Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JUNE 2014 58 J ust a couple of months ago marked Nationwide Marketing Group's semi-annual PrimeTime! show – the largest vendor exhibition and buying show in the industry. Whirlpool, who have a long history of working with Habitat for Humanity, took this opportunity to help extend the privilege of giving and engage independent businesses. After talking about the importance of investing in America and helping local communities, Sam Abdelnour (Whirlpool VP of U.S. Sales) and Tom Arent (General Manager U.S. Field Sales) conducted a prize draw and presented the winner, Mr. Ron Freeman of Deranleau's, Lewiston, ID, with a check for $10,000 to donate to his local Habitat for Humanity chapter. Whirlpool Corporation credits retailers across the country with helping them make a difference that matters. The company believes their retailers are an integral part of communities and help make life better for customers every day. Sam Abdelnour knows retailers are also invested in America, and notes that, "We see countless examples of our dealers giving back, and we are proud to share that same passion for making a difference where it matters most." In more than 14 years of partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Whirlpool has donated nearly 160,000 ranges and refrigerators to new Habitat homes in the U.S. and Canada, serving 100,000 families. Additionally, more than 150 houses have been built around the world with the help of thousands of Whirlpool employee volunteers. Whirlpool brand and Habitat for Humanity recently announced the renewal of a partnership that will impact all new homes Habitat builds in the U.S. and Canada in 2014. Whirlpool will continue to donate more than $5 million in products to provide a range and refrigerator in every new Habitat home built in 2014 and to construct eight new homes with families in need of affordable housing. "We are grateful for Whirlpool's long-term support and look forward to another year of working together to build homes, communities and hope," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "Whirlpool's generosity and the commitment of its employees are critical to our efforts to reach more families and impact more communities." ADDITIONAL INFORMATION To continue the tradition of employee volunteerism, Whirlpool will help fund the construction of homes in locations where the company has manufacturing operations, customer service and administrative offices. Locations include Tulsa, Okla.; Amana, Iowa; Clyde, Ohio; and Benton Harbor, Mich. For the fifth consecutive year, Whirlpool will also blitz build a house with the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. In addition to supporting a Habitat family, this campus build gives Whirlpool a more personal way to get to know IU students. With more than 150 IU alumni employed at Whirlpool, the company uses this build as a unique way to recruit new graduates. Additionally several Whirlpool employees, including senior leadership, will travel to Monterrey, Mexico, to rehabilitate three homes alongside local Whirlpool employees and Habitat partner families. Many of the employees are members of the Whirlpool Ambassador Program, which was developed to create champions for the Habitat partnership. Whirlpool Ambassadors are actively engaged in the partnership with Habitat and fulfill leadership positions on local Habitat boards, participate in construction activities, and represent Whirlpool at Habitat-related events. "Together with Habitat for Humanity International and the local Habitat affiliates, we're proud to announce our list of build locations this year," said Deb O'Connor, Director, global corporate reputation and community relations. "At Whirlpool, we are committed to making moments that matter, and through this partnership, we are able to do just that by helping families achieve their dreams of homeownership." RO B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S From left: Dave Bilas of Nationwide, Jeff Knock of Nationwide, Ron Freeman of Deranlaus, Sam Abdelnour of Whirlpool, Tom Arent of Whirlpool WHIRLPOOL PRESENTS $10,000 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY DONATION TO INDEPENDENT DEALER

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