A Minnesota National Guardsman who mentors high school students and a Wisconsin woman who volunteers at the local food pantry and works to preserve historic buildings are among the dozens of Bryant Community Heroes recently honored by Bryant distributor Auer Steel and two Bryant Factory Authorized Dealers.
The Bryant Community Heroes program honors ordinary people doing extraordinary things in their community and those selected receive a new Bryant high efficiency gas furnace with installation provided by a Bryant dealer. Bryant, a supplier of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment, is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp.
Community Heroes program
Auer Steel, a Bryant distributor, has run the Community Heroes program for the past three years, providing approximately 30 free furnaces each year to deserving families across Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Upper Michigan.
Alan Lee, who serves with the Minnesota National Guard and volunteers to mentor local youth, and Helen Thomson, who for decades has been known as a tireless champion of her small, tight-knit community in Winneconne, Wisconsin, are among the dozens named as Community Heroes this year by Auer Steel.
Nearly everyone in our community knows Helen and what she means to our town"
“Neighbors like Alan are what make the Twin Cities a wonderful place to call home, and we’re thrilled with the opportunity to honor his commitment to our country and community with this new Bryant home comfort system,” said Ross Erickson, Owner/President, Air Mechanical, a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer.
Honoring commitment
Thomson for years has been the backbone of the local food pantry, and has been instrumental in preserving the community’s architectural history with her role on the city’s historic preservation committee.
“Nearly everyone in our community knows Helen and what she means to our town, so this is a wonderful way to honor her commitment to make Winneconne a great place to live and to keep her family comfortable for many years to come,” said Jeff Ryf, owner of Ryf Heating & Air Conditioning, a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer.
New Bryant furnaces
Auer Steel, who organizes the program across the four-state region, expressed gratitude for the role Bryant dealers played in selecting Community Heroes and for installing the donated products.
“We are honored and excited to be able to share our expertise in home comfort by providing new Bryant furnaces to these deserving members of our community,” said Laura Tofte, Director of Marketing, Auer Steel. “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season and to give back to the communities where we do business.”
