December 6, 2019
Whether they are global or local, businesses of any size have the power to make an impact on the communities where they reside. Today, many businesses are realizing the shared impact they can have by doing good for society and for their business. The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce Foundation has made a strategic shift to create a platform that celebrates, encourages and inspires our businesses’ engagement in the community. The good news is the tradition that already exists, but the challenge is to have an even greater impact and to tell our story better. The inaugural Corporate Citizenship Forum was a full day dedicated to this movement towards social responsibility, what it means to the business world and how companies create value in giving back.
At the forum, Michael Jacobson, President & CEO of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, described corporate citizenship as, “creating value for business by being good and doing good.” Speakers from greater Arlington and all over the country gathered together to share their insights on how and why businesses should be good corporate citizens.
MAIN STAGE
The morning was kicked-off with a presentation from Marc DeCourcey, Senior Vice President of the United States Chamber of Commerce Foundation. He provided insight into the best ways to have an impact and how to find your own superpower. Hannah Nokes, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) consultant from Austin, shared the latest trends and a process for mapping your future based on key principles and strategies. A full recap of their insights into the world of corporate citizenship will be available soon.
All the participants came back together for lunch to hear an inspiring and informative conversation between Rose Bradshaw of the North Texas Community Foundation and Shelly Esque, a former executive of Intel and former President of the Intel Foundation. Rose and Shelly discussed Intel’s strategic decision to bridge the gender digital gap in Africa by creating a program to bring 5 million African women on-line.
The day closed with Terry Gaines, Chairman of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce Foundation, giving a call to action. He asked everyone in attendance to commit to making our community better through corporate citizenship.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
VALUE TO BUSINESS: Allan Beck from Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital of Arlington and Jim Ross from the Jim Ross Law Group, discussed how engaging in the community brings value to your business. Michael Jacobson moderated the insightful discussion. Jim Ross shared that he creates value by always considers the impact on his community, his employees and his customers on every decision to engage in the community.
DEVELOPING GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPATION: Randal Rose, JP Morgan Chase, led a breakout session about developing guidelines that outline the priorities and the process for their non-profit engagement strategies. Texas Health Resources’ Felicia Williams and Affiliated Bank’s Joni Wilson shared their insights on the value of having clear guidelines.
PARTNER FOR SUCCESS: Laurel Carrol from L3 Harris and Tillie Burgin from Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex, discussed why their partnership is so successful. Jeff Salvarria from Frost Bank and Heidi Hardy from the YMCA discussed how creating a strong partnership can redefine the community and each other. This session was moderated by Carolyn Mentesana from the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: Harry Dombroski, Dean of the UT Arlington College of Business led a discussion with Dan Dipert, Dipert Coaches, and Ami Motsenbocker from Lockheed Martin on local workforce development. Dan and Ami shared their passion for creating our future workforce and what it means for their companies and our community.
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT: Jim Minge, President of Texas Trust Credit Union, and David Sargent, CEO of Stripe-A-Zone, discussed their respective cultures of employee engagement. Mike Gerro, Market President for Frost Bank, led the discussion about best-known methods for engaging your employees in corporate citizenship.
IGNITING YOUR PASSION: led by Kelly Curnutt from Curnutt & Hafer, LLP, David Stone from First Rate and Rocky “Rock T” Turner, radio DJ and Founder of the Rock T Youth Foundation, discussed how to channel your passion, connect with the right nonprofit and make positive feedback in your community.
We are thankful to our speakers for inciting and empowering the businesses of greater Arlington to give back to our community with purpose. Thank you to all who attended this inaugural event for investing in their businesses and our community.