Business is based on paying employees to perform tasks, but many local companies also encourage the concept of free labor. Ohio Edison is just one area company that strongly encourages all employees to volunteer in community activities. It also builds teamwork skills and morale. Although Fox is based in Ohio Edison's Youngstown office, the company participates in volunteer efforts throughout its eastern region, which stretches from Alliance to Ashtabula. Fox helps coordinate a group of 16 employees named the Power Factors, which acts as a steering committee.
Members choose the causes they want to become involved with or devise their own.
The Power Factors often form subcommittees once a project is chosen, on which any employee can serve. All volunteers have T-shirts identifying their mission. According to Fox, as many as 25 percent of Ohio Edison's employees are actively involved. We recently held a Las Vegas night to purchase braces for a local boy in foster care. Fox credits Ohio Edison with maintaining enthusiasm for the volunteer efforts.