Author Archives: jeffhoffmanassociate

Small Businesses make a Strong Contribution to Communities, but can be More Effective.

Small businesses are often the backbone of engagement in local communities.  When I was involved with the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, I was always impressed with how the local store, repair shop or professional was engaged with everything from working … Continue reading

Posted in Corporate Citizenship, Economic Development, Education, Philanthropy, Volunteering and Service | Leave a comment

Serenbe, an Innovative Model of Community Building through Smart Development

There is a beautiful oasis close to Atlanta, GA, but yet far from the hustle and bustle of the city and reminiscent of a simpler time.  The place, Serenbe, derived from “Serenity” and “Be,” is not just a place, but … Continue reading

Posted in Economic Development, Environment, Harmony, Health, Volunteering and Service | Leave a comment

Trends in Workplace Giving: A Collection of Thoughts

From the research I have done and the conversations I have had, here are the major factors in the change to workplace giving over the last 15 to 20 years. Less Trust (i.e. scandals) Expanded opportunities to give elsewhere (internet, … Continue reading

Posted in Corporate Citizenship, Philanthropy, Volunteering and Service | Leave a comment

Help the Spirit of the Presidents’ Summit Live On

Fifteen years ago today I sat in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia at the Presidents’ Summit for America’s Future.  This event, Chaired by General Colin Powell, along with Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush and Bill … Continue reading

Posted in Corporate Citizenship, Education, Volunteering and Service, Youth | Leave a comment

Leadership is Key to Strong Voluntary Organizations

This is National Volunteer Week which is appropriate for the topic of my speech I gave yesterday.  I was honored to present the keynote address at the University of Notre Dames’ Alumni Senate on Leadership and Volunteerism. This group of … Continue reading

Posted in Education, Volunteering and Service, Youth | Leave a comment

Stories from Eight Decades: A Celebration of Senator Wofford’s 86th Birthday

Last night we had the honor of attending Stories from Eight Decades: A Celebration of Harris Wofford’s 86th Birthday.  Moderated by Jonathan Capehart, member of the Washington Post editorial board, Harris shared “Stories from My Life” as part of Youth … Continue reading

Posted in Education, Harmony, Volunteering and Service, Youth | Leave a comment

Peter and Jennifer Buffett on Philanthropy

The USC Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy hosted the Buffett’s as part of their Distinguished Speakers Series.  Titled “A Philanthropic Journey: A Conversation with Jennifer and Peter Buffett,” was moderated by Geoffrey Cowan.  And it was a journey.  It … Continue reading

Posted in Education, Philanthropy, Youth | Leave a comment

Entrepreneurs Foundation Corporate Citizenship Conference

Today I spent the day in the Silicon Valley with representatives from many of the world’s most admired technology companies.  Hosted at the EBay campus, I was heartened to see the importance of employee engagement woven in to many of … Continue reading

Posted in Corporate Citizenship, Economic Development, Philanthropy, Volunteering and Service | Leave a comment

Starbucks: A View of their Values, Culture and Responsibility from the Inside

The Points of Light Corporate Service Council (CSC) spent a day and a half at Starbucks Corporate Support Center (headquarters) in Seattle as the location for its meeting.  Robust discussions took place between excellent speakers and the representatives of leading … Continue reading

Posted in Corporate Citizenship, Economic Development, Social Enterprise, Volunteering and Service | Leave a comment

A Visit to the Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has a beautiful new campus in downtown Seattle.  With the Points of Light Corporate Service Council, we had an opportunity to meet with David Bley and also experience their new Visitor Center.   The LEED–NC … Continue reading

Posted in Corporate Citizenship, Education, Environment, Health, Philanthropy, Social Enterprise, Volunteering and Service | Leave a comment