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Donor Profile: Michelin
The Nature Trust is delighted to have Michelin as our presenting sponsor for our Annual Dinner and Silent Auction from 2007–2010. This spectacular event is a key annual fundraiser for the Nature Trust, and Michelin’s support helps us ensure that this special night becomes one of the environmental events of the year!
Helping to Set our Wheels in Motion
by Mark Campbelloriginally published in Natural Landscapes, Fall 2007
Grant Ferguson says that Michelin was a natural fit for the position of major sponsor of the 10th Annual NSNT Dinner and Silent Auction. When Ferguson, plant manager of the company’s Waterville facility, was invited by event co-chair and Miller Tire CEO Corey Miller to bring Michelin on board, it set the wheels in motion for a mutually beneficial partnership.
“He knew our commitment to the environment and approached me to discuss the possibility of Michelin becoming a sponsor of the annual dinner and auction,” recalls Ferguson. “I immediately recognized that this partnership would be a good fit for us, as our respective values are closely aligned. We’re excited about our partnership and look forward to working together towards environmental sustainability.”
The sponsorship, which includes an opportunity for the company to participate in the event committee as an industry liaison, marks the first time that Michelin has been involved with the Nova Scotia Nature Trust. It is not, however, the company’s first foray into environmental preservation, locally or globally. Its long-term commitment to respecting the environment is reflected in its efforts over the years to reduce the environmental impact of its plants, recover end-of-life tires and improve its understanding of the consequences of tire usage.
Regionally, Ferguson says Michelin’s Nova Scotia plants have also been working to lessen their impact on the communities in which they operate: “Since 1991, our plants have been involved in recycling, beginning with aluminum cans and bottles, to waste and biodegradables today. Each plant in Nova Scotia is an ISO 14001 certified site.”
Ferguson adds that Michelin actively looks for opportunities to work with organizations like the Nova Scotia Nature Trust that contribute to the sustainability of the province’s environment. One example the company is particularly proud of is a partnership with Northumberland Regional High School at the Granton facility.
“We have partnered with the school to help deliver its forestry management program using some of Michelin’s property. Michelin wanted to effectively manage the land on its 895-acre site, so NRHS’ Forestry class uses some of the site’s property to practice what they’ve learned on silviculture and forest management.”
Elsewhere, the company is looking at ways to reduce its energy consumption regionally, and has made some strides on that front through a partnership with Dalhousie University. They are examining the potential for bio-diesel fuel to power Michelin’s steam generation boilers, and exploring current best practices in energy management to see how they can improve plant performance. Ferguson says Michelin is also considering the possibility of using wind power at its Granton facility to further improve energy consumption and demonstrate its respect for the environment.
Even with all these efforts and initiatives, Ferguson and his colleagues are pleased to partner with the NSNT for the Nova Scotia Nature Trust’s 10th Annual Dinner and Silent Auction “The Nature Trust has a solid record of accomplishment in land securement, stewardship and environmental education. It is a leader in environmental and social responsibility, and this dovetails perfectly with Michelin’s value of respect for the environment.”
With Margaret Atwood and Graeme Gibson participating as special guests, Ferguson is confident it will be an exciting and inspiring evening: “We hope to encourage all in attendance to see what they can do to make a difference. Michelin is proud to be a sponsor of this year’s event and it is our sincere hope that the event’s success will help the Nature Trust further its progress with its many conservation efforts in NS.”