go Beyond Profit
Launched by Georgia business leaders to connect civic-minded companies and shine a light on corporat
“When your team members feel engaged I think they’re happier and they communicate better with our customers when they understand why they’re communicating a certain message with our customers.”
In our one-on-one conversation with CEO Heath Fountain we explore how intentional leadership practices at Colony Bank help both their employees and customers feel part of something greater than themselves.
Beyond the Bottom Line | Colony Bank In our latest CEO interview with Colony Bank CEO, Heath Fountain, he clearly articulates not only the role that community banks play in improving lives but also offers practical ways to connect daily tasks and customer interactions back to the purpose.
“As an industry we haven’t done a great job of helping connect people back to this idea of a larger purpose beyond profit,” says Heath Fountain. “They want to be a part of something bigger, and we really offer that in community banking at Colony Bank.” Hear CEO Heath Fountain’s perspective on intentional leadership and communications to a dispersed workforce.
Beyond the Bottom Line | Colony Bank In our latest CEO interview with Colony Bank CEO, Heath Fountain, he clearly articulates not only the role that community banks play in improving lives but also offers practical ways to connect daily tasks and customer interactions back to the purpose.
“The foundation of the community banking system is about giving back and it’s certainly what we try to do here at Colony Bank,” says CEO Heath Fountain. From their financial literacy programs and youth Leadership Academy to their investment in rural hospitals and schools, Colony Bank stays connected to their employees, customers, and communities.
Congratulations Colony Bank! Congratulations to goBeyondProfit Champion, Colony Bank! Colony Bank, and its CEO Heath Fountain were nominated and selected by fellow Georgia business leaders as a goBeyondProfit Champion for their commitment to serving local communities.
Congratulations to Colony Bank on being selected as the latest goBeyondProfit Champion. Founded in 1975, Colony Bank has grown to nearly 40 offices throughout Georgia, 500 team member, $3 billion in assets, and maintained their commitment as a community bank to those they serve.
In our interview with CEO Heath Fountain, he explains the intentional leadership practices that help connect employees to Colony Bank’s larger purpose beyond the bottom line and how Colony Bank lives up to this purpose by responding to real needs in local communities. They “don’t want to just write a check and walk away,” but rather they aim to invest in the communities they serve to the fullest. https://gobeyondprofit.org/champion
When should a company starting giving back? Millard Choate, CEO of Choate Constructions traces the genesis of their giving and encourages every company to give -- whether it’s just a few dollars, time, or personal service. https://bit.ly/3P6yrUq
There is good to be done. How companies deliver that good simply needs an upgrade. The question is no longer whether a company should give, serve, and meet needs beyond profit; rather, it’s about how businesses deploy their resources most effectively . Carley Stephens and Megan McCamey offer a roadmap to rebooting generosity at work.
The Business Case for a Generosity Reboot If you pay close attention, you will hear a growing disagreement between companies, employees, and the communities they serve. While they are bound together by a mutual interest in meaningful engagement, employees and community-serving nonprofits are begging for a relationship reboot. Corporate part...
How did corporate philanthropy start at The Home Depot? Hear from founder Bernie Marcus how compassionate employees launched a corporate philosophy of giving. https://bit.ly/3ZdMyfi
Employees are asking, but is anyone listening? Year after year, employees place company volunteerism at the bottom of their wish list. Combine that with nonprofit partners who believe large-scale volunteer days may be causing more harm than good, and companies have a growing problem. Carley Stephens, Community Affairs at Gas South, and Megan McCamey explore what can be done to reboot corporate generosity.
The Business Case for a Generosity Reboot If you pay close attention, you will hear a growing disagreement between companies, employees, and the communities they serve. While they are bound together by a mutual interest in meaningful engagement, employees and community-serving nonprofits are begging for a relationship reboot. Corporate part...
“When you put people first and you treat people well, the money will come, the profits will come.” Hear how Goodr prioritizes people-first in their business and learn about the success they’ve seen as a result. https://bit.ly/3Z8Fssb
If you know what your neighbor needs, what can your company give? Paul Bowers, former CEO of Georgia Power, explores the intersection of purpose and generosity and encourages every business to find a way to respond. https://bit.ly/3r4nZEN
Our data confirmed CEOs ongoing concerns around and economic pressures. Our data details cost-effective ways generosity helps keep talent and optimize .
Unanimous Agreement - Generosity is Critical to Business Every year, we ask employed adults in Georgia if business generosity efforts impact their choice of workplace, and the response continues to be a resounding yes. The report suggests re-evaluating your current offerings and ensuring their alignment with what employees truly value today.
Erik Speakman lays out the 6 steps to implementing your generosity goals at your company, including small pilot programs, measurements for success, and how to communicate your efforts with your employees and your outside customers.
