Retailer to help bring FIRST to more communities as Mike Ullman lends extensive leadership experience
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- FIRST([R]) (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a non-profit organization created to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology, announced today that JCPenney (NYSE: JCP) has become a Strategic Partner and the company's Chairman and CEO Myron E. (Mike) Ullman, III has been appointed to the FIRST Board of Directors. A Strategic Partner represents the highest sponsorship level granted by FIRST and recognizes an organization's comprehensive commitment through financial contributions, in-kind donations, technology resources, training and volunteerism. JCPenney is currently one of 12 Strategic Partners that provide key support to keep FIRST robotics programs moving forward.
"Mike Ullman brings a wealth of business, strategic and retail expertise to the FIRST Board of Directors," said Walt Havenstein, Chairman of the Board of FIRST and CEO at SAIC. "Mike joins a board that is truly representative of how FIRST is positioned for continued growth and success. FIRST has the potential to be an integral part of an era for America to remain economically competitive through the next generation of leaders who are developing critical-reasoning and problem-solving skills that will help us remain productive. With Mike's participation, FIRST can further the goal of inspiring young people to be science and technology leaders."
JCPenney has supported FIRST at a corporate level since 2008 and is the title sponsor for the FIRST Robotics Competition Dallas Regional as well as this past season's sponsor of 60 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC([R])) teams. Each sponsored team is linked to a local JCPenney store or distribution center that is directly involved in providing support and assistance while students prepare for regional competitions. JCPenney's sponsorship marks the beginning of the company's philanthropic goal to introduce FIRST to more schools and communities throughout the U.S. and encourage greater participation among minority and female students. JCPenney's legacy of working with youth organizations through its signature charity, JCPenney Afterschool, helps make it possible for more students to become involved in life-enriching learning opportunities.
"JCPenney has been named a FIRST Strategic Partner for their commitment to advancing our organization's mission `to build science, engineering and technology skills among all students,'" said Dean Kamen, FIRST founder. "Through the resources of 1,100 JCPenney locations in small and large cities across America, the academic sport of robotics competitions will grow and make a lasting impression on students' education and career choices."
"FIRST is an extracurricular activity that aligns with JCPenney's philanthropic mission of supporting youth development through positive afterschool opportunities," said Ullman, chairman and chief executive officer of JCPenney. "We understand how important it is that we provide our nation's youth with experiences that inspire innovation and cultivate a passion for science and engineering. As a retailer whose operations rely on technological advancements, JCPenney is committed to securing a future of highly skilled innovators."
Mike Ullman has served as chairman and CEO of JCPenney since 2004 and has considerable domestic and international retail management experience. Additionally, Ullman serves as a director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and is the presiding independent director of Starbucks Coffee Company. He serves on the Retail Industry Leaders Association Board of Directors. Ullman is also Chairman of the Board of Mercy Ships International, a global medical and human services charity.
About JCPenney
JCPenney is one of America's leading retailers, operating 1,109 department stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as one of the largest apparel and home furnishing sites on the Internet, jcp.com, and the nation's largest general merchandise catalog business. Through these integrated channels, JCPenney offers a wide array of national, private and exclusive brands which reflect the Company's commitment to providing customers with style and quality at a smart price. Traded as "JCP" on the New York Stock Exchange, the Company posted revenue of $17.6 billion in 2009 and is executing its strategic plan to be the growth leader in the retail industry. Key to this strategy is JCPenney's "Every Day Matters" brand positioning, intended to generate deeper, more emotionally driven relationships with customers by fully engaging the Company's approximately 150,000 Associates to offer encouragement, provide ideas and inspire customers every time they shop with JCPenney.
About FIRST([R])
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from three out of every five Fortune 500 companies and more than $12 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST([R]) Robotics Competition (FRC([R])) and FIRST([R]) Tech Challenge (FTC([R])) for high-school students, FIRST([R])LEGO([R]) League (FLL([R])) for 9 to 14-year-olds, (9 to 16-year-olds outside the U.S and Canada) and Junior FIRST([R]) LEGO([R]) League (Jr.FLL[TM]) for 6 to 9-year-olds. Gracious Professionalism[TM] is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org.
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