COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
ZymoGenetics employees have an enthusiasm for sharing their talents in the community. Employees are active volunteers in a wide range of projects and devote many hours of service to the communities in which they work and live. Some projects are science related, such as the Student Biotech Expo and Bryant Elementary School Science Fair, to encourage the scientists of tomorrow. With the belief that students need excellent science programs as well as inspiration from career scientists, ZymoGenetics scientists volunteer to mentor students in local schools.
Others are involved in healthcare and social
service agencies, such as the Arthritis
Foundation, Northwest Harvest, Operation
Nightwatch and Senior Wellness Program.
Our employees are also active committee
participants in the Seattle Aquarium, Shoreline
Community College/Biotech Program, University
of Washington, WBBA (Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association), Washington Biotech
Foundation, Western Washington University
and other organizations.
Throughout the Company's 26-year history,
ZymoGenetics has been an active supporter
of community-based activities and has encouraged
employee participation. The Company established
a "Volunteer Spirit" program that includes
paid volunteer time for each employee, up
to two days per year, to encourage participation
in nonprofit volunteer activities.
A commitment to the community is evident. ZymoGenetics' annual employee charity auction raises funds for local nonprofit agencies. The Company donates new and used lab equipment to schools, provides summer internships for undergraduate students and offers school group tours to introduce students to opportunities in science. Throughout the year, high school students are brought in through Youthforce to work in administrative support positions. ZymoGenetics also offers job shadows through programs such as the Ballard Biotechnology Academy.
In addition, ZymoGenetics is concerned about the environment. The company has a number of programs to encourage alternatives to single occupancy vehicle commuting to work. For those efforts, ZymoGenetics received the Washington State Department of Transportation Diamond Award in July 2007. Many long-distance commuters catch trains or ferries and ride in vans from the station or ferry terminal to work. In May 2007, fifty ZymoGenetics employees participated in the Bike to Work Month Challenge, racking up 8,176 miles, reducing CO2 by approximately 8,177 lbs. and burning up 272,560 calories in the process.
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