Corporate Volunteerism Takes Center Stage
Hundreds turn out for LM’s Corporate Volunteer Awards Luncheon
“Know that you, too, are a force for good. It starts here with each of you, business and organizations, both small and large, making meaningful connections…” Keynote speaker, Jerome Tennille, Manager of Volunteerism, Marriott International.
Last week, nearly 250 local leaders convened to recognize excellence in corporate community involvement at the Corporate Volunteer Awards (CVA) Luncheon. This event, the first of its kind since Leadership Montgomery expanded to include the work of the Corporate Volunteer Council Program, recognized everyday champions in Montgomery County’s thriving business community for all it does to support our community through employee volunteerism.
Jennifer Hester, Vice President of Human Relations at The Emmes Corporation, the presenting sponsor of the luncheon, set the tone nicely saying, “Corporate volunteerism is what our communities want; it’s what is needed; it’s what should be expected, and, it should be an intentional part of every organization’s strategic business plan.” Leadership Montgomery’s Corporate Volunteer Council program is designed specifically to help businesses meet this goal and the CVA Luncheon is where we shine a light on this work.
We were so pleased to present the following awards:
Evolving Employee Volunteer Program: The Donohoe Companies
Innovative Employee Volunteer Program: Burness
Partnership of the Year: e-Management & A Wider Circle
Andrea Jolly President’s Award: Healthcare Initiative Foundation– Thriving Germantown
Of course, it is thanks to generous sponsors such as The Emmes Corporation, Marriott International, Pepco, an Exelon Company, the David and Mikel Blair Family Foundation, and many others.
During his keynote address, Jerome Tennille, Manager of Volunteerism at Marriott International– one of Montgomery County’s largest employers– shared that whether businesses are engaging associates in episodic service or encouraging executives to serve on nonprofit boards of directors, corporate volunteerism is one of the greatest demonstrations of democracy in action – playing a vital role in shaping the community where we live, work, and play. Tennille reminded attendees that it is critical for businesses of all sizes to be in community with one another to exchange best practices in corporate social responsibility, as well as to connect with and understand the needs of our local nonprofit community.
“I believe that your time is one of the most precious things to give another person or a community. We’re not promised tomorrow, and unlike a dollar bill, you can’t get your time back. Because of that, volunteering your most precious resource – your employees, your human capital – can be one of the greatest demonstrations of your values as a company.”
To learn more about Leadership Montgomery’s Corporate Volunteer Council Program, contact Sarah Burnett, sarah.burnett@leadermont.org, 301-881-3333.
Posted February 7, 2018