Five partnerships that are tackling tough challenges need your help.  BCLC’s 7^th annual people’s choice “Best Partnership Award” is in full swing and only a few percentage points separate the finalists as they compete for this year’s winner slot. The finalists, each representing a leading company and nonprofit organization working together, are partnering to: aid disaster-stricken communities, fight preventable diseases in vulnerable populations, improve education though technology, empower low-income women and girls, and reverse the youth obesity epidemic.

“This year I’m impressed with the Best Partnership Award finalists’ creative solutions that stem from their core assets, whether it’s a unique product or capability, a vast network, or deep expertise about an issue,” said Catherine “Kitty” Keller, director of communications for BCLC. “I’m sure CSRwire readers will be interested in their powerful stories. Please learn about these finalists and cast a vote.”

Individuals should vote by visiting the BCLC website. This year’s finalists are:

• Caterpillar & First Response Team of America – When disasters strike, even the most basic actions become extremely difficult, like driving on a road strewn with debris. In more than 40 communities, this partnership has cleared the way for emergency responders, getting people the help they need when they need it. Cast your vote.
  
  
• Hilton Worldwide & Global Soap Project – A hotel freebie that many of us take for granted now has new meaning. Two million partially used bars of hotel room soap no longer go to waste -- they become part of a life-saving donation that helps prevent disease among vulnerable populations such as orphans and displaced persons. Cast your vote.
  
  
• Intel with World Vision – Doing a good job at work pays off! Intel lets high-achieving employees participate in the Intel Education Service Corps (IESC), which works with NGOs in developing countries to improve education. IESC teams dedicate two weeks in the field to complete technical projects and train educators. Cast your vote.  
  
  
• Merck, General Mills with CARE – Join My Village is a poverty-fighting program that empowers girls and women in Malawi and India through health, education, and economic opportunities. The collaboration has supported women-owned businesses, built homes for female teachers, funded scholarships for girls, strengthened maternal health programs, and more. Cast your vote.  
  
  
• WellPoint Foundation with Boys & Girls Clubs of America – WellPoint’s healthcare expertise, industry insights, employee talent, policy advocacy, and charitable contributions are helping change the course of an important health issue: youth obesity. The company’s support is channeled through the “Triple Play program, and together the partners have reached more than 1 million youth.  Cast your vote.

More details about these inspirational stories are available on BCLC’s website.  BCLC invites voting until 11:59 ET on Friday, November 2. The partnership with the most votes will receive the Best Partnership Award at the 2012 Citizens Awards celebration, featuring entertainment by Grammy-nominated artist Carolyn Malachi. 

The Best Partnership category is part of BCLC’s annual Corporate Citizenship Awards, known as the “Citizens.” Since 2000 the Citizens Awards have honored businesses for their societal solutions and for creating a sustained positive impact on people, communities, and the environment. Last year, voters selected W.W. Grainger Inc. and the American Red Cross as the Best Partnership winners. For more information about the awards and the finalists, visit BCLC’s website.

About the Business Civic Leadership Center

BCLC is the U.S. Chamber’s resource and voice for businesses’ social and philanthropic interests.  Its mission is to advance the positive role of business in society.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center

U.S. community development. Emerging-market development. Disaster response. Social and environmental innovation – businesses play an important role in all of these issue areas.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center is recognized in the corporate citizenship field as a source for fresh thinking, exceptional networking and practical lessons learned.

The Foundation works to strengthen collaboration and understanding among companies, corporate foundations, chambers of commerce, NGOs, and governmental offices. As a partnership facilitator, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center helps businesses find highly effective ways to invest in local communities, be responsive in times of disasters, and improve lives and livelihoods across the globe.

The Foundations mission is to work with businesses to make the world a better place. Email ccc@uschamber.com to learn more.

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