Helping Those in Need Can Help Your Business

Dan Blank -- Expert Business Source, 1/23/2007 8:11:00 AM

ZweigWhite takes a look at the value of community service for your business:

“Taking a step out of the A/E business world and into your community can ultimately become the best way to network and connect with your community. One way to do this is by participating in non-profit events.”

Canstruction is one community service event that blends the talents of architects and engineers, with the mission of fighting hunger. Teams compete by creating giant sculptures made out of cans. The food is later donated to local food banks for distribution to pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, elderly and day care centers.

The benefits of community involvement:

• Networking.
  Lisa Brothers, vice president and COO of Nitsch Engineering:
  “It's a great marketing opportunity because the majority of the firms that compete are architectural firms— a HUGE client base for us! We get to spend two days with them— one for the build-out and one for the take down (of the structures). Also, the local press covers the event and there is a huge gala event where we get to network with all the firms that participate.”
• Building staff morale.
  Pamela Bain, president of Bain Medina Bain, Inc.:
  “Various staff members get involved with the community by sitting on local boards or by becoming actively involved in the membership of civic, educational, cultural, and preservation organizations.”
• Helping others.
  Kirk DeLaMare, president and CEO of Mid-Valley Engineering:
  “For us, the biggest payoff is that MVE is well-known and respected within our industry and community. You can't put a dollar value on that… getting involved in non-profit work is an opportunity to get your firm's name familiar in the community, it is more importantly a service that is well-needed within many communities.”

Vicki Gerson of The National Federation of Independent Business adds one more benefit to this list: building leadership skills.

Be sure to check out over 1,000 photos of creative sculptures from Canstruction events.