CSR Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC - Business Strengthening America (BSA) and the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network announce BSA's continued sponsorship of the Corporate Volunteer Council (CVC) Partners Program - a national association of CVCs. During its second sponsorship year, BSA has committed to expand the CVC network into two cities by October 2005 in response to the demand by companies for increased workplace volunteer resources.

The goals of the CVC Partners Program are to support existing local CVCs and to expand the network into new communities. CVCs are local networks of businesses that respond to social needs by sharing effective practices, organizing service projects, and providing professional development for employee volunteer managers. CVCs are often affiliated with Volunteer Centers or other community-based agencies that help companies address social problems. Over 80 CVCs exist in the United States.

"CVCs provide targeted assistance to small and medium-sized business leaders who want to engage their employees in company-sponsored volunteer opportunities," said Meagan Campion, executive director of Business Strengthening America. "BSA's mission is to promote a culture of workplace volunteerism and ensure that resources are provided to local businesses to engage or deepen their involvement in the community. We hope businesses of all sizes and industries join BSA and CVCs in our collective campaign for service."

BSA's recent membership survey, the Report to the Nation, found that 45 percent of company members expanded existing volunteer programs and/or activities. In addition, BSA's membership grew by 15 percent, to 927 members, in the past year.

"The Foundation's collaboration with Business Strengthening America is a good example of how the business community and nonprofit organizations can work together effectively," said Robert K. Goodwin, president and CEO of the Points of Light Foundation. "Corporate Volunteer Councils are a vital vehicle to harness the energy of employee volunteers in communities across America. We're thrilled that in just the last year, BSA has been a catalyst in helping start a number of CVCs through its local campaigns and events."

For information on Corporate Volunteer Councils, visit www.PointsofLight.org. To learn about Business Strengthening America, visit www.bsanetwork.com.

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