Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee recently recognized twelve local businesses for their contributions to the community. These companies received the prestigious Community Impact awards at a back-to-school luncheon held Aug. 21st. The Community Impact awards are presented in recognition of the number of JA classes taught by employee volunteers in the 2007-2008 academic term.

Caterpillar Financial Services took the top award for the most JA classes taught by employees, totaling 133 classes last year. Other award winners included Deloitte, Publix Super Markets, Ford Motor Credit, Bridgestone, State Farm Insurance, HCA, Square D, HBSC, Ingram Industries, Ernst & Young and Gaylord Entertainment.

Participants and award recipients were treated to lunch in JA BizTown, where they heard presentations from JA President Trent Klingensmith, JA Volunteer of the Year Ami Harvey, and JA Corporate Liaison for Deloitte John Doerge. Doerge gave ideas for companies to recruit JA volunteers, while Harvey shared the passion she feels for JA, which led her to volunteer in 10 classes during 2007-2008.