[chambernews] Fw: David Olson MCCE column - December

[Kanabec Area Chamber of Commerce]

Contribute to your communities, and be recognized

By David C. Olson

It’s appropriate during this season of giving to recognize how much businesses participate in the economic vitality of our communities and our state.

Year-round, through volunteer hours, donated products and services, and financial contributions, Minnesota businesses contribute significantly to their communities. Whether responding to high-profile events like the collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, or through their everyday contributions to the local band or food shelf, businesses understand how vital these contributions are to Minnesotans’ quality of life.

Despite their philanthropy, many businesses lack a formal process for deciding which cause to support and to what degree. Financial donations, in particular, often are made on a first-come, first-served basis – and stop when budgets, if any exist, run dry. Businesses may say “no” to a worthy cause in November that would have received a “yes” in June.

Minnesota Business Gives can help in that regard. Participants in this Minnesota Chamber of Commerce program attest to the successful formula that benefits businesses and communities alike. Working in tandem, communities and businesses can partner to solve community problems and address community issues.

This program takes advantage of the fact that businesses already contribute to their local communities in countless ways. This statewide program, managed by the Minnesota Chamber in partnership with local chambers of commerce, is designed to motivate, educate and recognize local businesses for their significant contributions through their giving and community involvement.

Best of all, the program is a great fit for companies of all sizes and types. Businesses are recognized for cash and/or in-kind contributions to charitable organizations amounting to 2 percent or more of their pretax earnings. In other words, a small business that gives $1,000 each year can receive the same recognition as a larger company that contributes $10,000. 

As part of their participation, businesses are invited to a workshop that helps them establish or refine their giving programs – setting criteria for when to say yes and how to say no. Businesses will better understand why and how they give – how they can be more strategic about what they give and to whom.

More than 30 local chambers partner with the Minnesota Chamber in delivering Minnesota Business Gives, and the program is winning accolades everywhere. Chambers discover how willing businesses are to give back to their communities but how very modest they are about their giving. And businesses learn how to be savvy philanthropists while both promoting themselves and contributing to community needs. It's a win-win equation for everyone. 
  

If you are interested in learning more about this program, or being recognized in your community, contact Jackie Reis at the Minnesota Chamber – jreis at mnchamber.com – or visit the Web – www.minnesotabusinessgives.org. 

David Olson is president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit the Web at www.mnchamber.com.






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