The Corporate Citizen

Nov. 2008

Section: News

National Leaders Join BCLC for Awards Celebration

In my four years working on BCLC's annual Corporate Citizenship Awards Dinner, last week's proved to be the one that dazzled with the most star power and meaning. Under the theme of "Service," it truly was a celebration of business at its finest.

In fact, it wasn't so much a dinner as it was a whole day, beginning with a tour of the White House East Wing for Awards finalists and sponsors. We then convened for a corporate citizenship roundtable at the stunning Eisenhower Executive Office Building, right next door to the White House. 

I was impressed by the sincerity and interest demonstrated by White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten—he promised to put the finalists' corporate citizenship stories in President Bush's nightly reading packet, and he even recognized Deloitte specifically for its volunteer service.

The roundtable, held in partnership with the White House Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives, gave corporate citizenship leaders time to examine the outlook for our profession and share their stories of impact (see sidebar for speakers' thoughts).

Booz Allen Hamilton was generous enough to invite all Awards finalists and winners on a tour of a special exhibit at the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History, called Oceans, which the company sponsors. For those who live outside of the D.C. area, this was an excellent way to take advantage of being in our nation's capital.

The Awards Dinner itself could not have been in a more beautiful venue than D.C.'s National Building Museum. The mood was elated, with hundreds of business leaders feeling proud of what they have accomplished as corporate citizens and in partnership with their community and NGO stakeholders.

White House Press Secretary Dana Perino, as emcee, commanded the room, and her enthusiasm for civic and community service – as well as President Bush's commitment to the cause – did not go unnoticed. We were fortunate to also get a glimpse into the incoming administration, as President-Elect Obama's advisor on service and volunteerism, former Senator Harris Wofford, discussed the new president's agenda on the matter.

As the night continued, more national leaders took the stage to pay tribute to those who serve.

• U.S. Chamber Board Chair Don Shepard applauded the finalists, judges, and sponsors of the program and explained the myriad ways service plays out in businesses and communities
• U.S. Chamber executives Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Dan Christman and Arthur Rothkopf saluted our nation's military heroes, including a group veterans with Operation Yellow Ribbon who were in attendance and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom
• U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez recognized public servants in all levels of government 
• Don Shepard and BCLC Executive Director Stephen Jordan honored emergency responders who answer the call of duty by assisting their fellow citizens in times of disaster
• And, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue and Harvard Business Professor Michael Porter congratulated finalist companies for their ethics and good stewardship, and encouraged all companies to follow their positive example

I had the distinct pleasure to speak backstage with officials from each of the winning organizations, who reflected on the award and their organizations' service.

Don't miss next year's Awards Dinner; it might be a year away, but after the experience of the 2008 event, it will be a hot ticket.

-Kitty Taylor