Natlie Frels 

The team at Findlay, Ohio-based engraving substrate manufacturerRowmark LLC kicked off 2016 by giving back to its community, sponsoring and participating in the 19th annual Cancer Patient Services Chili Cook-Off on Feb. 4 at the University of Findlay Koehler Center, located in its hometown.

A new round of participants represented the company as they joined 25 teams, preparing and donating more than 550 gallons of chili, Rowmark marketing coordinator Jordan Brown tells Sign & Digital Graphics magazine, adding that the cook-off set a record attendance in 2016 of over 1,500 people and raised $82,000 for cancer patient services. Rowmark employees also raised $500 in raffle tickets for the event in addition to the donated chili.

“Rowmark’s founder, Fred Kremer, considered it a company’s responsibility to give back to its community,” Brown says. “He always led by example, and the current president and CEO Duane Jebbett continues this legacy, encouraging all employees to become involved with charitable organizations.”

Among the employees who faced off in the cooking competition were Jessica Carpenter, Doug Corbin, Jeff Frasureand Samantha Stacy, whose team booth sported a Star Wars theme adorned by a “May the spork be with you” banner.

The annual event is just one way the company gives back to its community, Brown says.

“(Kremer) often said, ‘Leadership is best demonstrated by giving back to others.’ Nowhere is that more evident than at the company he founded, and (Jebbett) carries on this commitment,” he says. “Rowmark’s culture is rooted in giving back to others. Each year, Rowmark and its employees donate money and in-kind donations to charities throughout the community,” Brown says. “Rowmark’s involvement in these events not only helps a charitable organization, it also builds camaraderie between the employees. And, it’s fun, and having fun is one of Rowmark’s core values.”