John Deere, Moline, IL

John Deere is the leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery in the world. The company supports the arts as part of its strategic goal to enhance quality of life and to be in a better position to attract and retain employees in the many communities in which it operates worldwide.

Deere's support of the arts began in 1884 when the company underwrote the Deere Cornet Band, comprised of employee musicians who performed for fellow employees and the community. The company began a corporate art collection in 1964 by commissioning Reflections for an Era by Alexander Girard, now on display in the company's headquarters. The collection and the company's Eero Saarinen designed buildings on its Moline campus are enjoyed by employees and their families and thousands of community members. Deere now supports myriad arts and cultural institutions and arts festivals throughout Illinois. In addition, Deere employees provide countless volunteer hours annually by serving on the boards of arts organizations. Deere also provides grants, marketing and advertising support, as well as in-kind assistance to arts organizations large and small in its operating communities.

Deere's support of the arts has helped the company build employee and customer loyalty, encouraged other businesses to follow its lead and continues to enrich the arts and the quality of life in many communities throughout the United States and the world.