Technology alone won’t make the world a better place. But people can.

So the saying goes. In Austin, this sense of altruism is one of the many reasons companies and people flock to the city. According to U.S. News and World Report, Austin is considered the best place to live in the USA due to its feasibility to find a job, high earning potential, quality schools, and community building.

This sense of public spirit is one reason that the world’s number one semiconductor and display equipment company, Applied Materials, expanded to Austin in 1992.

Now in its 50^th year, Applied Materials has a long history of making a positive impact in the Central Texas region and globally as well. In 2016, through community grants and matching employee donations, the Applied Materials Foundation donated more than $1.6 million to over 55+ Central Texas nonprofits and schools focused on environmental, arts, and education. In addition, Applied Materials employees dedicated more than 3,300 hours in volunteer service by mentoring low-income students to encourage them to attend college, delivering meals to the elderly, and feeding the homeless.

Recently, Applied Materials received the Cook Walden Community Relations Award. The honor, a category of the Greater Austin Business Awards program, recognizes an organization that demonstrates a successful approach to corporate social responsibility in the community.

“Our employees are dedicated to the company and to the community,” said Michele Walker-Moak, Community Affairs Manager of Applied Materials, Inc. “We support their efforts and work to build long-lasting relationships that help make Austin a stronger, more vibrant community. We are deeply honored to be recognized for this meaningful work that contributes to the heart of Austin.”

For more information on Applied Materials, visit their website here.

Blog image credit: @Applied_Blog

Pictured: Michele Walker-Moak (right) of Applied Materials, Inc. receives the Cook Walden Community Award from Kevin B. Hull (left) of Cook Walden.