By Kathryne Rakowski
Members of the Cicero American Legion Post 787 family gathered on Aug. 1 to welcome Micron to their community and celebrate Micron’s commitment to the legion and community as a whole.
The community gathered for the dedication of six flag poles to the legion; a pole for each flag of the six branches of the military.
The project was made possible by Micron’s new partnership with the legion, which is the largest post in New York State.
“This project was in the works and our community reached out to Micron to see if they would be willing to support it,” American Legion Commander Bruce Dauer said. “They graciously accepted and provided the funding for the six poles.”
Chief People Officer for Micron, April Arnzen, spoke at the dedication, pledging the commitment of Micron to the community, and the importance of supporting the veterans in the area.
“We appreciate and are so grateful for your sacrifice,” she said. “This is one very small way we can thank you.”
Arzen went on to express Micron’s eagerness to get involved in the CNY area.
“This community is very important to Micron and we know how important helping the community is,” Arnzen said. “We look forward to doing that and getting to know more of you.”
A small reception and meeting followed the ceremony.
Baldwinsville native and Army Veteran Paul Kulba attended the event with his wife, Kathy. They shared their excitement for the partnership with Micron and the new flags displayed.
“I think it’s an honor that they put the flags here at the legion and that Micron is getting so close to our community,” Paul Kulba said.
The flags can be viewed in the Veterans Memorial Park outside of the legion.
This is just one of many events and outreach efforts Micron has made recently.
Over the summer Micron supported a Chips Camp at Onondaga Community College, giving children and opportunity to learn and take part in hands out activities giving them insight into the work Micron does.
The first days of August were also filled with activity.
On Aug. 1 Micron introduced “DECONSTRUCTED: Semiconductors and Other Secrets Inside Everyday Technology,” a new permanent exhibit at the MOST.
At 6 p.m. Micron hosted the most recent in a series of open houses to discuss the environmental review process and seek community input.
The event began with opening remarks from Micron and officials from Onondaga County and Town of Clay.
Following a project overview presentation from Micron, the public had the opportunity to engage directly with Micron staff at various booths and discuss a range of topics and issues.
Aug. 2 also saw Micron hold the inagural gathering of the Micron Community Engagement Committee a the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central.
The committee met for the first time to discuss the community priorities document and conducted small group discussions.
Also on Aug. 2 at the North Area Family YMCA a gathering was held to share an update on Micron’s commitment to early childhood development and daycare.
According to a press release from Micron, the company believes having accessible, affordable and high-quality early childcare options is vital to attracting and retaining talented employees.
Joined by local leaders, Micron discussed the company’s initial exploration of these options in Central New York.
