After TO THE MARKET was named a finalist for the Citizens Awards (founded by the US Chamber of Commerce), I had the opportunity to attend the Chamber’s ‘Business Solves’ conference at which they would announce the winners. TO THE MARKET was nominated for Best Economic Empowerment and Opportunity Program alongside IBM, Citi, and Chevron.
Throughout the day, attendees listened to speaker sessions from representatives of organizations like Edward Jones, Boeing, FedEx, and even The White House, who shared their stories and experiences on operating with better business practices, giving insight into how businesses can develop pathways for change in a variety of different ways.
Although Citi won for its amazing program dedicated to expanding affordable housing and home ownership among Black Americans, we felt incredibly honored to be nominated next to these major corporations and left the conference feeling inspired by the growth companies have made in the impact space - from large corporations to non-profit organizations to small businesses.
My Main Takeaway
What’s the one thing companies across all industries have in common? The opportunity to leverage their business operations, professional network, and resources to make an impact. While large corporations are able to spark change on a global scale, it doesn’t diminish the importance of smaller companies impacting communities at the local level. All businesses, no matter the size, are faced with crucial decisions every day that will - directly or indirectly - touch others. At the Business Solves Conference, it was incredibly powerful to see such diversity gathered in one room to discuss and reflect on how they can refine their decision-making processes to include the impact on the lives of others.
Congratulations to all the companies who were nominated for the 2022 Citizens Awards! Together, we are living proof that doing good and doing well is possible.
By Grace Knowles, Integrated Marketing Coordinator
Watch out nominated initiative below!