To Give Is to Receive

 

Businesses involved in their communities find that giving has its own rewards, as illustrated by this year's finalists for the Corporate Stewardship Award for Small/Midsize Business presented by the U.S. Chamber's Business Civic Leadership Center. (See the cover story to learn about award winner ChoicePoint Inc.)

 

Banco Popular North America (BPNA)
What it does: In 2005, BPNA launched a corporate foundation that is funded by its employees and a matching gift from BPNA. The foundation distributes funds in the community, donating to a variety of small grassroots organizations, including those that serve children and immigrants. BPNA also participates in lending and financial education seminars throughout the country.

 

How it benefits: "We benefit when our employees return from volunteering feeling good about who we are, what we do, and how we can use their talents in the community," says Chris Summers, senior vice president and executive director of the Banco Popular Foundation. "That employee empowerment has been critical. And certainly being out there opens up business opportunities for us. We can identify which organizations might benefit from our services."

 

 

Greyston Bakery
What it does: Greyston Bakery in Yonkers, New York, started as a neighborhood bakery in 1982 and has grown into a 65-employee business with annual revenues of more than $6 million. It is the sole supplier of brownies for Ben & Jerry's. Greyston provides employment and job training for hard-to-employ Yonkers' residents because of previous incarceration, drug use, or lack of experience. Participants in Greyston's Alternative Pathways for Young Adults program had a 90% graduation rate compared with the public school's 40%. Greyston Bakery's profits are donated to the Greyston Foundation and to other nonprofit affiliates that offer support services to the community. Services include affordable rental housing, child care, HIV/AIDS day programs, and community gardens. More than 2,100 individuals and families benefit from these programs annually.

 

How it benefits: Greyston seeks to maximize profits so that it can carry out its core nonprofit mission. "We were founded as a nonprofit with a dual bottom line-we prioritize both profits and social contributions," says Christopher Percopo, grants manager at Greyston Bakery. "The more money our bakery makes, the more we can help the community. When you buy from Greyston, you're not just helping our bottom line-you're investing in the community of Yonkers."

 

 

PAETEC
What it does: At PAETEC of Fairport, New York, employees suggest which local charities the company should support. In 2006, PAETEC donated more than $500,000 to charities through this localized strategy, aiding such projects as a diabetes walk in Rochester, New York; a safety fair in Camden, New Jersey; and a nationwide toy drive for Iraqi children with the Army Corps of Engineers. 

 

How it benefits: "Our employees strongly believe in the 'quadruple play,' which is finding ways to benefit our shareholders, customers, employees, and community," says PAETEC Chairman and CEO Arunas A. Chesonis. "Being good corporate citizens helps us accomplish this because engaged employees provide better customer service, which usually results in increased shareholder value. We are in business to be profitable, but everyone at PAETEC understands the importance of giving back to the community."

 

 

Symetra Financial
What it does: Symetra Financial donates to programs that support emerging market development, community disaster preparedness, and education, among others. Through its ongoing Community Series, Symetra has partnered with local radio stations and organizations to develop content for podcasts, Web sites, and broadcast programs on topics such as childhood obesity, veterans programs, and global poverty.

 

How it benefits: "Let's face it, an insurance company's product is basically trust. You gain trust by being heavily involved in the community," says Stan Emert, director of corporate social responsibility at Symetra. "Our basic theory is that we don't just give money. We're involved in every entity we donate to. We lend professional experience wherever we can."