Advertise on podcast: Willful Impact

The CVC of Atlanta supports member companies and their strategic commitments to social impact. They are a network of local businesses that are passionate about volunteerism. Members join to share ways to address community needs through workplace volunteering. We provide resources to help businesses build strong community investment strategies and make a difference through service. Their Executive Director, Cheryl Kortemeier, joined us for a wide-ranging discussion including: The Value of Volunteerism - on individuals, corporations and the community The 29th Annual IMPACT Awards - Recognizing the exemplary efforts of metro organizations  Other CVC Award Programs - Like those performed by our local youth Nonprofit Member Partners - How CVC incorporates nonprofits into their operations Economic Mobility - How on earth can metro Atlanta rank dead last of 50 major metro areas??? What's coming in 2027?

Welcome to Allied For Impact! …and welcome to our new name.   When we launched the Willful Impact podcast back in 2020, our personal enthusiasm and commitment to serving our community - paying our civic rent if you will - was front of mind. Our primary goal was to inspire as many individuals as possible to consistently dedicate chunks of their most valuable asset - their time - to have an impact - to enhancing quality of life for everyone in their communities.   That goal hasn't changed. What DID change is our understanding of how and why successful philanthropic efforts really work. Looking back at all 81 episodes of Willful Impact we realized there was a common theme… Every single one of our guests - all leaders on their chosen paths - emphasized the central importance of collaboration. They used many different words… They called it partner with, team up with, band together with, make common cause with, join with, work in concert with, combine with… collaborate, affiliate, associate, confederate…   It was our new sponsor, Circles Cobb, that finally turned on the light bulb for us. Their Executive Director, Barbara Garner, was recruiting me to become a Circles Ally. That word - Ally - suddenly hit me right between the eyes. Barbara used it as a noun. She talked about the role and rewards of becoming a Circles Ally. She used it as a verb, talking about how Circles allies with individuals, businesses, civic groups, churches and other nonprofits.   And there it was; the obvious hiding in plain sight. Of course, individual, willful commitment and effort is vital to make an impact. It's necessary. Necessary but, not sufficient. It's not the magic sauce. Alliance is the magic sauce.    Individual motivation leads to improvement in quality of life for others. Two motivated allies working together can accomplish much more in less time. A group of allies injects even more momentum to drive progress forward.   Add businesses and other nonprofits, and faith-based and service organizations to the mix, and the entire community becomes Allied For Impact. Human progress becomes inevitable and unstoppable. We'll continue to tell these stories of collaborative success. We hope you'll ally with us! And as our ally, have an impact on the quality of life for everyone in our collective communities.  Together, let's all be Allied For Impact.

Proda Technology is where your business and our team of IT professionals join forces to provide you with the information technology solutions you need. Our consulting firm offers comprehensive advice, design, implementation, training, and IT support. With an extensive background in IT design and a deep understanding of how to optimize your business, we can confidently guarantee an immediate return on investment. We customize our services to fit your goals, budget, and business environment, enabling you to create a more productive tomorrow.

"Peachtree Hearing is Atlanta's premier audiology practice. Led by Audiologist Dr. Melissa Wikoff, the staff at Peachtree Hearing believe that your hearing care should be a superior experience that offers you the comprehensive treatment required to properly address your specific needs. From testing hearing to treating hearing loss, Peachtree Hearing uses the latest technology, scientifically proven techniques, and compassionate personalized care to treat each of  our patients."

"Founded in 1951, the Georgia Symphony Orchestra (GSO) has engaged audiences through imaginative programming, visionary leadership, and critically acclaimed performances." "The mission of the GSO is to enrich our community through accessible, high quality musical and educational experiences that instill a lifelong appreciation for the arts." Their vision is to "continue growing a thriving and innovative cultural organization that enriches, educates, and inspires audiences, students, and musicians in the community." Today's interview is with Suzanne Tucker, Executive Director of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra.

"Veritiv Corporation (NYSE: VRTV), headquartered in Atlanta and a Fortune 500® company, is a full- service provider of packaging, JanSan and hygiene products, services and solutions. Additionally, Veritiv provides print and publishing products, and logistics and supply chain management solutions. Serving customers in a wide range of industries both in North America and globally, Veritiv has distribution centers throughout the U.S. and Mexico, and team members around the world helping shape the success of its customers." Kay Reynolds is the Manager of Community Relations for Veritiv...

"Warner Bros. Discovery, a premier global media and entertainment company, offers audiences the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of content, brands and franchises across television, film, streaming and gaming. The new company combines WarnerMedia's premium entertainment, sports and news assets with Discovery's leading non-fiction and international entertainment and sports businesses."

Delta Community Credit Union is among the top 25 largest credit unions in the United States. Their Vision: "We want to be metro Atlanta's preferred place to bank, known for providing our members with honest value, superior service and trusted advice." We have the pleasure of speaking with, once again, Ms. Jai Rogers, Vice President of Business & Community Development for the Delta Community Credit Union.

The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university established by the state of Georgia in Atlanta in 1885 and committed to developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. "...business-driven solutions to sustainability challenges ..." Sustainability is a "mission multiplier" and maximize the value of our mission Increase efficiency, reduce/eliminate waste, utilize sustainability to integrate the social and environmental aspects of life

The Posse Foundation might just be the premier networking organization for young adults anywhere. The Posse model works for both students and college campuses and is rooted in the belief that a small, diverse group of talented students—a Posse—carefully selected and trained, can serve as a catalyst for individual and community development. As the United States becomes an increasingly multicultural society, Posse believes that the leaders of the 21st century should reflect the country's rich demographic mix. The key to a promising future for our nation rests on the ability of strong leaders from diverse backgrounds to develop consensus solutions to complex social problems. Posse's primary aim is to train these leaders of tomorrow.

For over 30 years, Park Pride has engaged communities to activate the power of parks. Parks have the power to increase quality of life. They promote community engagement, health, safety, and revitalization. They make citizens happy, communities strong, and cities sustainable. Park Pride's programs, leadership, and funding helps communities unlock these benefits in parks across Atlanta.

Since 1858, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta has been serving the ever-changing needs of our community. As the oldest non-profit in Atlanta, the Y champions communities where everyone belongs, and provides opportunities so that everyone—especially children—can reach their full potential. We visited with Ms. Lauren Koontz,  the President & CEO of YMCA of Metro Atlanta, and discussed a myriad of this organization's incredible contributions.

JJ's Playhouse provides an avenue for parents, grandparents and caregivers to meet the physical, social and cognitive development needs of children under the age of 12 in Atlanta's West-Metropolitan communities and beyond.

Thyme 4 Friends provides socialization, stimulation, and support for senior adults who know that life gets better with age. Founder & CEO, Marlene Russell is the brains behind this fascinating organization.

Kristi Porter, Chief Do-Gooder at Signify. With a title like that, you've got to expect some serious commitment to community service!