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Volunteer Memphis' 

Corporate Volunteer Council

Congratulates the 2007

Corporate Neighbor Award Winners

Corporate Neighbor of the Year (Large Company) 

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

For Methodist, community involvement has to be more than just a press release or an occasional award, -- it’s part of who they are and how you “walk the walk” and "talk the talk" -- and it comes from the top down.  They understand the importance of listening to community needs and working with all sectors and various partners to help solve community issues.  Associates volunteer to make a difference in the lives of many – especially as it relates to a more healthy community.  Volunteers teach classes, work at health screenings, provide jobs/skills training for neighbors, serve on nonprofit boards and committees.  The list of volunteer related projects are many, but here are some of the key partnerships:  Hope House, Mid-South Transplant Foundation, March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, Food Bank, Adopt-a-School and more.  These partners and many others in the Mid-South community have benefited greatly from Methodist Le Bonheur’s commitment.   Giving back to the community is part of their culture and truly their mission.

Corporate Neighbor of the Year (Small Company)  

Pfizer, Global Financial Shared Services Americas

Pfizer demonstrates its leadership to volunteerism through its Community Committee and its belief that its volunteer program makes the community a better place to live and helps develop the workforce of tomorrow.  With recent reorganization, it would have been easy for the community involvement piece to slip away – but not at Pfizer. Their colleagues understand that the ongoing vitality of the community has a direct impact on the long-term health of the business.  

Pfizer employees are committed to numerous community projects, exemplifying the company’s value of social responsibility and compassion.  Their volunteer program, supported by management in the allocation of resources and time, includes a volunteer council, the ability for colleagues to undertake volunteer activities during work hours, a strong incentive and recognition program  -- including their own Volunteer of the Month award -- and internal publicity for all who participate. 

Executive Volunteer of the Year Award  

Terry Howell, First Horizon 

Gandhi said, “We must be the change we wish to see” and this year’s winner is committed to that vision.  Given today’s economic climate, companies and individuals have to find creative ways in which to engage already busy people to volunteer. Howell not only stepped up to take on a major leadership role in recruiting and organizing fellow employees across functional areas, but has been incredibly resourceful in creating excitement to get people to serve.  Although he maintains a busy schedule with senior leadership responsibilities within the company – he makes time to “Be the Change."

Outstanding Project of the Year Award  

First Horizon Home Loans for MIFA Life Skills Economic Literacy    

This year's winning project took advantage of one of the top trends in employee volunteering – skill-based volunteering.  Volunteers used their skills to help teach life skills.   While this group works as “bill collectors” by day – qualifying people for loans and calling when loans are in default -- they used their knowledge and strengths to teach financial literacy skills to formerly homeless people who are trying to get their lives in order.  Participants in the program showed increased knowledge and awareness of their own personal responsibility for their finances.

Volunteer Employee Spirit Award  

Sue Binnie of International Paper  

Passionate, civic-minded, committed.  These are just a few of the qualities that describe Binnie.  She believes a community’s success relies on the compassion and commitment of its citizens and their willingness to work toward a common goal.

If it takes a village to raise a child -- it takes a volunteer to define a community.