Targacept’s focus on corporate responsibility has been unwavering as we translate vision into operational goals, establish and achieve challenging milestones, continually improve our financial performance, heighten efficiency through advanced technologies, attain high standards of individual performance, utilize the best business practices, improve shareholder value, and demonstrate a strong commitment to both our industry and community.
Beyond operational excellence, Targacept demonstrates its dedication to our industry and community. Our employees serve on numerous national, regional and local committees involved with biotechnology, economic development, education and workforce development, and many are adjunct faculty at prestigious universities. We are committed to science education through such programs as our Brain Awareness Week lecture series and Triad BioSummer, a unique program for students interested in biotechnology and entrepreneurship. Our employees serve as curriculum advisors, guest speakers, and science fair judges. Targacept provides tours for hundreds of teachers, students and business leaders each year to engage them in understanding our industry. We have developed a model program for internships which includes opportunities for students from high school through graduate school. Targacept is a top performer for the United Way and our employees are volunteers for numerous community endeavors.
As we continue to lead our industry through innovation, Targacept remains committed to our goal of improving lives through research and partnership while maintaining our devotion to strengthen our workforce, community and industry. We believe that’s a winning combination.
TargaCare Fund
In 2008, Targacept established a Donor-Advised Fund at the Winston-Salem Foundation, named the "TargaCare Fund." Nonprofit organizations which meet our guidelines and are working in our focus areas are invited to apply for funds. Applications are open in the spring and fall. Please click on the links below for our guidelines, our application form and complete information.
- Download Guidlines (PDF)
- Donwnload TargaCare Application (Word Document; click "Save" rather than "Open" when prompted)
Targacept and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Host Brain Awareness Week Activities in Winston-Salem
Nationally-recognized experts on ADHD, autism, conduct disorder, epilepsy, music, neuroscience and physics took part in Winston-Salem’s celebration of Brain Awareness Season 2009. Brain Awareness Week (BAW) 2009 was March 16-22 worldwide, and our local events took place in March and April. BAW events were presented in 76+ countries by 2,200+ organizations. The events highlight the wonders of the brain and nervous system, to help people of all ages and backgrounds understand wellness and illness involving the brain. BAW is organized by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives and the Society for Neuroscience to advance public awareness about the progress and benefits of brain research. This was the fifth year that Targacept and WFU's Brain Awareness Council have hosted Brain Awareness events. Eight events, an art exhibit and a brain art contest were featured this year. For more information, click here.
Targacept Supports Chamber's BioSummer Program
Targacept is pleased to help present BioSummer each summer, an important program for the future of biotechnology in North Carolina. BioSummer is a two-week, hands-on immersion program in biotechnology and entrepreneurship for rising eighth graders and rising juniors who may be interested in pursuing careers in the life sciences.
The program is held on the Wake Forest University and Atkins Biotechnology High School campuses, with field trips to area life sciences laboratories and special guest speakers on a variety of topics. The Technology Council of the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce coordinates the program.
The program was established in 2004 and has grown from 10 to 45 students (25 from high school and 20 from middle school). Students, teachers, parents, guest lecturers and field trip presenters are all pleased with the high caliber of the students in the program and the exciting BioSummer curriculum.
Targacept Builds a Habitat for Humanity House
To give back to the community in which we work and live, Targacept raised the funds and recruited the “people power” to build a house for Habitat for Humanity in Winston-Salem, NC. The Habitat Build took place in the summer of 2005 and our happy Habitat family of owners took occupancy of the house on November 10, 2005.
Targacept employees, families, friends, and colleagues worked side by side to construct the house. Many employees, suppliers, area merchants and friends donated funds, items and services to help with the underwriting. Two special events, TargaFest, a dinner auction held in April, and our Community Luncheon, held in May, also helped to generate funds for the project. The Habitat Project was successfully coordinated by Lori Jostes along with our Build Captains, Phil Hammond and Craig Miller.
Targacept Volunteers Raise Funds for Public Radio
Each spring and fall, a team of Targacept staffers volunteer at WFDD 88.5 FM for our National Public Radio Fall Fundraiser. The goal of the drive is to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the station's programming budget. WFDD serves the listening area in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point markets.
Targacept Staffers Support Memory Walk for Alzheimer's Disease
In recent years, Targacept staff have taken a leadership role in supporting the Memory Walk for our regional Alzheimer's Association. Targacept teams were top fundraisers in the 2008 and 2009 events.