As I was reading the Sunday Atlanta Journal Constitution, I came across an article in the business section that  intrigued me.  It said "Atlanta Company Bucks Trend, Believes in Paying for College".   As I read on, I was amazed to find out it was one of our favorite lighting and home furnishings vendors, Currey and Company!

Brownlee Currey, who runs the company stated that CEO's generally look at tuition programs  from an expense point of view and don't look at all of the benefits.  Currey offers a full-ride education for all employees! Unlike many companies that tie education to job skills, Currey and Co. allows employees to study whatever they want without an agreement to remain with the company upon graduation.

Brownlee estimates that in the last 12 years the company has spent $250,000 educating about 4 dozen workers.  That doesn't include the salary for the company's education coordinator, Lauren Gold.   Currey and Company is also building a classroom with 6 computers where Lauren will offer in-house training.   She teaches English as a Second Language and Citizenship classes that have benefitted Asian and Latin American employees.

One employee, Tung Pham, the production manager at Currey and Co. said "If we didn't have the education program I would not have my career today."  He emigrated from Vietnam to Atlanta and started working in the packing department 10 years ago.  He now manages 25 workers and plans to use the company benefit to get a college degree in the IT field.  He stated,  "I want to learn in the future so I can give back to the company.  I see my life here."

Currey says "free education instills a sense of loyalty in Currey and Company employees.  People who engage in these programs tend to be the highest functioning employees, optimistic, helpful and smart people who will develop the skills to move ahead."

Currey plans to extend the education benefit to the company's 750 factory workers in the Philippines!

Currey has been very generous in donating to our Room Service Atlanta projects and our upcoming Dwell with Dignity project (more of that exciting information coming soon).  They also participate in several industry events.  Their most recent is  With it,  The 2014 Hampton Designer Showhouse, Design Camp, and The Design Blogger's Conference.

This just confirmed to me think that giving back really is what life is all about and we would like to extend an offer to you!   For any Currey and Company lighting item purchased through Kandrac & Kole between now and October 1, 2014,  10% of the profits will go to our Guatemala fund to build another home for a family in need.

Click here to start shopping.  Email us at info@kandrac-kole.com and tell us the item number(s) you are interested in for pricing and availability.   Items can be shipped directly to you!!

Joann