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First Area Forum for Business and Community Partnership Slated for October 19th

First Area Forum for Business and Community Partnership Slated for October 19th

Published 10-14-04

Submitted by Partnership Marketing LLP

NEWBURYPORT, MA - On Tuesday, October 19, 2004, Partnership Marketing, LLC, will host The Business-Community Partnership Forum at The Steeple Hall of Newburyport, MA from 8am to 10:30am. This first-of-its kind north of Boston and greater seacoast forum is sponsored by Banknorth Massachusetts. It will focus on the benefits for small to mid-sized businesses partnering with community-based nonprofits. Through these relationships, many businesses have found that not only do employee recruitment, retention and morale improve, but so do their bottom lines.

In a period where corporate corruption is too often highlighted and public perceptions are less than positive, good corporate citizenship is a welcomed headline. Andrew Witherbee, Managing Director of Partnership Marketing and host of the forum, believes that "when value-based partnerships are aligned with a company's business objectives, there are many opportunities for small and mid-sized businesses to benefit from the positive and lasting impact they can have on their companies and their communities."

During this scheduled forum, a six person panel of business leaders will open a discussion and share some of their insights into how small to medium sized businesses can leverage their resources to create win-win collaborations. Panelist Maria Wilson, Vice President, Community Relations Manager at Banknorth says, "we have made corporate responsibility a sustainable part of our business practice. Banknorth believes it can strengthen the local community by offering non-profits and their client's expertise in managing finances. Non-profits often have very specialized skills that may not include solid financial management." The key is to identify and leverage your key competencies and match these with the needs in the community. Witherbee points out, "it's important to note, that you don't have to be a Ben & Jerry's or a Timberland to be engaged in good corporate citizenship. Small businesses can find success in partnering in much the same way that large businesses can."

Forum panelist, David Tory, President of Essex County Community Foundation, who connects individuals and businesses with non-profits, finds that companies often overlook the many competitive advantages they can receive through community outreach. He has found there to be a recent increase in businesses seeking appropriate partnerships. "Many companies are philanthropic during the holiday, but miss the longer-term strategies that create greater community benefit and good will."

During this 2 1/2 hour interactive forum, business professionals will be able to engage in a discussion of community partnering that will give them a better understanding of the benefits of meaningful community involvement through sustainable community based partnerships. The forum is at 26 Green Street, Steeple Hall of Newburyport. Pre-register at no charge or register on-site for a fee of $15.

About Partnership Marketing, LLC: A community relations service firm that provides strategic management, planning and program branding for Businesses and Community Organizations. Our Pathway to Partnershipssm approach allows us to help clients design and measure sustainable Corporate Responsibility initiatives and build mutually beneficial partnerships with non-profit organizations.

Partnership Marketing LLP

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