Austin Chamber hosts Power Up Austin! discussion on how businesses can align strategy with employee community interests

More than 115 Austin Chamber members eagerly anticipated the advice from fellow business colleagues on one of the most important topics that could change the trajectory of their company—how to give back to the community they serve.

“I think that a lot of business people ask the same question—why get involved?,” said Mark McClain, CEO of SailPoint and facilitator of the PowerUp Austin! discussion. “I think some of it is because of altruism, employee engagement, and a response to the needs of the community. Businesses play a huge role in helping to organize and channel employees looking for ways to help or make a difference.”

In Central Texas, social responsibility is a personal decision and commitment of many local businesses. After all, the CEO’s, just like their employees, live, work, and love Austin.

Recent examples of Central Texas businesses doing good in the community include Austin Roofing and Construction who donated a roof for a baseball facility in Garrison Park; and Kendra Scott, whose employees donated their time with Austin Habitat for Humanity to build playhouses for Dell Children’s, Ronald McDonald House, and Upbring.

Guests panelists Joel Coffman, Executive Director of RecgonizeGood; Jerry Davis, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Texas; Nyle Maxwell, Dealer Principal of the Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships; and Heather McKissick, VP of Community Impact and Business Development of UFCU, shared insight on how CEO’s can incorporate community service into their company strategy.

“I think that employees do more than care, I think they demand this,” said Jerry Davis, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Texas. “People want to be a part of something that is making a change in our society. I think that’s a good thing.”

Their advice to local businesses wanting to do good in the Central Texas region is to consider your company’s mission and values; offer employees time off to perform community service; ensure that volunteer partnerships offer employees the opportunity to utilize and develop their skills; and include an incentive or treasure factor that holds your company financially accountable to support your organizational community service goals.

“It’s really important there is a sense of pride when you come to work and know that the company’s organizational structure is part of the solution as a collective where everyone is pitching in together to build a sense of community,” said Joel Coffman, Executive Director of RecognizeGood.

The Power Up Austin! event was the ninth in a series of discussions led by small and large company owners.The event was held January 18 and was sponsored by Atchley & Associates, Austin Technology Incubator, the City of Austin Economic Development Small Business division, and Wells Fargo.

For more information, including upcoming Power Up Austin! events, click here.

To view photos from the event, click here.