27th Annual IMPACT Awards: Rooted in Community
The Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta (CVC) supports member companies to deliver business results through their strategic commitment to social impact and civic engagement. Since 1992, the CVC has provided professional development programming and strategic networking for Metro Atlanta’s most community-minded companies and corporate social responsibility (CSR) professionals.
Each year, the CVC hosts the IMPACT Awards, celebrating leading examples of CSR and community partnerships. The 27th Annual IMPACT Awards is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10th from 11:30am1:30pm at Curate on Logan Circle, and the theme is “Rooted in Community.” IMPACT is presented by Diamond Sponsor, Delta Air Lines, with additional support from Platinum Sponsors Chick-fil-A, Georgia Natural Gas, Kaiser Permanente, Norfolk Southern and many other Atlanta companies.
This year, the CVC received more than 30 IMPACT nominations from companies of all sizes. Nominations were reviewed by a national panel of CSR professionals who determined the finalists in each of 3 award categories.
The first award category is IMPACT Corporate Innovative Project of the Year. This award recognizes businesses that have successfully completed an innovative, creative, and impactful short-term employee engagement, volunteer, or social impact project that achieved measurable results. The award emphasizes the importance of dreaming big and embracing new and innovative strategies for employee volunteerism and community service.
The first finalist in this category is Chick-fil-A, which prioritizes addressing hunger and food insecurity. Chick-fil-A employees partnered with U.S. Hunger and Convoy of Hope to pack 2 million meals in 2 hours during the company’s annual conference. Fifty percent of meals packed were distributed to provide immediate relief during disaster relief efforts and remaining meals helped feed underserved urban and rural communities. Packing meals together
created a sense of shared purpose and supports one of Chick-fil-A’s CSR goals to provide 200 million meals to communities by 2025.
The other finalist in this category is NCR Voyix, which partnered with United Way of Greater Atlanta and the NCR Foundation to support 438 students through STEMUp. This program is modeled after the popular TV show “Shark Tank”, and empowers middle and high-school students through mentorship to utilize science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to solve community challenges. While supporting future leaders, NCR Voyix employees were also supporting the company’s goal to be a catalyst of opportunity and change, leveraging talents and resources to better our communities.
Next, the CVC has the IMPACT Corporate Skills-Based Award, which is presented to a company for utilizing its employee skills to support a nonprofit or community partner, while also promoting professional growth among its workforce. This year, there were 3 finalists in this category due to a tie for runner-up.
The first finalist is Cox Enterprises, which partnered with Science ATL’s School and Youth Program. Cox Enterprises hosted the organization’s Chief Science Officer Spring
Cabinet meeting and provided project management, networking tips, and a STEM career panel for 120 students. In addition, Cox Enterprises helped create posters and digital media featuring diverse STEM professionals for Science ATL’s “Hallway Takeover” school pop-up exhibit. Both efforts were designed to foster awareness and excitement around STEM careers.
The next finalist is KPMG for their innovative partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta. KPMG hosted a 3-week, paid internship for the third year in a row designed to provide resources, tools, and information to high school students to provide equitable access to a choice-filled future. Students were exposed to pathways of opportunity in the fields of accounting and professional services, and KPMG employees led skill-building, professional development, and networking workshops for participants.
The last finalist in this category is The Lumistella Company, which partnered with Path United to host a high school Career Day for students from communities with low graduation rates. Students toured company headquarters, learned from the company’s Executive Board, and paired up with mentors to learn about different career paths. Students learned about animation, graphic and product design, accounting, human
resources and more. Since 2017, graduation rates of Career Day program participants have grown from 30% to 88%.
Finally, the CVC has the IMPACT Corporate Program of the Year, which is presented to an exemplary corporate employee volunteer or CSR program that goes above and beyond to effectively integrate community service and impact and/or volunteering into the company’s business culture.
Delta Air Lines is the first finalist in this category. Delta commits 1% of its annual net income to the communities where employees live, work, and serve. Delta focuses on Environment, Equity, Education, and Entire Wellness, investing time and resources to care for the planet and the people within it. Delta leverages cross-departmental collaboration to enhance community activations and provide stories, data, and content that support business objectives. In 2023 Delta reported 36,850 employee volunteers contributing more than 122,000 volunteer hours.
