Trans Ova’s Strong Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility

Trans Ova Genetics is dedicated to giving back to our communities and making the world a better place. As a company, we strive to hold ourselves to a higher standard and take care of our people, our communities, and our environment. This summer, we placed a special emphasis on our corporate social responsibility through flood cleanup efforts, a company-wide sock drive, and donations to a food bank.  

What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)? 

CSR refers to practices and policies undertaken by corporations intended to have a positive influence on the world. URUS companies break down their CSR priorities into three categories: no hunger, protect the planet, and no poverty. Along with our URUS sister companies, Trans Ova works hard to reach these goals.  

Flood cleanup efforts 

In June, Northwest Iowa experience significant flooding that caused extensive damage to the area, impacting at least 20 Trans Ova team members. Employees at our headquarters in Sioux Center, IA were quick to respond.  

Employees used over 300 hours of volunteering time off and reasonable time off to assist with relief efforts. Others coordinated donation boxes and collected much-needed items to support affected community members.  

Company-wide sock drive 

Socks are among the most requested items at homeless shelters across the country. In response to this need, our Corporate Social Responsibility Team organized a company-wide sock drive during the month of July. To increase participation and maximize our impact, we structured the drive as a friendly competition. The location that collected the most pairs of socks won a prize at the TOG Team Summit in August. Each location then donated their socks locally.  

Our Washington lab won the contest with 256 pairs of socks, with 1605 pairs donated company wide.  

Pie-in-the-face food bank fundraiser 

At each TOG Team Summit, Trans Ova is committed to giving back to the host community. This year, our initiative took the form of a pie-in-the-face fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting a local food bank.  

At the summit, we collected money in jars with team members’ names on them. The jar with the most money would receive a pie in the face, and the runner-up jar would throw the pie.  

In a unique turn of events, an additional jar with URUS CEO Paul Hunt’s name on it, which ultimately raised the most finds. As a result, Paul was allowed to select an additional team member to get pied alongside him. Paul agreed to further increase the total donation if three Ohio State alumni (‘Zero Staters’) volunteered to join him. Consequently, three team members, all Ohio State graduates, stepped forward to join Paul for a pie to the face. 

The team raised a total of $1,500 for Lacy Garden – Food Pantry, a subsection of St Vincent De Paul in Madison, WI.  

These initiatives highlight Trans Ova’s commitment to community support and teamwork. We take pride in supporting our team members, recognizing their dedication to helping others, and their strong alignment with Trans Ova’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.