The Columbus Chamber and Capital University have partnered to bring the first business-themed podcast to Columbus. During cbuzz, Columbus-based brand journalist Mikaela Hunt will speak with local business owners, entrepreneurs and community leaders and allow them to tell their story and highlight their organization, while further inspiring the entrepreneurial spirit that is buzzing in the city.
Since its inception in 2000, The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation has deployed more than $9.1 million to support its initiatives. CBJ fans, players and staff have accumulated over 5,000 volunteer hours. All of it supports one mission.
“We sum up our work in the community through the Foundation as supporting youth health and wellness in Central Ohio,” says Kathryn Dobbs, VP of community relations and executive director of the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation.
During the podcast, Dobbs digs into how they execute their work supporting four core priorities: pediatric cancer; development of youth and amateur hockey; health and safety; reading and literacy.
Building playgrounds, plenty of hockey (ice or otherwise), and even Stinger sightings to get kids excited about reading – Dobbs discusses the ways the Foundation has found to give back that align with the identity of CBJ.
It’s part of a larger discussion on the importance of corporate social responsibility. Dobbs lends her insights on building a philanthropic plan, starting with how an organization measures success. How can businesses support their operations while also doing good in the community?
It’s not always easy. Businesses can look for opportunities to make an impact on causes that their staff care about, or look at what is important to their customers and find a way to connect with those organizations and initiatives. Dobbs stresses the importance of having a clear vision – sometimes it means saying no, but with the “Columbus way,” no rarely means no. Dobbs knows that maybe the Foundation can’t always help, but she might know someone who can. With so many needs in the community, it’s those connections that can move the needle forward together.
Listen to the full podcast to learn more about Dobbs in her dream job and the Foundation’s impact on the Columbus community.
Never miss a cbuzz podcast! Visit the Columbus Chamber website for more great stories and advice from local business owners.
— The Columbus Chamber of Commerce offers news, information and other resources that are free and available to all businesses at columbus.org. —