can” price—including carpet, resilient sheet, VCT and rubber tile goods that meet their performance and design needs. As a Choices for Good customer, schools can pay more or less than the suggested price, which is substantially discounted from retail and wholesale pricing.
To sustain the program for other communities in the future, the company asks that schools pay the suggested price, if they are able. To qualify, all sales must be direct to the school district, business, or non-profit.
This is just the latest for Mannington in a long line of community-based programs to benefit local schools and/or the community. As chairman Keith Campbell said, “as a fourth generation, family-owned business, we feel a responsibility to help those around us, to make our communities safe, and help them thrive so that our children and grandchildren can experience the same joys of childhood that we did.
“Our associates are actively involved in large national charities like United Way, Boys and Girls Clubs, and American Red Cross, but we also give close to home,” he explained.
Here are just a few of the ways that Mannington associates have made a difference:
Stand On A Better World Awards – A program that honors ‘ordinary women who do extraordinary things.’ The program ran successfully for three years, and is on hiatus.
Stand On A Better World Scholarship – An associate-funded program that awards scholarship money to Salem County, N.J., high school graduates for their continuing education.
Love That Max – Mannington, along with a few other companies contributed to a basement renovation project that helped inspire Max, a special needs child, to learn and to never want to leave his basement. Max now spends countless hours enjoying his new room with his sister Sabrina and friends.
Art is Cool – Sponsored by Mannington’s Salem, N.J., location, this program recognizes and rewards local high school artists. Students are recognized at a reception at Mannington’s headquarters, and their work is featured in the local newspaper.
Going Green: It’s a Journey – In the fall of 2008, Mannington and local educators met to see how they could begin a partnership to help Salem county schools take a step forward in improving their environmental performance. We’ve been successfully working on it ever since.
Constitution Day: Poster Design Contest – Mannington acts as a national corporate sponsor of the Constitution Day Poster Design contest, which is open to all elementary, middle, and high school students.
N.J. Audubon Corporate Stewardship Council (CSC) – An original member of the invite-only council, Mannington now co-chairs this group while being recognized for its leadership efforts in stewardship activities and sustainable practices. Stewardship efforts include converting nearly 30 acres of lawn and agricultural lands to native grasslands and shrub habitat, providing housing for migratory birds and also honeybees, and providing critical habitat areas.