If there is one good thing to come out of 2020, it may be the nationwide reckoning with social responsibility that has brought to light the importance of investing in communities. A new initiative from Communities Foundation of Texas will shine a light on companies that already exemplify good corporate citizenship, in an effort to encourage other businesses to step up, too.
Through the program, called “Be in Good Company,” CFT is partnering with companies across North Texas to offer philanthropic services intended to help start or grow their giving and community engagement programs by providing resources and expertise.
“Businesses play a pervasive role in the vitality of our communities,” said Dave Scullin, president and CEO of Communities Foundation of Texas. “It’s important that we acknowledge and promote the good work businesses are doing, while also seeking a commitment for companies to collectively support their surrounding community.”
Be In Good Company recognizes companies that have made a commitment to bettering their communities through what CFT is calling three pillars of excellence: thriving teams, thriving culture, and a thriving future. The pillars draw from the idea that supporting internal teams’ efforts, aligning company efforts with community needs, and investing in both will create a strong future for all.
Companies that commit to at least one program or initiative in each of the three pillars are eligible to receive CFT’s Be In Good Company Seal of Approval, which can be displayed as a symbol of good corporate citizenship.
“Over the years, we have worked with more than 400 businesses in North Texas making it easy for them to do good—in a way that is also good for business,” said Sejal Desai, director of CFT for Business. “We know that where businesses thrive, communities thrive, too, and vice-versa.”
“From improving employee recruitment, retention, and satisfaction, to increasing brand awareness and customer loyalty, doing good in the community not only benefits our neighbors in need, it truly results in thriving businesses,” Desai said.
Among the benefits of the program are public recognition and promotion of the company’s community work, access to curated virtual thought leadership content and programming, and networking with like-hearted businesses. Companies can also opt to participate in the “Buy 1: Give 1” initiative, an opportunity for companies to sponsor other companies that may meet the new program’s criteria but lack the resources to participate.
“Businesses are a platform to solve social issues,” said Debra Brennan Tagg, president of Brennan Financial Services and a CFT Trustee. “Be In Good Company creates a structure, a bridge, to engage this powerful force for good.”
“To lift ourselves up, we must lift up our community,” Tagg said. “We want to highlight the businesses of all sizes that are doing incredible things for our community, and we are committed to our membership reflecting our community, including women- and minority-owned businesses.”
The new program’s founding companies include Atmos Energy, Axxess Technology Solutions, Bank of Texas, Risch Results, and Texas Health Resources, among many others.
“Axxess is proud to join as a founding company and to participate in the ‘Buy 1: Give 1’ aspect of the program,” said John Olajide, president and CEO. “We’re excited about the ways this program will help inspire and guide our business community to be an even greater, and more collaborative, force for good.”
