Community Involvement

From national partnerships to local initiatives to our own programs, TEAM Companies is committed to making our communities better places to live. We support the arts by sponsoring free attendance days, and encourage our team members to volunteer and donate generously to charities. From the beginning, TEAM has supported causes in the community, and that trend continues today.

TEAM Employees Participate in Berbee Derby

TEAM employees Kate Wicker, Mike Wicker and Josh Short gathered togther this Thanksgiving; but, it wasn’t for turkey and mashed potatoes! They gathered in Fitchburg on Thanksgiving morning to run the Eighth Annual Berbee Derby. Andrea Roach, Dave Espie, Lauren Espie and Renae Jacobsen joined also and the team, “Wild Turkeys” was formed. “There is no better way to kick off the holiday season than with good friends and a fun run!” said team captain, Kate Wicker.

All proceeds from the run go to the Technology Education Foundation, started by Berbee to enrich the lives of students and give our next generation a leg-up on the power of technology.

TEAM Employees Work Hard to Find a Cure for MS

On August 6-7 TEAM Companies sponsored a team of riders that took part in the 2011 MS Best Dam Bike Ride.  The team raised $1,800 toward finding a cure for MS.  Andi, Josh, Mike, and Kate made up team “Mary Riders” in honor of Kate’s mom, Mary Ellen Miller.  As you will see from their comments below, their experience was amazing!  If you are interested in joining, “Mary Riders” in 2012, please contact Kate at kate.wicker@teamnet.net.  For more information on The National MS Society or next year’s event, please visit: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx.

“My experience riding the MS 2011 Best Dam Bike Ride was an unforgettable one. It was amazing to see so many people come together for such a good cause, and raise a substantial amount of money to help free the world of MS. The camaraderie of all the riders made the 150 mile trek so much more enjoyable; everyone was so friendly and helpful. The best part about the ride was the number of people with MS who were not only there cheering us along, but also riding. The determination of these individuals to not let MS ruin their lives is quite an accomplishment in and of itself, and it gave me strength watching them conquer such a demanding task. I had an absolute wonderful time, and will be back next year!”

-Andrea Roach

“I’m so glad I participated in this amazing event!  It was so inspirational and fun to be surrounded by almost 2,000 athletes and volunteers as we pedaled through beautiful rural areas and small towns throughout Wisconsin en route from Waukesha to Whitewater to Madison.  And I’m happy that I was able to participate in an event that generated over $1Million dollars to help people with MS, and to fund research dedicated to curing MS.

I was inspired to do the ride by my courageous mother-in-law, Mary Ellen, who is the wonderful woman behind our team’s name, the “Mary Riders”.  Her incredible spirit and positive energy is a driving force within our family, and she brings joy to everyone she meets.

I’d like to thank our Team Captain, Kate, for her incredible energy, hard work, and motivation in forming our team and making this experience so enjoyable.  I’d also like to thank Josh and Andrea for joining our team and keeping everyone’s spirits up with their positive attitudes throughout the ride.  And finally, the entire “Bike MS” staff, volunteers, and the fans that showed up to support and cheer on the riders all did a fantastic job and your efforts are greatly appreciated!”

-Mike Wicker

“When Kate approached me about joining the ride I was impressed with her dedication to her mom, and although I’ve never personally met Mary Ellen I could identify with having a family member who was ill. I thought ‘what the heck, a bike ride could be fun’. It turned out to be much more than that. I was amazed at the dedication of all the riders and the community of people who organized the event and supported us through the entire ride. It was challenging enough that when I crossed the finish line I felt a real sense of accomplishment and I’m proud to have been a part of that community and riders even if it was just for 2 short days. Thanks Kate, Mike and Andi for making it a fantastic memory that I will think about for years to come!”

-Josh Short

“I feel so proud to have represented my mom, Mary Ellen, in this challenging and amazing ride across Wisconsin.  She has taught me so much about having a positive outlook on life no matter what it throws at you.  The strength and determination that she displays every day is unmatched. The 1,800 riders and volunteers involved in this adventure are proof that there is hope for a cure to this disabling disease.  I am lucky to have ridden alongside such amazing people and honored to have had Mike, Andi, and Josh part of the, “Mary Riders” team.  Can’t wait for next year!”

