NAME(S) ON TILE:                 THE CILOETS - WOMEN OF USX

DONOR NAME(S):                   THE CILOETS

WHAT ARE THE CILOETS?

In February, 1942, Carnegie-Illinois (a subsidiary of USX Corporation, formerly United States Steel Corporation) established a training course for 15 non-management female employees of its Pittsburgh General Offices.  The 14-week course encompassed information on the steelmaking process and tours to five company-owned plants.  The course proved to be so successful that the participants wished to keep it concept alive.  Most importantly, the women appreciated the opportunity to learn more about their company; but they also enjoyed their new-found friendships.

The first “graduates” of the course formed a club and began holding monthly dinner meetings to which key management personnel were invited to participate as guest speakers.  Management was very responsive and openly discussed a wide variety of business-related topics.  In time, the women chose a name to identify their organization.  By using the initial letters of Carnegie-ILlinois Office Employees Training, they officially became known throughout the corporation as The Ciloets.

Because of favorable response, the company continued to sponsor the training course.  Upon completion, participants were invited to become members of The Ciloets.  Eventually the company-sponsored course ended, but The Ciloets organization continued to grow as it began extending membership invitations to women of the Pittsburgh General Office.  New members were excited about the prospects of learning more about their company and becoming better acquainted with the members of management who continued to be invited as guest speakers.  In keeping with tradition, the organization continues to induct up to 15 new members every September and February.  The basic requirement for membership is being, or having been, employed by USX Corporation or its subsidiaries.

Through the years, the main focus of The Ciloets has been to invite members of the corporation’s management team to share their wealth of knowledge, but the organization’s interests have also branched out into the community life around them.  Its secondary focal point is to lend a helping hand to others.  For years, The Ciloets donated support money to Indian children in Arizona, and participated in making doll clothing and filling boxes of personal care items for the needy.  In 1979, they officially established a Charity-at-Home Committee, whose responsibility it is to oversee the charitable efforts on behalf of the organization.  All monies utilized by this committee are raised from The Ciloets membership through creative fundraising activities, seldom seeking offers from outside sources.  Through its generosity, the organization has, and continues to, give financial support to underprivileged children, organ transplant recipients, and local food banks and shelters; they also provide holiday meals, grocery store certificates and gifts to needy individuals/families.  It should be noted that particular attention has always been focused on the needs of fellow corporate families as well as area steelworkers and their families.

“Caring, sharing and giving” - that’s the CILOET way!