As a supporter of Bethel Bible Village for many years, the family and staff at Southern Champion tray have given time, talents, and treasures to the ministry. Now in its third generation of leadership, Southern Champion Tray, founded in 1927, is now one of the largest, independent competitors in the paperboard packaging industry.
For Bruce Zeiser, Executive Vice President, and his family, it is their mission to serve their team and their community well, leading with a christ-like example to give back. Likewise, Bruce explains that it is the mission of Bethel that connects them with the ministry and the motivation for their continued support. “It is not that they are just caring for children, they are equipping children to understand who Jesus is and his purpose for them.”
From serving lunches and providing monthly birthday presents for the kids, to fully funding the construction of Champion Pavilion located on Bethel’s campus, SCT has been an integral supporter for Bethel through the years. Their team has been dedicated to not only supporting the mission, but serving as an active component to the efforts of leadership and staff.
Kevin Cardwell, Corporate Controller for Southern Champion Tray, serves as Treasurer on the Board of Trustees. Recently fostering a new generation of supporters, Bruce has positioned Ralph Romero, Chief People Officer, to lead new team members in continuing efforts for even more ways SCT can make an impact. Being new to the Chattanooga community, Ralph was energized to learn of ways he could make a difference, and what his motivation was for becoming involved. “For me, it is the connection of the two missions; they are aligned and there is an understanding that there is a bigger purpose for what you are doing with these young minds,” Ralph explained.
As Bruce and his brother, John, continue to lead Southern Champion Tray to success, their sight is set on giving back, and specifically with Bethel, to build community and partnership to make an impact. When speaking about efforts of the Bethel team to remain a valuable resource in the community over the last seventy years, Bruce admires the longevity of the organization. “Bethel has woven its efforts in the business community broadly and that has connected the community to what you are doing and the reason for the organization’s health for so long.”