Doing Well by Doing Good

Doing well by doing good: Community relations

Benjamin Franklin, whose Albany Plan of Union is widely regarded as a precursor of the Constitution's uniting of the American colonies, was also a sage and shrewd businessman. His philosophy, as told through Poor Richard's Almanac, to "do well by doing good" underscored the precept that helping for the greater good of the community is not merely altruistic, but good business.

Biographer Walter Isaacson, in an introduction to Benjamin Franklin: The Way to Wealth and Other Writing on Finances, observes: "Helping others is part of a virtuous cycle: It makes you more valuable to your community, helps you to both serve your neighbors and your Lord; and also rebounds to your personal credit."

Since its founding in 1979, Sawchuk Brown Associates (SBA) has adhered to a policy of "doing well by doing good," incorporating community service into its corporate credo, enhancing clients' community relations programs and encouraging staff and communications colleagues to "get involved."

Over the years, the firm has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in time and talent in pro bono initiatives and has provided special rates for nonprofit organizations. Its staff has contributed countless hours in volunteer leadership positions, fundraising efforts and support for special events.

For its community service contributions, SBA has been honored by the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce (Community Service Award), the Hudson-Mohawk Consortium of Colleges and Universities (Presidents' Award), and dozens of community-based groups.

SBA staff have held leadership roles in successful fundraising projects, such as the $2 million Regional Food Bank drive (click here for case study) co-chaired by Pamela Sawchuk Brown and the $570,000 American Heart Walk co-chaired by David Brown

The firm's staff have served as trustees, directors and event committee chairs for organizations devoted to youth and senior services, art and culture, health care, education, community services, economic development and other areas that impact the quality of life in the region.

For a sample of the many groups that have benefited from the firm, click here.

Staff regularly speak before community groups on communications issues, provide communications programs for nonprofits and counsel young people, all part of its "Sharing Our Knowledge" initiative.

Some of the benefactors of Sawchuk Brown's community relations counsel and services are:

AIDS Society of Northeastern New York
Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce
Albany Tulip Festival
American Heart Association
Albany Institute of History & Art
Albany Medical Center
Albany Public Library
American Red Cross
Albany Roundtable
Albany Symphony Orchestra
Albany-Tula Alliance
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
American Heart Association
American Stroke Association
Arbor Hill Community Center
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Capital Cities
Community Foundation
Community Hospice
GenNEXT
Girls Inc.
Homeless and Travelers Aid Society
Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless
Juvenile Diabetes Association
Literacy Volunteers of America
Make a Wish Foundation
MS Society
Parsons Family & Child Centers
Regional Food Bank
Rennselear Historical Society
Saratoga Rowing Association
Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation
Saratoga P.L.A.N.
Saratoga Springs Universal Preservation Hall
Senior Services Centers of Albany
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