Kroger is also a finalist in this category. The company is guided by its purpose “To Feed the Human Spirit,” specifically through their bold impact plan to eliminate hunger and reduce waste in the communities Kroger serves. Through their food distribution program, Kroger Atlanta volunteers recently donated more than 3.2 million meals. They actively partner to reduce food waste by investing in compost gardens, local farms, and supporting critical recycling needs. In the past year, 95% of Kroger’s Atlanta employee base participated in social impact efforts.
The CVC invites you to learn more about our winners and finalists by attending the IMPACT Awards on September 10, visiting www.cvcofatlanta.org/impact, or following us on social media. Congratulations to all IMPACT award finalists and nominees for the outstanding work they are doing to enhance our communities.
is proud to work alongside Corporate Volunteer Council supporting greater Atlanta and its communities. Learn how we’re building a better future for the next generation at 34by34.coxenterprises.com.
Employees from Veritiv celebrated their special recognition at the 2023 CVC IMPACT Awards
Cover designed by Ashley Johnson of Creative Creso, LLC
The Heart of Atlanta’s Corporate Volunteerism
By Toccara Arnold Alam, 2024 Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta Board President
As I reflect on my nearly eight years with the Corporate Volunteer Council (CVC) of Atlanta, I’m struck by the incredible journey we’ve taken together. When I joined in 2016, the conversation in corporate circles was dominated by one word: Millennials. Companies were eager to understand how to engage, attract, and retain this new generation of workers who were just beginning to reshape the workplace. Fast forward to today, and Millennials are no longer the new kids on the block—they’re the ones running the show, ushering in the next wave of civic leaders with fresh perspectives and unwavering commitment.
(ESG) measurement, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
The CVC Impact Awards, our annual fundraiser, has also undergone significant transformation. What was once an in-person event has adapted to the times, shifting to virtual and hybrid formats during the pandemic, and now, it has returned to in-person gatherings with record-breaking attendance. Through all these changes, one thing has remained constant: our unwavering commitment to the City of Atlanta and the corporate community we serve.
This evolution has been mirrored in the CVC itself. We’ve seen firsthand how the needs and expectations of our community have changed, and we’ve adapted in realtime to meet those challenges head-on. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, we quickly pivoted our programming to ensure that our members could continue their vital work in the community, even from a distance. The events of 2020, particularly the George Floyd protests and the Black Lives Matter movement, pushed us to provide a platform for difficult but necessary conversations about race, equity, and justice within the workplace. In these moments, the CVC didn’t shy away from the tough issues; instead, we leaned in, recognizing that our role as corporate social responsibility (CSR) professionals was expanding and a vital part of corporate environmental, social, and governance
This year’s Impact Awards theme, “Rooted in Community,” is a testament to the strong, enduring connections that have been cultivated over the years. Our corporate members and nonprofit partners are deeply embedded in the fabric of Atlanta, working tirelessly to make a positive impact on the lives of those who live and work here. The CVC has always been about more than just volunteerism— it’s about creating a culture of civic engagement that empowers companies to not only meet their business objectives but to do so in a way that enriches the community around them.
As we gather for the 2024 CVC Impact Awards, I am filled with pride and gratitude for all that we have accomplished together. We’ve faced challenges, navigated change, and emerged stronger and more resilient than ever. But most importantly, we’ve stayed true to our roots. The CVC and its members are and always will be, rooted in the Atlanta community—working together to build a better, brighter future for all. Because we’re Better Together.
Welcome Note from the Executive Director of the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta
The Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta (CVC) offers monthly programming to support community-facing professionals from Atlanta’s most civically minded businesses. CVC members are encouraged to listen and learn about Metro Atlanta’s most pressing needs and identify the unique ways that their companies may contribute. The CVC provides a forum where business professionals learn together, share leading practices, and fine-tune community investment strategies. Whether your business is just getting started on its social impact journey or your employees have been engaging in meaningful service for decades, the CVC stands ready to support
you. Together, we are better equipped to learn, grow and evolve.
