Six reasons you should not donate to the Howard Bernstein Scholarship Fund!!

Posted on Dec 22, 2014 in Features

In a recent conversation with leaders of MHEDA and MHI, Howard Bernstein startled everyone by stating:  “I do not want material handling distributors and manufacturers donating to the scholarship fund.”  Following a somewhat stunned silence, Howard went on to say, “I want companies and leaders investing in their companies’ and our industry’s future by attracting young talent to this vibrant and rewarding industry.”

Howard outlined at least 6 specific dividends material handling companies can anticipate through this participation:

• Establishing direct personal recruiting connections and access with universities that have industrial distribution, material handling, engineering, supply chain and logistics programs graduating students with skills for and potential interest in the material handling industry
• Instant recognition for your company by thousands of students who are completing their education and are looking for career opportunities in industry and distribution;
•  Recognition throughout the material handling  industry as a leader
• Opportunities to visit schools and personally connect with students and faculty (material handling industry video presentation provided for use on these visits)
• Contacts with participating universities, will help you gain critical insights into what it takes to compete for young, motivated, educated employees
• And new this year … fund contributors will be invited to  join a special LinkedIn group which includes students and faculty interested in our industry

Additional benefits for Fund investors this year include the invitation to join over 200 pre-qualified students at a reception on Classroom Day (Wednesday) at ProMat 2015; opportunity to lead a group of students on a tour of the show floor; program recognition at ProMat’s Wednesday evening celebration in the Grand Ballroom at McCormick Place.

One industry leader identifying direct benefits from his company’s 2013 investment in the Fund is Duncan Murphy, President of Riekes Equipment Company in Omaha, Nebraska. 

“The 220 students in the University of Nebraska Kearny Industrial Distribution program each have multiple job offers at graduation.  Our industry remains invisible to many of them.  Once exposed to the potential, complexity and breadth of opportunities, our industry goes to the head of the career list.  We have hired a graduate each year and they are spreading the word.  Our company…Your company, needs a talent infusion and your investment of time and funds in local schools will pay dividends.”

Last year, over 30 material handling manufacturers and distributors gained dividends from investing in the Fund… 24 individual $5000 scholarships were awarded to students at the following schools:

Auburn

Companies and individuals investing in the Fund included:

AK Material Handling

Quoting Howard:  “We can do better.  Material handling is a somewhat “hidden”, stealth industry that must compete with more visible, “high tech” industries for the best talent.  This Scholarship Fund is one important way to gain visibility with  university faculties and students, creating opportunities to tell our industry’s and companies’  stories.  More importantly, it is a way for you to make direct connections to recruit talent for their companies.”

Before 2014 ends, make your company’s investment in its future and the future of our industry.  There are four levels of investment:

Elite:    $5,000 (one complete scholarship)…or more!
Gold*:    $2,500 –$4,999
Silver*:   $1,500-$2,499
Bronze*: $500-$1,499

*to be combined with others for a complete $5,000 scholarship

Howard Bernstein invested $150,000 seed money to establish the fund over three years ago.  Since then, over 30 companies and individuals have invested additional funds for the education of future leaders in our industry.  100% of the funds you invest go directly to scholarships.  None of your investments are used for administrative costs since the Fund is managed by the Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc. 

Let this be your year to join other industry leaders to make a critical investment in the future leaders of our industry.  As Howard Bernstein says:

“Don’t donate to this fund …. Invest in your future with a contribution to this industry specific scholarship fund.”

The Howard Bernstein Fund is recognized and endorsed by MHI, The Industry That Makes Supply Chains Work and MHEDA, the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association.  For more information visit www.mhi.org, www.mheda.org and www.mhefi.net.   

Your investment can be mailed to the Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc., ATTN:  Donna Varner, 8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201, Charlotte, NC  28217.  Please make checks payable to the Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc. (MHEFI) with a notation on the check that the investment is for the Howard Bernstein Scholarship Fund.

The Howard Bernstein Scholarship Fund is managed by The Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc. (MHEFI).  MHEFI is a non-profit IRS 501C 3 organization.  Contributions to the fund may be tax deductible…contact your tax advisor.