CBE Companies - A Partner in Volunteerism

CBE is a Partner in Volunteerism with the VCCV. At the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley we believe business initiatives that give back to the communities in which they operate and where their employees live are reinforced by their alignment with an excellent volunteer and philanthropy program. One way to accomplish that is to be part of the VCCV's Partner in Volunteerism Program. Through the program projects are aligned with a company's objectives yet tailored to fit specific markets and community needs.

At CBE Companies, servant leadership is at the core of who we are as an organization. CBE continue to build on a long tradition of supporting charities and participating in local organizations to make a positive impact in our communities. "Doing the Right Thing" has been an integral part of our culture over many years, and CBE extends that focus beyond our operations and out into the community. CBE Companies was recently highlighted in Collector Magazine for its making corporate philanthropy and volunteerism part of its company's culture.

Employees have the option to donate money in order to wear jeans on Wednesdays, an initiative called “jeans for charity." In an average month, CBE Companies employees donate over $5,000 to a designated charity. CBE Companies also dedicates the month of October to the annual United Way campaign, in which CBE historically donates over $80,000 in just one month.

In addition, CBE is involved with Partners in Education, sponsoring local elementary schools. The active role in education continues with advocacy and efforts to bring Franklin Covey's “Leader in Me” program to local elementary schools. Employees are also regularly involved with the schools, including a buddy program, fundraisers, collecting school supplies for back to school and teaching programs through Junior Achievement. CBE Companies employees also adopt families over the holidays and maintain a high level of commitment and involvement in the local business community. 

CBE held its fourth annual “Pay it Forward” campaign in July. Employees worked together in teams to select a cause and determine a plan for paying it forward. Efforts included raising funds for wounded veterans, volunteering time at a retirement center, the humane society, and food banks, and donating stuffed animals to a child protection center, the food bank, and the Boys and Girls club. As the “Pay it Forward” campaign came to a close, it was apparent that a team effort created a significant impact in the communities we live in.

CBE Companies cares about developing leaders. And it is just a part of who CBE is. We want employees to be engaged at work, as well as time outside of work. It shows our employees truly care about those around them in the community. Employee involvement isn’t mandatory, it’s genuine. The employees’ high level of commitment, graciousness and interest is simply a sign of doing the right thing and giving back.

Community and Environment is one of CBE's corporate objectives:

Community and Environment (CBE Employees)
We will lead by example. We will strive to be good citizens that actively donate and contribute to the prosperity and advancement of our local communities, governments, schools, organizations and charities.  We will seek to be environmentally friendly and to encourage our employees to “pay it forward” in our communities by offering paid time off for volunteering through organized programs.

CBE offers volunteer opportunities for employees on CBEOnline, the company's intranet. CBE also makes service opportunities part of team building, leadership conferences and other times throughout the year such as the annual United Way campaign.

Thanks to Lindy Zars for serving on the VCCV Board of Directors and for writing this piece.