-Kate Wicker

TEAM Construction Continues On and Off-Site

As TEAM’s Wisconsin expansion hums along, three of their employees decided to strap on a tool belt, put on their work shoes, and provide some construction assistance on a Habitat for Humanity home.  Staci Jackson, Sandy Kramer, and Kate Wicker battled the heat this past weekend and helped build a home in Cedar Falls, Iowa during the annual Women Build.

“I encourage anyone and everyone to get involved and volunteer for the Habitat for Humanity.  This is the first year that I was able to volunteer.  I was a little hesitant about the physical labor in the summer heat; but, we had a blast, our site supervisor guided us along the right path all day and the time flew by.  It was a very rewarding experience knowing that we’re helping a family get a place that they will be able to call their own.” – Staci Jackson, Executive Assistant

“I’m really impressed with the Habitat for Humanity program.  It gives more than just an affordable home to the recipients.   Habitat for Humanity also provides the skills and lessons  needed to be a successful home owner.  I’m always excited to lend a hand.” – Sandy Kramer, Senior Accountant

“It is always such a wonderful feeling to help out people in need. The women on our crew were so much fun and had such a passion for the community and the cause.” – Kate Wicker, Director of Marketing

The team of women at the Habitat for Humanity Build in Cedar Falls, Iowa on July 15, 2011.

Kate Wicker, Staci Jackson and Sandy Kramer ripping up the erosion control sheeting. It was REALLY stuck!

TEAM Helps Can Hunger
The Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), a University of Northern Iowa affiliate, teamed up with Campbell’s Soup Company and local businesses to help fight hunger by committing to raise either 5,000 pounds of food or $5,000 by April 1, 2011, to be used toward hunger relief. SIFE put out a challenge to local business to donate either $300 or 300 pounds of food each. TEAM’s data centers contribution helped SIFE surpass their goal. As of April 1st, they have collected 5,160 pounds of food and are still receiving donations.

Habitat for Humanity Women Build
Habitat for Humanity invites volunteers of all backgrounds to build houses together for families in need, and has provided more than 1 million people with shelter. Habitat for Humanity created Women Build to give U.S. women the opportunity to learn construction skills, and to make a difference by building homes and communities. Three TEAM employees participated in the Women Build program through Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity in Waterloo, Iowa: Kate Miller, Director of Business Development (Madison office); Sandy Kramer, Senior Accountant (Cedar Falls office); and Karla Myers, CFO (Cedar Falls office). The TEAM crew spent their day insulating the house and cutting and hanging drywall.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
TEAM is a supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and is the founding sponsor/host of the CF3 CureFinders Challenge. Since 2007, TEAM has sponsored and garnered additional support for the Challenge and for the Great Strides Walk, which are each held annually in Cedar Falls to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

As a parent of two children with Cystic Fibrosis, I am touched by the generosity of my friends and family who donate each year to help find a cure for this awful disease. And each year, I have a take-my-breath-away moment when companies, like TEAM, and the other CF3 businesses, sign on to support the cause. You see, the folks from these companies who donate and ask others to donate are esssentially “strangers” to my family. They’re not our neighbors, they don’t go to our church, and sometimes they haven’t even met us … yet they give generously to help my family and the thousands of other families affected by Cystic Fibrosis. We are indebted to the individuals and companies who share their resources with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation so that there will be a cure in time for our kids. Not only do these donations pay for science and research, but they also bring our family hope. And of course … none of us are strangers very long! Thanks friends. – Stacy Van Gorp, mother of twins with Cystic Fibrosis

Heroes Among Us
Heroes Among Us is an event held annually in Cedar Falls that honors local heroes, everyday people who find themselves in a situation where they can help. TEAM cosponsored the 2009 Medical Hero, Angela DeVries.

Medical professionals are really never off duty. When they see someone in need of medical attention, they are going to help. That is just what Angela DeVries of Cedar Falls did when she happened upon a car accident in her neighborhood. The accident happened last August in Cedar Falls when a vehicle flipped and hit a tree. Angie’s medical instincts kicked in – she started rescue efforts. Angie’s compassion and quick instincts helped to sustain the injured driver until emergency paramedics arrived. (excerpt from 2010 Heroes Among Us banquet program)

Click to see Angela’s hero story.

Money raised at the event benefits the Emergency Service Departments at Sartori Memorial Hospital and Covenant Medical Center.