Conveyor Handling Company was the lead sponsor of the recent 11th Annual Scrabble Fundraiser for Literacy. A leading material handling distributor located on the southwest side of Baltimore, Conveyor Handling takes an active interest in the local community. Recently, we asked the company’s president and Adult Learning Advisory Board member Jean Rittermann to tell us a bit more about her company and her own involvement with the Greater Homewood Adult Learning Center.
Tell us a bit about Conveyor Handling Company.
Conveyor Handling Company has been a leading material handling distributor since 1974. The company is located on the southwest side of Baltimore and has 49 employees. We have partnered with private and public companies of every industry nationwide, as well as government agencies, offering cost-effective customized material handling solutions that increase productivity, efficiency, and profit. In addition to our in-house sales, engineers, and installation crews, who will work with you during every phase of your project, Conveyor Handling Company also has a full time service department. Our 13 experienced service technicians and our fleet of fully equipped vans with a large inventory of parts for most conveyor manufacturers can provide conveyor service and preventative maintenance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with 2 – 3 hour response time.
What core values does Conveyor Handling strive to adhere to?
Conveyor Handling has always believed that our growth and success over the last 38 years is due largely to the hard work, commitment, and conscientiousness of its employees. Even though the company has grown to a staff of 49, the management tries to maintain a “family” atmosphere, while striving for excellence and making customer service and satisfaction a priority. We continually convey to the employees the valuable role they play in the day to day operation of the company.
What prompted you to become a supporter of the Greater Homewood Adult Learning Center?
I had been an Advisory Board member for the Center for Adult Literacy and Learning (Project CALL) located in the Govans area of Baltimore City for more than 10 years. When its founder and director, Sr. Mary Delia Spitznagel, suffered a stroke, it was necessary for her to step down. However, Sister realized that there remained a great need for adult literacy services in this city neighborhood and asked the Board to investigate ways to keep the center operational. It was an exciting time for Project CALL when we discovered that the Greater Homewood Adult Learning Center was looking to expand its services in this area. After several months of planning and discussions, Greater Homewood was able to absorb Project CALL and continue classes. At this time, I was approached by Greater Homewood and invited to join their Board during this transition process.
Why do you believe it’s important for businesses to support a nonprofit like GHCC?
Businesses are comprised and managed by individuals. When these individuals reflect on the opportunities and successes of their lives and realize how truly fortunate and blessed they are, being able to say thank you becomes a very important goal for them. Not only does it give you a way to “give back” but it also brings you an inner happiness. It helps you to see the bigger picture of life. For someone who truly enjoyed going to school and who recognizes the valuable role that education plays in life, supporting a non-profit like GHCC only made sense. The programs offered at GHCC will give someone the opportunity to experience the enjoyment I felt in school. And he or she will have the chance to learn reading and communication skills that will enable him or her to become an independent and successful member of his or her family and community. It seems that supporting GHCC is a win-win for everyone.