Aligning your Generosity with your Competitive Advantage Recent backlash against purpose driven work overshadows the stories of business as a force for good. People have forgotten that over the last two centuries, entrepreneurs and businesses have brought more people out of poverty and increased quality of life, health, literacy, and education for more pe...
Employees offered clear direction in terms of what they value most from an employer. This year’s report digs in to the real meaning of flexibility, mental health support, and a surprising new concern regarding a perceived penalty for loyalty.
You Need People, But What do People Need? goBeyondProfit’s data confirms that generosity remains a driving factor behind employees’ choice of workplace. While this may or may not be surprising, the crucial takeaway lies in the gap between what companies currently offer and employees’ evolving priorities. If you’re wondering how to p...
One small BrainShift can result in an entire culture of wellness. Sometimes just a small action can have huge consequences for your entire workforce. Find out more: https://bit.ly/3YS8Sed
“Stay engaged. You might not be able to do what you did last year but you have to understand there are even more people in need in this environment.” Insight from Michael Russell, CEO of H.J. Russell & Company, on why corporate giving remains important. https://bit.ly/3EpARbP
Over the last two centuries, entrepreneurs and businesses have brought more people out of poverty and increased quality of life, health, literacy, and education for more people than in all recorded history. Now is the time to align your business generosity with what makes your company truly succeed according to goBeyondProfit member Erik Speakman.
Aligning your Generosity with your Competitive Advantage Recent backlash against purpose driven work overshadows the stories of business as a force for good. People have forgotten that over the last two centuries, entrepreneurs and businesses have brought more people out of poverty and increased quality of life, health, literacy, and education for more pe...
Balancing public statements with political involvement is a tightrope for Georgia executives. 63% of employees think public statements on social issues by their employer are important, but 54% want their companies to steer clear of politics all together.
Employees Ask For Community Outreach Reboot Companies have long understood the positive benefits of a well-thought-out community engagement program. In this year’s survey, Georgia employees clearly indicated their shifting priorities regarding the most important demonstrations of generosity to the community.
What are the key elements of a strategic corporate giving program? Whether you are leveraging your company’s unique skills to better the community or following the passions of your employees and leadership team, generosity has become mission-critical for all businesses.
What does it mean to be a generous company? Heather Fortner challenged SignatureFD not to rest on past accolades but instead embrace a curiosity mindset and reimagine how they can serve employees, clients and communities. https://bit.ly/3Rb2pt2
In today’s polarized environment, Georgians unanimously agree (99%) on the importance of generosity in business. Our latest report details the benefits generosity brings to your business and offers clear guidance on what Georgia employees value most. https://bit.ly/3PgwaWT
Unanimous Agreement - Generosity is Critical to Business Every year, we ask employed adults in Georgia if business generosity efforts impact their choice of workplace, and the response continues to be a resounding yes. The report suggests re-evaluating your current offerings and ensuring their alignment with what employees truly value today.
Looking to make your company more diverse but don’t know where to start? Darah Okeke walks CEOs, recruiters, and managers through the multitude of sources available to them to find and recruit diverse talent. https://bit.ly/35SYw3t
Why should corporate giving be the fabric of a company from day one? Our Founder, Rick Jackson, Chairman of Jackson Healthcare, lays out the benefits not only for employee retention, but for your company’s bottom line. https://bit.ly/3EuvVCA
Employees are being very clear – they are struggling with burnout and asking for help. 70% shared they are experiencing burnout yet only 41% of executives say they currently offer mental health support.
You Need People, But What do People Need? goBeyondProfit’s data confirms that generosity remains a driving factor behind employees’ choice of workplace. While this may or may not be surprising, the crucial takeaway lies in the gap between what companies currently offer and employees’ evolving priorities. If you’re wondering how to p...
Have you recently implemented a wellness program at your company but are struggling with low engagement? Experts walk through easy steps to maximize the benefits you’re providing your employees to support their mental health. See what employees value most: https://bit.ly/3Pt4ejG
“Focusing on purpose and values, going beyond profit and wanting to maximize something other than shareholder profits is the right thing to do. But it’s also a profitable strategy," says Enrique Alvarez, Co-Founder of Vector Global Logistics. https://bit.ly/3PaqhtY
Our research shows that flexibility isn’t about set days in the office or at home, when asked, your employees want greater ownership of their time and the ability to manage a work/life balance without taking PTO. See the data for yourself:
https://bit.ly/47W3niP
You Need People, But What do People Need? goBeyondProfit’s data confirms that generosity remains a driving factor behind employees’ choice of workplace. While this may or may not be surprising, the crucial takeaway lies in the gap between what companies currently offer and employees’ evolving priorities. If you’re wondering how to p...
