As a company, Teknova has shown commitment to promoting philanthropy within its organization, and has been a huge supporter of United Way of San Benito County. According to a news release provided by Vicki Fortino of the local United Way, “The Teknova Employee Giving Campaign (EGC) grew this year by a phenomenal 783 percent, making Teknova the largest EGC contributor to United Way in amount raised and number of participants in San Benito County.”
Teknova, located on Bert Drive in the outskirts of Hollister, produces 3,000 unique crops of “growth media” to make bacteria or yeast used to clone DNA and study genes.
The company helps researchers study human genes, by taking DNA and placing it into bacteria or yeast, which will then make the same protein that is produced in the human body. Ted Davis, founder, president and CEO, said the company also makes many liquids used for purifying and studying DNA and proteins. Davis stated in an August BenitoLink article that Teknova at the time was growing at about 40 percent annually.
“Teknova’s successful campaign is directly attributed to the leadership at Teknova, and the company’s commitment to make San Benito County a better place to live for all our residents” said Fortino, United Way SBC coordinator. Fortino was invited to speak at the quarterly breakfast meeting held for Teknova employees, where she explained United Way’s goals for a healthy community, success for students in school and life, and family financial stability. The Community Investment Fund supports local nonprofits who are directly accomplishing these goals.
Teknova owner Ted Davis encouraged his team to contribute what they could, explaining that as a payroll deduction, the contribution is spread out over the year making giving easier to do. Teknova set a goal of 100 percent employee participation. Excitement increased when company Chief Financial Officer Richard Goozh made a personal commitment to match employee contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $100 per month.
Teknova created a team name for its UW supporters; GUTS; Givers to United Way Teknova. “It takes GUTs to be part of the team!” stated Goozh.
“I think United Way is a good program with a lot of great resources for the community,” said Katie Roye, a Teknova customer service representative. “I’ve been donating through Teknova’s annual giving program since Teknova got the staff involved in this way five years ago. It makes me feel happy that I’m able to contribute to the community. I wish I could do more!”
Fortino added that, “These contributions will be pooled with gifts from other caring people to fund programs and initiatives that make a real difference to people who are in urgent need, and to create meaningful, lasting change. United Way sincerely thanks the many supporters and volunteers at Teknova for leading the way in Community Change.”
Businesses can learn how to participate in a United Way employee giving campaign by contacting Vicki Fortino at sanbenito@unitedwaysc.org.