Chamber members give back to diverse causes
Most companies recognize the value of giving back to their community, both as a way to make a difference in their neighborhoods, and as a way to bring their employees together for a good cause.
We asked our members to the causes that their company and employees support.
We were not disappointed with the variety of supported organizations, including many that are also Chamber members.
Since 1972, Toyota Carlsbad has supported local youth-oriented charities.
This year, through the "We Care, You Choose" competition, Toyota Carlsbad is making contributions of $2,500 each to four organizations, all of which are members of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, Carlsbad Educational Foundation, TERI Campus of Life and the Move Your Feet Before You Eat Foundation. In addition, this year Toyota Motor Sales may match the contributions.
Tim Stripe, co-president of Grand Pacific Resorts, said his company's employees enjoy being involved in the community. Grand Pacific Resorts supports many local organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad and The Angel's Depot.
"We just feel there are a lot of great philanthropic organizations within Carlsbad that do wonderful things," Stripe said. "The community has a lot of exciting things to be involved in."
Employees at Henry Schein Orthodontics (formerly Ortho Organizers) held a back-to-school fundraiser that benefited nearly 500 children by providing them with new backpacks and school supplies. The school-aged children were pre-identified by the Boys and Girls Club of North County and San Diego Youth Services. The students took buses to the Carlsbad company's campus on Aug. 7. It was a festive event with a DJ, a barbecue with hot dogs and burgers and carnival-style games and a petting zoo.
Tanya McManus, senior manager of marketing and communications, said the event was started more than 10 years ago by the parent company, New York-based Henry Schein. Last year, more than 3,900 children throughout North America received school supplies and backpacks.
"Henry Schein founded our company in 1932 based on the belief that we can fulfill our responsibilities as a corporate citizen by giving back to the industries and communities we serve," said McManus. "Ever since then, we have pursued the ideal of 'doing well by doing good' which Benjamin Franklin advocated centuries ago."
The TaylorMade Golf Co. is another standout in terms of their philanthropic endeavors. The company has a Corporate Giving Program that supports organizations that focus "on improving the health and vitality of the communities" that TaylorMade serves and it also supports community programs and organizations in which its employees serve as "board members, ambassadors and volunteers."
Spy Optic has its Happy to Help program, which according to company President and CEO Michael Marckx, this philanthropic platform serves in a myriad of ways, including raising money and helping families after the recent fires, putting on events to benefit charities, as well as local schools, clubs and institutions.
And every Friday at 3 p.m., SPY opens its doors to everyone for a happy hour presentation. Speakers have ranged from master yogis, sports entertainers, magicians, holocaust survivors, war survivors, to bands.
The happy hours are upbeat and help keep the community engaged.
"In this life, the same people that make us happy everyday are also the first people to drop everything and pick us up in times of tragedy. A strong community provides security and exhibits dedication, and this notion inspires us to give back to the community that helped build SPY," Marckx said.
Thermo Fisher Scientific has also provided great support to the community.
"As part of the InnovatioNation program, which started here in Carlsbad, students from elementary, middle and high schools tour our labs to learn about science and the impact it has," said Karen Kinsley, vice president of human resources, adding how the company also sends many of its scientists into local classrooms to lead students in hands-on lab activities.
The mission at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Kinsley shared, is to enable their customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Its philanthropic philosophy stretches from education, heath, and other critical societal needs.
Modern Postcard contributes to an organization that uses signed memorabilia, concerts, photography and other fundraising events to raise money and create awareness to find safe, long-term housing for 18- to 24-year-old who live in San Diego County.
"Modern Postcard's President and CEO, Steve Hoffman, has a personal background in photography, so the decision to support a cause like (this) was a natural fit," said Jessica Biondo, who does marketing and communications for the company. "Many of Modern's loyal customers are photographers, artists and creatives due to the company's legacy of high quality print promotions and direct mail campaigns. Between Steve's passion for photography and Modern's history of supporting the creative arts, (this) is a fitting cause that uses creativity to empower homeless and disadvantaged youth in the local community and beyond."
Modern Postcard also supports San Diego-based organizations that help to empower homeless youth, abused and neglected children, and physically challenged athletes.
Chamber member Logicopy has formed its own subsidiary, Logicopy Cares, provides copiers to nonprofits without signing leases or paying monthly rental fees (a maintenance agreement is required).
"Logicopy realized that although many nonprofits could use the support of our office equipment, not all of them had the income or means to acquire this type of equipment," said Conlin Krebs. "We had the ability to provide the equipment, and desire to help. The less money nonprofits spend on copying and printing, the more they can spend on doing what they do best; helping the community."
Alphatech Spine CEO Jim Corbett said the company chose Carlsbad as its home headquarters, and that while Carlsbad has helped enhance Alphatec Spine, the company and its employees have given back to the community towards nonprofits.
"Our employees are encouraged to self-organize and participate," he said. "We want to be part of the community and particularly in those activities and initiatives that make a difference for others."