Have you checked in with your people? Do you know how to craft an inclusion plan your people will value? Our video series helps give you a strong baseline understanding that will help you create a plan customized for your employees. https://bit.ly/3R9DCFw
Giving back is actually business critical, especially for local businesses. “People are paying attention to what organizations you are giving to, whether you realize it or not” explains Baranco. https://bit.ly/45G4OjA
The mental health crisis is hitting your youngest workers hardest. As retention issues continue, offering empathy and flexibility to your employees may be the key to addressing their burnout and keeping them at your company.
Burnout Dilemma - Are you Asking the Right Questions? In 2022, goBeyondProfit’s survey of employed adults in Georgia raised a red flag concerning the state of mental health in the workplace. This year, employees continue to prioritize their requests for mental health support.
Workers see flexibility as the ability to manage life’s demands without having to take PTO. Greater flexibility doesn’t mean more work-from-home, it can be a powerful tool in addressing burnout in your workplace. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Pt4ejG
“Do we really see the unseen hardships? Do we have the eyes to see, the ears to hear and the heart to care?” Dan T. Cathy reflects on his own generosity journey and the role of the private sector to act quickly and stand in the gap. Watch the interview: https://bit.ly/44LhgNM
As the workforce continues to diversify, data reinforces the importance of paying attention to the diverse needs of your employees. Our new data suggest employees of color’s priorities are significantly different from their peers. Find out more:
https://bit.ly/47W3niP
You Need People, But What do People Need? goBeyondProfit’s data confirms that generosity remains a driving factor behind employees’ choice of workplace. While this may or may not be surprising, the crucial takeaway lies in the gap between what companies currently offer and employees’ evolving priorities. If you’re wondering how to p...
Should you communicate about on-going DEI plans or wait until you get it all right? Research shows 91% of business leaders are confident in their approach, but 1-in-3 worry about saying the wrong thing. Find out more: https://bit.ly/3R9DCFw
“Everybody wants to make money, but everybody also wants to feel part of something. That’s the biggest issue that we’ve seen. If people don’t buy into what you’re doing, it doesn’t matter what you pay. They need to feel like they’re part of something” according to Alex Willson, CEO of Sunnyland Farms.
In our one-on-one conversation, Alex details how he implements generosity into a farming and manufacturing business. Listening, learning and adapting as he takes the reins of this 75 year old family business. See the full interview:
Celebrating 75 Years of Generosity Sunnyland Farms, and its CEO Alex Willson were nominated and selected by fellow Georgia business leaders as a goBeyondProfit Champion for their comprehensive, generational approach to generosity.
“Sunnyland has always been 100% committed to our employees,” says Alex Willson, CEO of Sunnyland Farms. “We make sure they know we have a vested interest in them, not only inside the company but also outside of their job as well.” From offering training and promotion opportunities to implementing flexibility in manufacturing, Alex Willson details Sunnyland Farms 75 year commitment to its employees. Read the full interview: https://bit.ly/3r08PAl
“Where there’s a need, we try to help fill it.” Sunnyland Farms’ 75 years of generosity is evident in southwest Georgia, from their commitment to the Martin Luther King Elementary school and Boys and Girls Club of Albany, to the Willson Center for Humanities and Arts at the University of Georgia and the Willson Hospice House. Sunnyland Farms has a vested interest in the wellbeing of not only their employees but also their customers, neighbors and the thousands of lives they touch.
Congratulations Sunnyland Farms! Congratulations to goBeyondProfit Champion, Sunnyland Farms! Sunnyland Farms, and its CEO Alex Willson were nominated and selected by fellow Georgia business leaders as a goBeyondProfit Champion for their comprehensive, generational approach to generosity.
Congratulations to Sunnyland Farms on being selected as a goBeyondProfit Champion. In our interview with CEO Alex Willson, he describes their approach to business generosity as simply “where there’s a need, we try to help fill it.” See the full interview: https://bit.ly/3Ee1qk9
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About goBeyondProfit
goBeyondProfit is a civic-minded initiative celebrating corporate generosity of all kinds. Our vision is to inspire companies of all sizes and stages to elevate giving back to a point it becomes the norm for all businesses in the state of Georgia.
There is no cost to become a member! Sign the Pledge Today: www.gobeyondprofit.org/sign-the-pledge/
As businesses make significant contributions to improving the communities in which they live, work and serve, we believe those actions should be recognized and celebrated, further inspiring others to follow their example. We invite all business leaders across Georgia to join.
There is no cost to participate. goBeyondProfit is funded by Jackson Healthcare and asks nothing from businesses except to pledge to continue making a difference.