New
Orleans is deeply notched in a culture of cooperation among
neighbors, especially since Katrina brought native residents closer
together, while others were forced to flee. Small businesses join
hands with local non-profits, building
relationships and keeping a team connection in New Orleans style.
Visiting and local large businesses help the local community with
organized teamwork.
The
local CVB is proactive in facilitating volunteer opportunities for
groups who wish to enrich
team relationships while visiting New Orleans.
Giving
back to the community is often a part of planning corporate
team events in New Orleans, says David Lengyel, co-founder of
Venture Up, a firm hosting charitable team events in New Orleans
since 1983.
Corporate
and association teams visiting New Orleans may donate time, money and
supplies, build bikes for kids in need, or create art for homeless
shelters and half-way houses. “Colleagues who may not work
shoulder-to-shoulder in one office, or staff who do work closely but
never see eye-to-eye, may find themselves getting along smoothly
while focusing on others outside the office boundaries,” says
Lengyel.
When
it comes to local flavor, the Crossroads NOLA program feeds into the
festive Garden District atmosphere, providing streetcar food
services. District Donuts and Sliders Brew are two local companies
behind the effort, donating 100 percent of the proceeds to local
children and teens in foster care.
The
mission at Crossroads NOLA is to connect children and teens in crisis
to the families, individuals, and opportunities they need to thrive.
The team aims to recruit, develop and support foster families.
The
Garden District food-on-wheels service, named “Streatcar,” offers
donuts, cheeseburgers, fried chicken and a full range of coffee steps
from the sidewalk. Want a beer? They’ve got brews too, if you’re
of age and it’s the legal hour.
According to a recent
Entrepreneur article by John Boitnott, there are four
ways any company can benefit from giving back , as follows:
- Building respect and a good reputation in the community.
- Making your community a better place to live.
- Employees respect leaders who do well.
- Connections and networking benefits for the company and staff.
Looks like New Orleans is
ahead of the game.
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