There are so many charities with so many great causes. Does your company support any charities or community events, or would you like to become more involved personally? Mitchell Tomlinson, President and CEO of Peckham along with Denise Busley, Founder of Grand Traverse Pie Company, shared their ideas of charitable and philanthropic support with different charities and organizations with Marsha Zimmerman, Marketing Manager for Dart Development on Michigan’s Big Show and during the 9am edition of the Michigan Business Rap on July 16, 2014. A summary of their conversation is included below:

• Mitchell explained that Peckham, a non-profit organization, hires many people with disabilities and they feel it is very important to give back to charities and local community organizations. They have events that support veterans, refugees and youth and are always looking for ways to make their lives just a little bit better.
• Refugees are persons who are being settled in Lansing, and some also have disabilities, and Peckham tries to find out those things and tries to help out with their efforts.
• Peckham specifically seeks out charities and organizations that fit their business model within their company.
• Denise Busley commented that Grand Traverse Pie Company looks at things more along the lines of philanthropy vs. charity, meaning, they look at people and how can they make people better as opposed to simply giving money. GT Pie Co. also believes that being philanthropic, allows their company to make the world a better place.
• Grand Traverse Pie Company is also very focused on youth. Denise has been appointed to Governor Snyder’s Task Force for Prevention of Sexual Abuse in Children, and is very passionate about making a different in children’s lives. “Erin’s Law” was passed in January 2013, and a task force has been developed from this law.
• Denise explained that Grand Traverse Pie Company works with different groups, whether it be from the arts, church or school initiatives; however, she feels that if she targets one bigger initiative, she can give more of herself and make a bigger impact / contribution to make change. GT Pie Co. also gives a lot of product from their stores for different community events.
• In Segment 2, Rachael Sanford from Greater Ingham County Habitat for Humanity added that they really focus on the rural part of Ingham County, and are currently constructing wheelchair ramps in Williamston and Mason, and also working on a roof repair in Dansville.

During the 9AM edition of the Michigan Business Rap, panel experts weighed in on their efforts and beliefs regarding charitable giving and involvement in community events/organizations. A summary of their conversation is included below:

• Phil Tripp, owner of Tripp’s Auto Shop & Collision Centers, feels that it’s so important to give back to the communities and to not only give to charities, but really focus on community participation and making events fun for families. Phil stressed the importance of what his customers truly mean to him, and that’s why he wants to give back to them.
• Steve Klaver, owner of DBI Office Interiors, commented that there is so much need out there, and one of the things they did this year was support a school within the Lansing School District with four new picnic tables and got rid of the old dangerous tables. Also, Haven House in East Lansing had an old beat up basketball hoop that the kids couldn’t enjoy any more, so DBI replaced it with a brand new one and constructed it for them.
• Bob Fish, owner of Biggby Coffee, stated that giving is one of their seven core values, and they believe that “giving is getting.” They have changed the traditional ROI (Return On Investment) to ROI, Return on Involvement. When starting out, Bob didn’t contribute a lot of money; however, he did personally participate as much as he could as a way of giving back. Biggby customers support their stores, and it’s important that Biggby employees get back out and support their customers and communities.
• Kim Laforet, The Laforet Team / Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood, stated that she is proud to work for a company who gives back to the community, so employees are definitely looking to be a part of a company that can make an impact in the community. Kim also mentioned that if you don’t have money to give, then you can always give your time and talents.
• Both Bob Hedlund, owner of Hedlund Plumbing; and Nikali Luke, owner of Simplified Tax and Accounting, said that they have found that they are involved in a lot of “in kind” giving. They have a skill / product that people need, and they are willing and happy to help when needed.
• Nikali Luke also added that if a company sponsors an event by putting their name on a t-shirt or the like, they can claim that as an advertising expense, which will ultimately allow that company to give more.

Labels: Lansing, latest, Michigan Big Show, Michigan Business Rap

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