Union Square - Somerville Community Blog

The Good of Groundwork: A More Sustainable Somerville

Posted by Mark Pedersen on Fri, Dec, 03, 2010 @ 10:12 AM

groundwork mikes auto repair somervilleHere at Mike’s Automotive, we’re committed to supporting local groups and businesses. We also love promoting green projects and services that benefit the environment. That's why last month we decided to help support one of our favorite local non-profits, Groundwork Somerville, with our Boston green oil change

Groundwork Somerville is on a mission to “empower people to live healthier, happier, and more prosperous lives.” Like Mike’s Automotive, Groundwork Somerville focuses strongly on the local community.  They organize events like the recent “Green-A-Thon,” where Groundwork Somerville volunteers worked to beautify the city of Somerville and clean-up the environment. Their programs include: healthy education; green jobs and job training; and sustainable community.

At Mike’s we love that Groundwork Somerville supports local initiatives, promotes strengthening our community, and helps the environment, all in one non-profit organization! We also support local businesses, the community, and of course, efforts to make our city greener - because Mike’s Automotive is locally owned and sustainable as well!

Are you a Boston-area organization working to better the community or the environment? Give us a heads-up in the comments - we’d love to know about it and feature you on the Mike's Automotive community blog!

Tags: Sustainability, Boston Sustainable Auto Repair, Sustainable Somerville, Green Initiatives, Green Oil Change

Green Tweets and a Happy Ending: How Twitter Saved the Day!

Posted by Mark Pedersen on Fri, Aug, 20, 2010 @ 14:08 PM

Here at Mike's we are proud to have always supported our beloved home of Somerville! We try to help out community organizations whenever we can.

Last week we learned just how quickly this can happen in the Web 2.0 world.

I was on our twitter account - @mikesautosvc - and noticeAuto Repair Somerville   Twitter Round resized 600d that one of our followers put out a call for help. @GWSomerville needed help with their green JOBS program.

I sent an e-mail right away, asking how we at Mike's could help. I heard back from Jennifer Lawrence, Executive Director at Groundwork Somerville in no time. The green JOBS program is amazing! GWS provides jobs and training to low-income and at-risk youth.

Creating green jobs and supporting local kids? You know we're on-board!

Within minutes of our discussion I notified Jennifer that Mike's would donate $500 to support the green JOBS program!

The crazy thing is - this never would have happened without Twitter.

It is a great lesson in how Web 2.0 technologies have revolutionized business.

Twitter is a powerful tool which can be used by businesses, non-profits and everyday citizens to connect - in real-time. The convergence of brand management and community relations is here and it's real.

So, no more excuses! Civic engagement is only one click away.

And if you haven't done so yet - it's time to tweet! Get on-board and get connected with your community.

You just might have a little fun...and make big difference!

Tags: What's Hot, Green Initiatives