14 Apr 11
Flatiron and Bridges to Prosperity announce five-year deal
Flatiron has announced a recent agreement signed with Bridges to Prosperity for a five-year strategic partnership to build at least a dozen footbridges.
The bridges will be built around the world as a means of reducing poverty caused by isolation. Flatiron said that the partnership reinforces its core values. including an emphasis on giving back to communities.
In partnership with Bridges to Prosperity, Flatiron will provide isolated communities with access to essential healthcare, education and economic opportunities by building footbridges over impassable or life-threatening river crossings.
"We know there are lots of needs, but we build bridges well and looking at the needs throughout the world, this partnership really brings a lot to villagers in third world countries and to our own people," said CEO Tom Rademacher. "It's the best team building experience I've ever been on."
Bridges to Prosperity's founder Ken Frantz said that Flatiron's results in Guatemala and Honduras had set a new standard Bridges to Prosperity.
The partnership helps struggling communities build much-needed infrastructure to improve local commerce, medical and educational access, while assisting Bridges to Prosperity's programme of expansion in Central America. The partnership also provides Flatiron with a platform to provide team-building and life-changing experiences for employees from across North America.
The challenge to build bridges with limited access to tools, equipment and electricity calls for problem-solving skills and innovation. Working side-by-side with local community members, Flatiron employees have begun sharing their expertise with local communities, and have helped Bridges to Prosperity develop a replicable suspension bridge design.
Flatiron and Bridges to Prosperity have been working together since the spring of 2010. The company has completed four footbridges ranging in spans from 41m to 59m.
The next Flatiron-Bridges to Prosperity footbridge projects are scheduled for construction in the first quarter of 2012 in Nicaragua. Flatiron will begin choosing two employee volunteer teams this summer.
More information can be found at:
www.bridgestoprosperity.org
www.flatironcorp.com/community