I hope that you enjoy reading about what CVC member companies of all sizes are doing to build meaningful partnerships in support of Metro Atlanta’s unique and dynamic communities. You may view a complete list of CVC members at www. cvcofatlanta.org/members. If your company is not a member of the CVC, we invite you to join us today to connect, inspire and impact.
Together in service, Cheryl Kortemeier
Executive Director CVC of Atlanta
Committed to Caring
It is our pleasure to support Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta who exemplify excellence in leadership and are positively influencing our communities.
The Inspire Foundation would like to congratulate the nominees and award winners! Thank you for your commitment to our Atlanta Community.
Workplace Volunteering: A Cornerstone of Corporate
Social Responsibility
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the concept that companies should do more good than harm. Investing in CSR is essential for businesses of all sizes as it boosts employee morale, strengthens community relations, fosters sustainable practices, and promotes long-term success. Workplace volunteering is a key component of an effective CSR strategy, and now is the perfect time to launch or enhance your company’s social impact approach.
Workplace volunteering demonstrates a company’s commitment to community well-being and is good for business. By understanding and addressing the community’s needs, companies may provide valuable support and solutions and produce sustainable results.
Engaging employees in service enhances a company’s reputation, making it more appealing to customers and investors who value ethical practices.
Employee volunteering enhances job satisfaction and interpersonal dynamics. Employees who engage in service may learn new skills, build peer-to-peer connections, and are more likely to experience a sense of belonging. According to Double the Donation, companies with active volunteer programs experience 52% lower turnover rates and reduced recruitment costs. Volunteering at work also offers opportunities for personal and professional growth, helping employees become better leaders, communicators, and project managers.
In today’s socially conscious marketplace, stakeholders increasingly expect companies to be invested in the community. Implementing an employee volunteer program may attract customers, clients, and shareholders who prioritize social impact, thereby differentiating your company’s brand in the marketplace.
If your company is interested in learning more about volunteering as a CSR strategy, the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta (CVC) can help. More than 100 Metro Atlanta
companies of all sizes participate in our programming throughout the year. We also host the CVC IMPACT Awards each September, highlighting excellence in corporate civic engagement. Learn more, join us, and be inspired at www. cvcofatlanta.org.
If your company is just beginning its social impact work, there are several steps to consider:
■ Listen to community needs. What are the most pressing issues?
■ Consider the company’s core mission and values. What do we stand for and how can we help?
■ Understand employee and stakeholder interests. How will they get involved?
■ Evaluate resources. What expertise does your company have to offer? Is there a budget?
■ Collaborate with partners. Are there experts already working on this issue? How can your business enhance rather than duplicate efforts?
■ Set objectives and metrics. What do we hope to accomplish? How will we know if we’ve gotten there?
■ Execute and document. Do we have a photographer? How will we capture stories and experiences?
■ Share Impact. What is your plan to share a project summary internally and with your partners? Externally?
■ Celebrate & Evaluate. You did it. Starting is the hardest part! Now, how will you evolve for next time? What can be improved?
■ Rinse and Repeat. How can your project become a program? Is this effort one that may be duplicated?
Generosity Matters
At Ryan, we share success with the communities in which we live and work. It’s one of our values and helps guide our business.
We are proud to support the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta as they aim to advance civic engagement and social impact programs with their member companies. Learn more about Ryan at ryan.com
© 2024 Ryan, LLC
Employee volunteers from King & Spalding LLP have a long-standing partnership with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity
Feeling Lonely? Try Volunteering!
In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared a social isolation and loneliness epidemic. He noted that more than fifty percent of U.S. adults are experiencing loneliness, and the number is even higher for young people.
International nonprofit, Points of Light, recently highlighted the topic of loneliness at their annual conference which was attended by hundreds of social impact leaders from around the globe. They shared data illustrating that in the past fifty years, there has been a decline in participation in recreational leagues, service organizations, faith organizations, and other groups designed to bring people together. This was accelerated by the global pandemic. And when social connection goes down, incidences of depression, anxiety, and even cardiovascular issues rise.
