ROME, N.Y. — Kris-Tech Wire celebrated its 40th anniversary in a big way by presenting a big check to the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley for its new Rome facility.
At an event on Wednesday, Aug. 14, the insulated copper wire and cable manufacturer presented a $500,000 check to the YMCA for its building project on several acres of land next to the Griffiss Business and Technology Park.
“This project began in 2018, with the city generously supporting the Y with a perfect location for our organization,” YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley CEO Hank Leo said in a statement. “The Y has been serving Rome and the surrounding communities for over 150 years, and this opportunity allows us to continue our mission in a greater capacity. We are eternally grateful for the support from Kris-Tech Wire for this generous gift, which will support our construction project.”
Kris-Tech President/CEO Graham Brodock noted the original donation was supposed to occur several years ago when the project was first announced, but it was delayed due to the pandemic. The check presentation now coincides with the YMCA’s planned groundbreaking later this year and Kris-Tech Wire’s anniversary celebration.
“What good are production and profit without participation,” Brodock posited. “We’re honored to make this contribution to an organization and team whose values so closely match our own. The YMCA impacts and supports so many individuals and families in our community. Helping bring this new facility to life will breathe even more vitality into our vibrant community.”
Once completed, the new YMCA facility will include a natatorium, lap pool, teaching pool, sauna, steam room, creator space, STEAM learning areas, a full gymnasium, group exercise studios, and an indoor track.
“We lost over half of our membership base during the pandemic, and we were shut down for just about five months, putting the project on hold during our recovery,” Leo said. “We’ve been working hard to restart this wonderful campaign and get the project going. It is with gifts such as this one that we were able to continue our fundraising efforts.”
The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley serves the greater Rome, Oneida, and Whitesboro areas as a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit with programs and services for the whole family.
Founded in August 1984 by Gerry and Glenn Brodock, Kris-Tech Wire manufactures insulated copper wire and cable products for building, commercial, utility, and solar applications.
Now in the third generation of family ownership, the company calls its way of doing business the Kris-Tech Way. That includes building long-lasting, supportive partnerships with coworkers, customers, partners, and the community.
“Everything we do begins and ends with our people,” Brodock said. “As long as we attract, hire, and develop the very best people, there are few things we won’t be able to do.”
Each year, the company volunteers in a wide range of community events including Rome’s Honor America Days parade, local Red Cross blood drives, and regional Relay for Life events. Additionally, the company participates in numerous volunteer projects including school supply and coat drives as well as charitable donations to local causes.
Headquartered in Rome where the company recently finished a building expansion project, Kris-Tech Wire also operates a facility in Houston, Texas.