Most companies recognize the value of giving back to their community, both as a way to make a difference in their neighborhoods, and as a way to bring their employees together for a good cause.
We asked our members to the causes that their company and employees support.
We were not disappointed with the variety of supported organizations, including many that are also Chamber members.
Since 1972, Toyota Carlsbad has supported local youth-oriented charities.
This year, through the "We Care, You Choose" competition, Toyota Carlsbad is making contributions of $2,500 each to four organizations, all of which are members of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, Carlsbad Educational Foundation, TERI Campus of Life and the Move Your Feet Before You Eat Foundation. In addition, this year Toyota Motor Sales may match the contributions.
Tim Stripe, co-president of Grand Pacific Resorts, said his company's employees enjoy being involved in the community. Grand Pacific Resorts supports many local organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad and The Angel's Depot.
"We just feel there are a lot of great philanthropic organizations within Carlsbad that do wonderful things," Stripe said. "The community has a lot of exciting things to be involved in."
Employees at Henry Schein Orthodontics (formerly Ortho Organizers) held a back-to-school fundraiser that benefited nearly 500 children by providing them with new backpacks and school supplies. The school-aged children were pre-identified by the Boys and Girls Club of North County and San Diego Youth Services. The students took buses to the Carlsbad company's campus on Aug. 7. It was a festive event with a DJ, a barbecue with hot dogs and burgers and carnival-style games and a petting zoo.
Tanya McManus, senior manager of marketing and communications, said the event was started more than 10 years ago by the parent company, New York-based Henry Schein. Last year, more than 3,900 children throughout North America received school supplies and backpacks.
"Henry Schein founded our company in 1932 based on the belief that we can fulfill our responsibilities as a corporate citizen by giving back to the industries and communities we serve," said McManus. "Ever since then, we have pursued the ideal of 'doing well by doing good' which Benjamin Franklin advocated centuries ago."
The TaylorMade Golf Co. is another standout in terms of their philanthropic endeavors. The company has a Corporate Giving Program that supports organizations that focus "on improving the health and vitality of the communities" that TaylorMade serves and it also supports community programs and organizations in which its employees serve as "board members, ambassadors and volunteers."
Spy Optic has its Happy to Help program, which according to company President and CEO Michael Marckx, this philanthropic platform serves in a myriad of ways, including raising money and helping families after the recent fires, putting on events to benefit charities, as well as local schools, clubs and institutions.
And every Friday at 3 p.m., SPY opens its doors to everyone for a happy hour presentation. Speakers have ranged from master yogis, sports entertainers, magicians, holocaust survivors, war survivors, to bands.
The happy hours are upbeat and help keep the community engaged.
"In this life, the same people that make us happy everyday are also the first people to drop everything and pick us up in times of tragedy. A strong community provides security and exhibits dedication, and this notion inspires us to give back to the community that helped build SPY," Marckx said.
Thermo Fisher Scientific has also provided great support to the community.
"As part of the InnovatioNation program, which started here in Carlsbad, students from elementary, middle and high schools tour our labs to learn about science and the impact it has," said Karen Kinsley, vice president of human resources, adding how the company also sends many of its scientists into local classrooms to lead students in hands-on lab activities.
The mission at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Kinsley shared, is to enable their customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Its philanthropic philosophy stretches from education, heath, and other critical societal needs.
Modern Postcard contributes to an organization that uses signed memorabilia, concerts, photography and other fundraising events to raise money and create awareness to find safe, long-term housing for 18- to 24-year-old who live in San Diego County.
"Modern Postcard's President and CEO, Steve Hoffman, has a personal background in photography, so the decision to support a cause like (this) was a natural fit," said Jessica Biondo, who does marketing and communications for the company. "Many of Modern's loyal customers are photographers, artists and creatives due to the company's legacy of high quality print promotions and direct mail campaigns. Between Steve's passion for photography and Modern's history of supporting the creative arts, (this) is a fitting cause that uses creativity to empower homeless and disadvantaged youth in the local community and beyond."
Modern Postcard also supports San Diego-based organizations that help to empower homeless youth, abused and neglected children, and physically challenged athletes.
Chamber member Logicopy has formed its own subsidiary, Logicopy Cares, provides copiers to nonprofits without signing leases or paying monthly rental fees (a maintenance agreement is required).
"Logicopy realized that although many nonprofits could use the support of our office equipment, not all of them had the income or means to acquire this type of equipment," said Conlin Krebs. "We had the ability to provide the equipment, and desire to help. The less money nonprofits spend on copying and printing, the more they can spend on doing what they do best; helping the community."
Alphatech Spine CEO Jim Corbett said the company chose Carlsbad as its home headquarters, and that while Carlsbad has helped enhance Alphatec Spine, the company and its employees have given back to the community towards nonprofits.
"Our employees are encouraged to self-organize and participate," he said. "We want to be part of the community and particularly in those activities and initiatives that make a difference for others."