As we consider addressing the loneliness epidemic and its impact on our physical, mental, and community health, volunteerism offers a powerful antidote to this social challenge. Volunteering creates meaningful human connections, a sense of purpose, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
One of the most compelling ways volunteerism addresses loneliness is by fostering connection. When people come together to learn about community needs and volunteer, they form bonds with others who share similar interests and passions. Whether planting trees, packing meals or reading to young people, volunteering provides focused social interactions that would otherwise not be part of our day. These connections may evolve into lasting friendships, reducing feelings of isolation, and enhancing a person’s sense of belonging and purpose.
And speaking of purpose, feeling like you are contributing to something bigger is crucial for mental well-being. Many people who are lonely also feel disconnected from society and struggle to find meaning in their daily routines. Volunteering offers a way to contribute to the world around us, which feels meaningful. Finding a sense of purpose motivates and encourages people
to remain engaged and active in their communities, further mitigating feelings of depression and loneliness.
Volunteerism also promotes personal growth and development. Societal issues are often complex, and volunteers must listen to community needs and learn about new perspectives before acting. Through this process, we experience new ways of doing things and develop new skills and perspectives. Learning new things makes us feel empowered and boosts self-awareness. This personal growth not only combats loneliness but also enriches the volunteer’s overall life experience. As individual volunteers grow and evolve, they are likely to affect others around them creating a ripple effect. The more people engage in volunteer activities, the more communities become more connected, supportive, and resilient.
People who volunteer at work may also experience personal growth, creating connections with co-workers, deeper employee engagement with their business, and better impressions of their employer. Volunteering during the work day or after hours with peers deepens relationships and creates a shared sense of purpose. It also allows employees to learn about urgent social needs, become problem solvers, apply professional skills in a positive way, and more.
As our communities continue to grapple with the challenges of isolation, encouraging volunteerism is a vital part of the solution, bringing people together and creating stronger, more connected communities. If you are feeling lonely, why not give volunteering a try? Getting involved is as easy as doing a quick Internet search, registering to help, and then showing up.
New to volunteering? Try learning more about these organizations online: Points of Light - www.pointsoflight.org
Hands on Atlanta - www.handsonatlanta.org
United Way of Greater Atlantawww.unitedwayatlanta.org
Here’s to the difference makers
Kaiser Permanente is humbled and proud to be part of a community of game changers. Congratulations to this year’s IMPACT award winners! For all that is you
Employee Resource Groups: Activating Volunteers, Enhancing Belonging
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are groups of colleagues who come together around a shared characteristic or life experience. ERGs typically take shape to provide support, enhance personal and career development, and provide mentoring. ERGs also enhance diversity, inclusion, and employee engagement within companies and foster a sense of belonging. Examples of ERGs include Women, Veterans, LGBTQIA+, Black, Latinx, Environmental Sustainability, New Hires, and more.
In recent years, many companies have begun leveraging ERGs to drive volunteerism and philanthropy, especially when it comes to connecting with specific communities of people, identifying meaningful initiatives, and activating employees around social issues.
CVC member Maurice Baker, Manager of Community Relations for Georgia Natural Gas shared, “Ashlei Sellers of Georgia Natural Gas is a member of her company’s Amplify ERG which has a focus on new employees.” The group recently completed a volunteer event with Atlanta nonprofit, Kate’s Club. Baker
continued, “Employee Resource Groups like Amplify play such an important role in creating a sense of community and belonging -- especially for newer hires.” When companies entrust ERGs with taking the lead on community initiatives, it boosts leadership and organizational skills within the company. ERG participants often have a deeper understanding of the communities they represent, allowing them to tailor volunteer activities and philanthropic
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investments. For instance, a Veterans ERG may organize programs that assist new veterans with adjusting to civilian life. Or perhaps employees who participate in an Environment and Sustainability ERG would be more informed about specific environmental concerns and have relationships with local conservation organizations. These relationships foster a deeper sense of belonging and more authentic connections for all those involved.
By integrating ERGs into their volunteering strategies, companies may align these efforts with broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals. ERGs often play a key role in advancing the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by focusing on volunteer activities that address social inequity and support underrepresented groups. This alignment helps to amplify the impact of both the ERGs and the company’s overall CSR initiatives.
