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Developing Community Engagement for Sylmar Operations
Stephany Debski
California State University, Long Beach
Thursday, February 20, 2013

2. Advancing Each Generation
“We live our Values every day, everywhere, collaborating
for the benefit of our customers, investors, employees,
communities and partners.”
– Alcoa Vision and Values

3. Community Sustainment
Local Involvement
• Alcoa Foundation
• Volunteer
Programs
Corporate-Level
Stakeholder
Involvement
• Government
Influence
• Engagement with
Non-Governmental
Organizations
• Suppliers

4. Sylmar Operations
Originally Valley-Todeco, Inc.
Acquired in 2011
106 employees
Unionized
Products: Bolts and Slotted
Entry Bearings
Employee Longevity

5. Situation
• Turnover
• Understaffed
• New Acquisition
Lack of Community
Engagement

6. Organizational Goals
Immediate
• Assessment
and Strategy
• Build Relations
(Local and
State)
• Creation of
Community
Action Board
Long-Term
• Employee
Engagement
• Positive Media
Relationship
• Positive Brand
Equity
• Positive
Financial Impact

7. Procedure
Assessment
• Match business interest(s) with community need(s)
• Identify major community and government stakeholders
Approx. Three Weeks
Relationship
Building
• Establish relationship between HR Manager and Director of
Operations
• Establish Community Action Board
Approx. Two Weeks
Partnership
Establishment
• Form relationships with community organizations
• Ensure organizations align with business goals
Approx. Two Weeks

8. Outcomes
Community Strategy Plan that forms the framework of all community
activities
Strong relationships with government stakeholders, critical for business
support
Excellent communication with key community leaders and organizations
for mutual community and business understanding
Partnerships that focus on benefitting community while aligning with
business goals
Actively engaged workforce
Positive media relationships
Positive branding

9. Challenges and Concerns
Logistical
• Scheduling
• Financial
Personnel
• Employee Resistance
• Community Resistance
• Lack of Leadership

10. Personal Benefits
Job
Enrichment
New Skill
Acquirement
Networking
Increase
Value as
Employee
Skill Honing

11. Questions?
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