7-12- GIVING STORIES-TGGEB20-CREEP-ROB.qxp_Layout 1 1/16/20 6:13 PM Page 10
C
G
BUSINESSES
IVING BACK
ONTRIBUTIONS IN ACTION
“C
COX COMMUNICATIONS CONNECTS WITH THE COMMUNITY
Even in the company’s earliest days, the people of Cox Communications were always looking to the future. They’ve been known for decades as technology innovators, but since the beginning have also been supporting the growth and prosperity of communities through other channels.
OMMUNITY SERVICE IS MORE than just a corporate commitment; it’s really a way of life for employees and part of our corporate culture. Our founder, James M. Cox, believed in the value of building and investing in the communities we serve, and more than 100 years later we are still living those values,” Cox Communications Public Affairs Specialist Keri Menage said. “We know now more than ever there is important work to be done in our communities and that organizations—especially educators and emerging organizations—need additional support to be successful. That’s why Cox is so proud to partner with dozens of nonprofit organizations in addressing the critical needs of our community.”
“We were delighted to be the recipients of a $5,000 Cox Charities grant to help underwrite our programs. Since 2005 we have documented results on the success of this program in helping survivors regain their hope and resilience and create their best life,” she said. “It was great to be able to talk to Cox employees and answer their questions, but I also heard scenarios from other nonprofits and learned a little bit more about what’s going on in other areas. You walk away thinking there is much good going on in this city.”
ENGAGED VOLUNTEERS Cox employees can also give back through company-supported volunteerism. “Last year we adopted an updated policy that provides 16 hours of paid EMPLOYEE-LED GIVING volunteer hours for all employees, encouraging and supporting them in taking Cox Charities is an employee-led program that gives Cox employees the time giving back to the community. That can be through a group activity or an opportunity to donate through recurring payroll deductions or one-time gifts. individual activity or both. Our leaders also work to steward volunteering The company covers all administrative costs, so every activities with their teams to give back and build team donated dollar supports programs and services that morale. We really encourage that here and our partners impact residents in the areas of youth, education, social with Cox Charities are a resource to help guide our “WE KNOW…THERE IS issues and the arts. The local Advisory Council of 20 teams,” Menage said. IMPORTANT WORK TO employees represents about 800 Cox employees in A new employee portal makes it easy for Cox greater Omaha and includes people in each of the employees to connect with volunteer opportunities. BE DONE IN OUR company’s service areas. The Advisory Council Local Cox efforts during National Volunteer Month last COMMUNITIES.” members determine how funding is allocated for spring yielded 766 volunteer hours through more than Innovation in Education grants and Community 100 employees engaging in 11 activities. ~ KERI MENAGE Investment Grants, which awarded a combined “It is not just dollars that are so important, it’s the Public Affairs Specialist service that comes with it, and we really encourage our $133,000 to 22 nonprofits and 17 schools. Cox Charities also includes support for the internal Cox Employee employees to have their voice in that,” Menage said. Relief Fund. “We try to make it streamlined and easy for people who “We try to make sure we have a cross-section of nonprofits and schools we want to give back but don’t know where to start. We hope that we can be the contribute to that represent the values of Cox and of the employees doing the voice to help them know there are great organizations out there that we work giving as well,” said Julie Fielding, a manager with Cox Media and a member of with and support.” the Cox Charities Advisory Council. “Our employees are super-proud to give back Supporting the communities where Cox operates benefits everyone, as a collective group to the communities where we live and work.” Fielding said. Many Cox Charities donors also participate in an annual gathering to meet “We are quite proud to be the third-largest cable provider in the nation, and have a conversation with representatives from the recipient nonprofits. but we really operate under the focus of not just being the biggest, but also “The Experience Luncheon honors the nonprofit groups who received grants being the best. That really shows through Cox’s commitment of how we take and recognized Cox employees who contribute at the ‘Champion’ level. This year care of our employees, how we serve customers, and how we work to improve was very unique because prior to having lunch, we participated in a sort of ‘speed- the quality of life in the communities in which we serve,” she said. “That dating’ experience,” Fielding said, explaining that nonprofit representatives commitment is more than just a corporate statement; it’s how we show up rotated tables to discuss scenarios of how their organizations assist in the every day.” community. “It was amazing to get real-world examples. It allowed us to She added: “As a company, we always need to be cognizant of making sure experience our contributions in action…it was eye-opening and engaging.” we’re building a better future for the next generation by giving back and taking The Experience Luncheon was rewarding for recipient organizations as well, care of our community partners today. Here at Cox we’re really lucky to work said Anne Walsh, the board president of A Time To Heal Cancer Foundation for a company that make that part of their value statement and lives it through (atimetohealfoundation.org). Her nonprofit provides a wide variety of supportive programs like Cox Charities. Because ultimately, connecting with our services for cancer survivors and caregivers across Nebraska and in several cities community is an integral part of our company’s core beliefs. And at the end of around the country. the day, it’s the right thing to do.”
G
THE IVING GUIDE
2020
THE EVENT BOOK
From tHe PubLIsHer
10
oF
2020
metromAGAZINe