According to CVC member Carley Gaynes Blass, ERGs play a vital role with employee engagement at FirstKey Homes. She shared, “At FirstKey Homes, our Proud Collective ERG supports Lost ‘n Found Youth. Through meaningful volunteer engagements and donations of technology products, our team members have contributed toward Lost ‘n Found’s important work of supporting LGBTQ+ young people. We are proud that volunteerism plays a role in our employee resource groups’ annual calendar of activities, and we know that giving back brings fulfillment both to our employees and the impacted organizations.”
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Employees from Georgia Natural Gas’ Amplify ERG recently volunteered at Atlanta nonprofit, Kate’s Club
Community Engagement Leaders Talk Giving Back
By Collin Kelley
As part of the CVC 27th Annual Impact Awards, we spoke with community engagement leaders from three Atlanta companies – Delta Air Lines, NCR, and Purpose Possible – known for their social impact and having a workforce committed to giving back to their communities.
Tad Hutcheson, Delta’s Managing Director for Community Engagement, said the airline has four pillars of focus when it comes to giving back: environment, equity, education, and entire wellness. Anti-human trafficking efforts, military veterans, and diversity are also part of Delta’s community engagement.
“Within each pillar are very specific opportunities for our employees to get involved,” Hutcheson said. “In the environment pillar, we encourage employees to plant trees and do clean-ups at rivers and beaches. We just had a big meeting in Los Angeles, and we took a day and cleaned off beaches.”
Bringing volunteer opportunities to employees with busy schedules has also been a success for those juggling a career, family, and other obligations. “We just had a meal pack with Hands on Atlanta where volunteers took part of their lunch hour and helped us pack more than 3,000 bags of food and supplies for students in need,” Hutcheson said.
Hutcheson said another of Delta’s longterm involvements is with the Red Cross, where employees have been donating blood since World War II. “It’s a badge of honor that we’re the largest corporate donor of blood to the Red Cross,” he said.
On a personal level, Hutcheson got Delta involved with youth empowerment nonprofit Junior Achievement when he joined the company in 2011. Delta is now involved in 30 chapters on five continents. “Teaching kids about the aviation business and how to get involved is very special,” he said.
Yvonne Whittaker, Director of the NCR Foundation, said the corporation invests in STEM education and economic development in communities
as well as supporting job training and entrepreneurship programs.
Another pillar of NCR’s engagement is financial empowerment and literacy. “When you’re making a living wage, learning to manage it is crucial,” Whittaker said.
In Atlanta, NCR employees are engaged as reading tutors for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
She said that companies wanting to build a community engagement program should focus on what the community needs most and focus on one or two areas rather than spread employees too thin.
“If you’re trying to do everything, then it burns out the employees and the program dies,” Whittaker said.
She said NCR’s employees are excited about giving back to the community and bringing opportunities to them keeps up engagement. “When an employee sees they can make a difference by tutoring for an hour or 30 minutes each week, that helps keep up the momentum and excitement.”
Whittaker is personally involved with the Hi-Hope Service Center in Lawrenceville, a nonprofit that assists adults who have developmental disabilities. “I was drawn to Hi-Hope because I want to help people who have been overlooked,” she said.
Laura Moody, founding partner of consulting firm Purpose Possible, said she believes that companies of all shapes and sizes can create a meaningful impact in their communities.
“Purpose Possible is a young company with a small team of 25 full-time employees and we have carved out a way to give back through skills-based volunteerism rather than large, coordinated volunteer days,” Moody said. “Because we work with nonprofits, we know that most small organizations simply can’t manage largescale volunteer events. So, we choose to provide our team with pro bono hours where they can leverage their expertise to support nonprofits in the ways that they need most. In 2024, our team will provide around 3,000 hours of volunteer support through serving on boards and providing pro bono or discounted services to organizations they are passionate about.”
GOING THE DISTANCE FOR PEOPLE CLOSE TO HOME
Our tracks connect communities to possibilities
Delta Air Lines and Atlanta Braves volunteers partnered to celebrate Atlanta legend Hank Aaron by restoring a historic ballfield park
Proud to support the 27 th Annual Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta IMPACT Awards.