Tom & Mayme Scott

In 1964, Tom Scott created the nonprofit Scott Foundation, which carries out a variety of initiatives every year.

When Scott Equipment celebrated its 50th anniversary, Betty Cummins, Chairman of Scott Equipment’s Board of Directors, and her father began a tradition of annually awarding scholarships to 4-H students selected by local 4-H agents.

The foundation initially granted one-time, $1,000 scholarships to students in 30 northern Louisiana parishes. Now the program covers all of Louisiana and the southern half of Arkansas. “Right now we’re up to 80-plus 4-H scholarships every year, and it’s been going on for 25 years,” Betty Cummins said.

Five years ago, the foundation also began awarding employees’ children $1,500 scholarships, renewable for four years. Last year that program funded 40 students. It is the foundation’s hope that this program will continue to grow as a benefit to Scott employees.

In addition, “We give every year wherever our footprint is,” said Jim Bershen, Scott Equipment’s CEO. “We make contributions to universities and hospitals, and each branch has a budget that they put back within their own community.”

According to Betty, “My mother and father always said the foundation was the best thing they ever did.” And the community has taken notice.

In 2010, the Monroe Chamber of Commerce created an awards program to honor companies making significant contributions to the economy in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, through capital improvements, expansion, job creation, and community involvement. It named the program the Thomas H. Scott Awards of Excellence. Sue Nicholson, Chamber President and CEO, said, “The businesses recognized with this award demonstrate the principles and values that Mr. Scott embodied in his life and in his work.”