With more than 550 offices in three countries, the CEO of the world’s 11th largest privately-held staffing company says it’s one thing to take revenue from the communities in which they do business, but giving back is equally important.
“It’s not how much you take; it’s how much you give that really counts,” Bob Funk, CEO of Express Employment Professionals said in an interview with Staffing Talk.
The Oklahoma City based company generated $1.9 billion in overall sales in 2010, and dedicates 1.5 percent of its profits to charitable organizations each year. This year, the corporate office has donated more than $750,000, and that figure excludes charitable contributions from the local franchises.
“We make sure that we donate to those charities that are vibrant in the communities. We try to pick organizations that are lined up with our value systems of integrity and are being good business partners and taking good care of our people,” Funk added.
Former First Lady of Oklahoma Cathy Keating serves on Express’ Board of Elections, and has been an integral part of the company’s philanthropy, he said.
The company receives 400 requests for donations every six months, and Keating, who’s also a member of the philanthropy committee, sifts through them alongside past president David Gillogly and staffing industry expert Robert Gibson.
“They farrow through where we give our money to have the best return on our investment, so to speak, and she’s done just a stellar job on directing that philanthropy,” Funk explained.
“We try to pick organizations that are lined up with our value systems of integrity and are being good business partners and taking good care of our people.” — Bob Funk
The corporate headquarters is donating another $10,000 to a non-profit organization this holiday season, and is holding an online poll on its website, www.expresspros.com/3million, to determine which of the groups
- Big Brothers Big Sisters, Children’s Miracle Network or Habitat for Humanity – should receive the gift.
“If you’re going to be in business, it’s responsible to give back to the communities,” Funk said.
According to the American Association of Fundraising Counsel, corporate giving rose an estimated 10.6 percent to $15.29 billion in 2010, and represents an increase in corporate in-kind donations.
While corporate giving increased last year, it accounts for just 5 percent of all charitable giving.
The greatest portion of charitable giving is given by individuals or household donors, at $211.77 billion in 2010. Gifts from individuals represent 73 percent of all dollars contributed.
