Minnesota Business Philanthropy Program Earns National Recognition

A statewide program to promote increased business giving and community involvement in Minnesota was recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at an awards ceremony on Dec. 2 in Washington, D.C.

The program, Building Business Investment in Community (BBIC), received the National Community Service Award. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce accepted the award on behalf of its 13 partners representing business and community organizations. The award is given to a state, regional or local chamber of commerce for exemplary corporate citizenship in promoting better corporate-community relations.

"The theme of 'Strong Businesses, Strong Communities' is the foundation of the program," said David Olson, president of the Minnesota Chamber. "It's in everyone's best interests to have healthy and thriving communities."

The BBIC program is successful due to the collaboration and contributions of all of the program's partners, Olson said, which represent communities across Minnesota: Minnesota Council on Foundations; Center for Ethical Business Cultures; Initiative Foundation; Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce; Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Executives; Minnesota Keystone Program; Northland Foundation; Northwest Minnesota Foundation; Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation; Southwest Minnesota Foundation; The Collaborative; United Ways of Minnesota; West Central Initiative.

The Minnesota Chamber was one of five founding partners of the initiative. The four-year project, which started in 2001, has a goal of using the resources of the member organizations to increase business giving and community involvement.

One of the program's first steps was to survey business giving in Minnesota in 2002. The results showed that business philanthropy was robust and that most companies in the state anticipated maintaining or increasing their giving and community involvement.

The intent is to expand the program into communities statewide, Olson said. BBIC is working with leaders in Albert Lea, Grand Rapids and Willmar - as well as one trade association, the Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota - to test strategies that can be used as models for replication. Work with those pilot projects will continue into 2005.

BBIC has also developed a Web site, and has published a workbook that offers advice on how to start a business giving program and helps businesses identify ways to make their giving and community involvement programs more effective. More information on the program is available from Jackie Reis, project manager, at (651) 292-4679 or bbicmail@mnchamber.com.

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