Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, was recently recognized by several local organizations for its commitment to a culture of community involvement and inclusion. The awards, which include those from local nonprofit and news publications, reflect Oatey’s ongoing support for its associates and the communities in which it operates.

As a winner of the 2021 Northeast Ohio Pillar Award, presented by Smart Business, Oatey was recognized for its outstanding contributions to the Northeast Ohio community. Oatey’s community engagement across Northeast Ohio is multi-faceted, ranging from formal corporate activities to grassroots, associate-driven initiatives. Examples from 2021 include volunteerism with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Cleveland Food Bank and FrontLine Services; company programs such as the Associate Matching Gifts Program, VeloSano sponsorship, and nonprofit board membership; and associate-driven activities, such as events with nonprofits like the Animal Protective League and Cleveland Rape Crisis Center.  

Among Oatey’s largest community partners in Northeast Ohio is VeloSano, a “Bike to Cure” event to support lifesaving cancer research at Cleveland Clinic. VeloSano recently honored Oatey with its “All In Award,” which is given annually to an individual, team or group for their exceptional efforts and contributions to VeloSano. Oatey has been a proud supporter of VeloSano since its inception in 2014, and 2021 marked the company’s largest impact yet. With 155 riders, virtual riders and volunteers at the company-sponsored rest stop, Team Oatey raised more than $145,000, putting it among the top 4 teams in terms of fundraising for the year.

Oatey has also remained focused on supporting its own associates through diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives throughout 2021, and the company was recently named a 2021 Crain’s Notable Business Championing in Diversity & Inclusion. The award is given to organizations in Northeast Ohio that lead by example and hold themselves and others accountable on diversity and inclusion initiatives, actively attempting to cultivate a culture of inclusion. Oatey’s DE&I efforts in the past year included the formalization of a robust DE&I strategy; establishment of a Women’s Resource Network; unconscious bias training; a pay equity audit; and a monthly Inclusion Forum series, featuring community partners and thought leaders in the DE&I space.

“Despite the challenges and disruptions of the past year, Oatey remains committed to living our values, giving back to our community and supporting one another,” said Neal Restivo, CEO at Oatey. “I want to thank our outstanding associates for their commitment to living out our company purpose to Deliver Quality, Build Trust, and Improve Lives, and congratulate them on the well-deserved recognition they have received for their efforts.”