Just as CBIZ helps businesses to succeed, it also strives to help communities to succeed by contributing to organizations that work to strengthen the foundations of a healthy community.
Company President and COO Jerry Grisko believes that the importance of the relationship between a business and its surrounding area cannot be overstated, that one cannot succeed without support from the other. The company’s philosophy is that when it serves the community, it serves its employees, its clients and its shareholders.
“As a part of the community, we feel it is important to nourish this symbiotic relationship if we are to succeed as a corporation,” Grisko says.
The business services provider takes great pride in its sponsorship for an Amateur Athletics Union traveling basketball team. The league was created to allow young adults to compete nationally and to gain exposure for college scholarships. CBIZ has sponsored a team for four years, and last spring, five players were awarded full scholarships to play basketball for Division One teams.
The company also participates in Cleveland Initiative for Education, in which businesses sponsor a school in the Cleveland district. The program includes school improvement projects, donations of in-kind materials, donations of items such as computers and tutoring of children.
In addition, CBIZ has donated thousands of dollars worth of office furniture to Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, participated in the creation of a library mural, donated incentives for attendance week and supplied volunteers for Career Day. This year, it sponsored the school’s end-of-the-year bash for students who excelled academically.
CBIZ employees are also involved with Business Volunteers Unlimited at the Community Builder Level. During the past year, employees were placed on the boards of two organizations, and the company has five employees working with BVU with the goal of serving on a nonprofit board.
The Salvation Army also benefits from CBIZ’s involvement. Last holiday season, employees held a food drive and many volunteered for a meal service. Employees collected items for the USO to distribute and volunteers treated children from the Berea Children’s Home to a Lake County Captains Game.
The company was also selected as a pacesetter for the 2005 United Way campaign and raises money both through pledges and creative fund-raisers in the office.
How to reach: CBIZ, (216) 447-9000 or www.cbiz.com
