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RINGING PEOPLE CLOSER COX COMMUNICATIONS: ALL ABOUT PEOPLE
Cox Communications is a technology and innovation leader, but the company is also known for its history of giving back to the communities in which it operates.
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AST FALL, Cox Communications rolled out a new logo with a warmer look another great way to give. We get to see firsthand what impact those dollars make and feel and an accompanying tagline of “Bringing Us Closer.” Cox serves six on their organizations.” million homes and businesses across 18 states and is the largest private telecom company in the country, but the branding changes were not made to emphasize PERSONALLY PASSIONATE connectivity from a technological perspective. In addition to corporate efforts, Cox also makes room for causes or events “We know with our products and services and community focus, we have the championed by individual employees or hosted by local organizations. unique opportunity to bring people together, whether it’s in technology, or in “This one really makes me smile: Cox is one of main sponsors of the African person, or through our philanthropic giving and volunteerism,” Calli Hite, senior American History Challenge. 100 Black Men brought the opportunity to us,” manager for Public Affairs, said. “So the new logo is more than adding a little bit Beanum said. The goal of the competition is to foster an appreciation of Africanof green and changing the font; it really represents American history and culture in middle school and high focusing on the connections we make between people.” school students. “To see these gifted young people do The company has a long history of giving back to its this is a good thing.” “WE HAVE AN communities, said Melanie Lotspiech, regional marketing “My older sister has developmental disabilities and she OBLIGATION TO GIVE specialist for Cox Business. That practice is both a result is a client of Mosaic (an organization which serves people of and a factor in Cox’s success. BACK AND WE’RE PART with disabilities). I had really wanted to introduce Cox to “Not only is a company measured by profit and growth Mosaic and find a way to get involved there,” Lotspiech OF THE COMMUNITY.” and investment, but also what they do for their said. “So I asked my VP if we could get engaged and she community,” she said. “Maybe it’s good for business but ~ VICTOR BEANUM said, ‘absolutely, of course.’” at the end of the day, it’s really just the right thing to do.” Following the go-ahead, a group of Cox employees Retail Market Manager spent part of an afternoon decorating Easter eggs with FEELING GOOD ABOUT THE COMPANY Mosaic clients, a fun activity that fostered awareness and acceptance. “There are many ways that Cox encourages Victor Beanum, retail market manager for Cox us to participate in different events they coordinate, but if there’s something that Communications, said that when employees get involved, everybody wins. you are personally passionate about, all you have to do is ask,” Lotspiech said. “When people see us in the community, it makes them feel good about the A bonus of working together on giving projects is getting to know co-workers company. And being involved makes employees feel good about the company, better, Hite said. “You’re creating a bond with your own team or within your own too,” he said. “I think we do a great job in encouraging our employees to do workforce,” she said. “You get to see your colleagues in a different light.” community service and even making opportunities.” For example, last spring Cox launched a national volunteer month initiative TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION that was deployed across the 26 markets in which it operates. “Here in Omaha we had employees volunteer at eight different organizations Because Cox is a technology and innovation company, many of its giving efforts for 12 unique events. So within 30 days we had employees out at a dozen events, focus on four related areas of impact: youth, education, technology and diversity. some of them representing new relationships,” Hite said. “We exposed employees One example is a program called Connect2Compete, which provides a free Wito the variety of needs in community. I think that demonstrates that volunteerism Fi modem and low-cost home internet with Wi-Fi for qualifying households. and community engagement is important at the top level of the company and “It’s a tool for homework, and helps improve communication between school that everyone is encouraged to volunteer.” and home. That helps bridge the digital divide,” Hite said. “That’s unique to Now entering its fifth year in the Omaha workforce, Cox Charities is another Cox; it’s not something everyone can offer. So we make sure educators and school company-driven giving initiative. Employees allocate a donation to be deducted advisors and youth organizations are familiar with that program so we can deploy from each paycheck, and an employee advisory council of 20 individuals at or below it as broadly as possible.” the manager level awards grants up to $5,000 to nonprofit organizations. General Beanum, who’s been with the company 15 years, said he’s proud of the many criteria include impact on community/student needs, individuals served, and varied ways Cox supports the community and for making changes in recent collaboration, incremental impact, outcomes and measurement, and sustainability. years to ensure that any employee can take an active part. The council ensures funding is awarded to a diverse range of programs and services. “Now we have a lot of voices in the room, not just the leaders. We have more “Any nonprofit would tell you that what they need most are dollars. We have the connections, more history, and make good decisions based off good information. unique opportunity to give them exactly that through Cox Charities,” Lotspiech We’re able to diversify the funds more now,” he explained. “We have an obligation said. “Making the time to share your talent and serve the community is great, but to give back and we’re part of the community. It’s a privilege to show everybody having this opportunity to donate some of our earned dollars to our community is that this community is ours, too.”
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