Smart Business Magazine, January 2016

32 Smart Business Columbus January 2016 2016 Pill r Award for Community Service Since its inception one of GBQ Partners LLCs core values has been giving back to the community Company leaders such as Managing Director Darci Congrove strive to provide an environment that encourages cooperation life balance and giving back Many of the nonprofits that GBQ associates volunteer at dont have the extra funds to hire someone to help with many of the tasks that need to be completed But instead of management dictating the three to five organizations GBQ will support each year the company created a sponsorship contribution request process Associates regardless of level submit a form requesting support for an organization they are involved with and feel passionate about Requests vary and are reviewed and accepted accordingly This approach allows GBQ the opportunity to impact numerous organizations its associates are involved with but wouldnt necessarily donate to otherwise A request isnt necessarily monetary they range from the firm sponsoring a table at an event for which an associate volunteers to an associate feeling the need to encourage co workers to volunteer for something While GBQ volunteer hours and money donated varies from year to year depending on associate requests the firm also has several programs it has been committed to for years In addition GBQ has a summer volunteer initiative which is implemented by a committee of 10 people who determine the organizations that associates visit and donate time to Each Friday from June through August 10 to 15 associates leave work at noon to volunteer at these select nonprofits GBQ PARTNERS LLC Darci Congrove managing director www gbq com PILLAR AWARD HONOREE Huntington National Bank has a rich history of philanthropy engagement and commitment to Columbus Since hiring Steve Steinour as chairman president and CEO in 2009 Huntington has elevated its philanthropic efforts particularly in housing The bank understands that safe affordable housing is critical to strong communities and that strong communities are critical to regional prosperity Therefore investing in effective housing efforts is beneficial to Central Ohio at large Huntington also believes in offering a hand to those in need especially those experiencing homelessness Since 2009 Huntington has invested or committed more than 317 million in Ohio nonprofit organizations including the Community Shelter Board Homeport the Columbus Urban League and the Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing Its goal to provide safe affordable housing and end homelessness Steinour is chair of the CSBs current capital campaign and Huntington executives also are active in the leadership of Goodwill Columbus Homeless Families Foundation Lutheran Social Services National Church Residences The Salvation Army Volunteers of America YMCA of Central Ohio and YWCA Columbus Beyond housing Huntington has other philanthropic passions driven by its foundation values and culture such as Pelotonia Since 2008 Huntington has raised 14 million for cancer research by The Ohio State Universitys Comprehensive Cancer Center And Huntingtons relationship with OSU doesnt stop there It has committed 25 million for academic scholarships and educational programming and 100 million to community lending and investments to support the economic development of Columbus University District and Near East Side HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK Steve Steinour chairman president and CEO www huntington com PILLAR AWARD HONOREE