Semiconductor chooses Friend-Chip
HUNTER DWORACZYK [email protected]
As its fab plant inches closer to becoming operational, Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s reach in the community widens.
The semiconductor hosted a Friend-Chip event at the Taylor Mansion Wednesday, Sept. 20. The ceremony served as a chance to celebrate local nonprofits.
Samsung Austin Semiconductor is a local subsidiary of South Korean-based Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Their Taylor plant, which is referred to as the T-Project, is expected to be completed in 2024.
“Being a good corporate citizen is about co-prosperity,” said Sungwoo Shin, executive vice president of the T-Project. “Samsung wants to make sure our communities in which we call home, grow and thrive along with us. We are humbled and honored to call each of you in this room our friends and partners.”
Jon Taylor, the semiconductor’s corporate vice president of fab engineering and public affairs, spoke about the company’s efforts to financially help nonprofits in the area.
He said the semiconductor has supported 44 community organizations that serve the city and Eastern Williamson County. This investment totaled $1,520,000 this year.
Taylor added that this number represents about 93,000 locals who were impacted by the investments.
“We believe that continued partnerships and initiatives with nonprofit organizations such as those in this room will be vital to supporting the community ecosystem that will grow and expand along with Samsung,” Taylor said.
All of the community organizations were listed as honorees in the celebration. Honorees included groups such as Boys and Girls Club of East Williamson County, Shepherd’s Heart and Good Life Taylor.
Additionally, a handful of local elected officials attended including Texas House Representative Caroline Harris, Texas House Representative Terry Wilson, Williamson County Commissioner Terry Cook and Taylor Independent School District School Board President Marco Ortiz.
Mayor Brandt Rydell said he appreciates Samsung’s generosity and their help with enabling community nonprofits to continue their missions of making the city more equitable for its residents.
While giving remarks at the ceremony, Rydell recalled discussions with the semiconductor company on how engaged Samsung would be in forming strong partnerships in Taylor.
“Part of those discussions were about local organizations, nonprofits that are the boots on the ground doing the real valuable work here in the city of Taylor,” Rydell said. “Those organizations strengthen the fabric of our community and are what make Taylor, Taylor.”
