Tech Citizenship

Shillman

Cognex Corp. has a “work hard, play hard” corporate culture that is reflected in its charitable undertakings, by supporting education projects in local communities where it has offices.

“We support the Natick Education Foundation, that funds special projects in the public schools that can’t be funded in a public school budget,” spokesperson Robin Pratt says. “We also make other donations across the country to aid the blind, including Massachusetts.”

Officials also sponsor community celebration and recreation projects, like refurbishing a community center.

Cognex CEO Robert Shillman raised a few eyebrows when he donated his salary and bonus to charity. While traveling, he sent an e-mail to explain why he decided to forgo taking a salary again after giving it up to save jobs at the company: “After 2001, when business picked up again, I found I didn’t miss having the salary, so I asked the company to give it to a public charity instead.”

The Natick-based company rewards employees for longevity through its Perseverance Award program. But the big payoff is a way to help employees give back even more to the community.

After 25 years, the company opens up a $25,000 charitable giving account in the employee’s name, which allows them to donate to the IRS-approved charity of their choice.

“It’s saying thank you for everything you’ve contributed for the company, and it’s also a way to thank the families for all the sacrifices they’ve made,” Pratt said.

— James Zipadelli is a freelance writer based in Boston.

Citizenship Facts

Cognex Corp.

Total cash contributions in New England in 2006: $624,995

Number of volunteer hours in New England in 2006: N/A

In-kind contributions of equipment and services in New England: N/A

Principal recipients of charitable activities in 2006: FIRST robotics competition, Natick Education Foundation; Community recreation projects where Cognex maintains offices: Natick; Duluth, Ga.; Portland, Ore.; Alameda, Calif.; Milwaukee, Wis

Interesting philanthropic activities: Cognex’s donations support primarily education projects in the local communities where it maintain offices (projects include sponsoring FIRST robotics teams, engineer mentors, purchasing equipment for science labs and classrooms, funding project grants for teachers), and community celebration and recreation projects such as Fourth of July community fireworks, and helping to refurbish community recreation center.

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