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July/August 2007
 CH2M HILL, a global engineering, construction and operations company, has partnered with Engineers Without Borders-USA (EWB-USA) since 2003. When two CH2M HILL executives learned about Engineers Without Borders-USA nearly five years ago, they immediately knew that EWB-USA was an organization whose mission aligned with theirs and that a partnership would be a strategic fit. The organizations share a commitment to supporting service learning opportunities for engineering students and professionals through the implementation of sustainable engineering and construction projects in developing communities around the globe.
A successful corporate/non-profit partnership must be mutually beneficial and based on shared values and goals. CH2M HILL supports EWB-USA because they share common values and a commitment to:
- Deliver sustainable solutions
- Inspire and mentor a future engineering and construction workforce
- Give back to the global community
- Use engineering principles and technologies to improve quality of life
CH2M HILL and EWB-USA know that a successful partnership advances the goals and objectives of both partners; their partnership is a win-win:
Contributions from CH2M HILL/Benefits to EWB-USA
Financial support: CH2M HILL has provided significant monetary support to EWB-USA to help underwrite overall operations and administration. Financial support has taken the form of corporate sponsorship of the organization’s conferences, sponsorship of the its fundraising golf tournament (in partnership with the Western Business Roundtable), a 2004 grant from the CH2M HILL Foundation, $30,000 in grants to support CH2M HILL employee projects in 2006, and a large contribution from joint-venture company Kaiser-Hill in 2006 upon closure of Rocky Flats.
In-kind support: Kicking off what has become a strong and enduring relationship, CH2M HILL hosted an EWB-USA fundraising reception during Engineers Week 2004. In 2004, CH2M HILL also hosted the EWB-USA International Conference at its headquarters in Denver.
Since 2005, members of the CH2M HILL Marketing and Communications team have provided public relations and communications counsel and services to the organization, helping to secure media coverage, assisting with presentation development, underwriting advertisements, and writing and editing a variety of communication materials. The team also has partnered with EWB–USA in supporting other non-profit partners.
In addition, CH2M HILL contributes executive leadership to the board of directors and is bringing additional experts to the table in the areas of overseas travel and security to help strengthen EWB-USA’s policies and procedures.
Perhaps the most significant contribution of time and talent to the organization has been the volunteer service of more than 30 CH2M HILL employees working across the United States in partnership with local student and professional chapters. These individuals have contributed countless hours and substantial passion and technical expertise to help grow the EWB-USA organization, mentor students, serve as public speakers and ambassadors and bring sustainable engineering projects to life in countries such as Guatemala, Thailand and Tanzania. In 2006, the firm began monthly EWB-USA conference calls for employee volunteers to network, share best practices and learn from one another. This group is becoming more formalized as a Community of Practice in 2007, sharing a website of resources and ideas, which strengthen the team’s ability to serve EWB-USA.
Contributions from EWB-USA/Benefits to CH2M HILL
While there is no doubt that Engineers Without Borders-USA has benefited from the financial and in-kind contributions provided by CH2M HILL since 2003, CH2M HILL has also received a number of benefits from its partnership with EWB-USA.
Branding and visibility: CH2M HILL has received visibility at all of the events it has sponsored for EWB-USA, as well as ongoing recognition on the EWB-USA website. In addition, CH2M HILL employees often are featured and quoted in EWB-USA communications. This visibility serves to strengthen the firm’s identify as a strong corporate citizen and industry leader in supporting workforce development and sustainable engineering solutions.
Participation in a meaningful endeavor: Volunteering with EWB-USA gives CH2M HILL professionals the opportunity to support a dynamic and growing organization committed to helping underserved communities improve their quality of life. It’s tangible and meaningful work, and employees receive a large amount of personal – and company – pride in contributing to something “bigger than themselves.”
Employee leadership and skill development: Through their involvement, CH2M HILL professionals are given the opportunity to develop competencies in leadership, teamwork and technical skills. Professional development is a positive outcome of employee volunteerism and ultimately equates to value added to the firm.
Access to early talent and community-minded professionals: Partnering with EWB-USA allows CH2M HILL professionals to meet and work with a number of engineering students and professionals. These individuals tend to share a commitment to sustainable engineering practices, global responsibility and cultural sensitivity and are solid candidates for career opportunities with CH2M HILL.
"We are very proud of this partnership, which we've built based on principles learned through The Center's executive education program," says Patty Keck, CH2M HILL’s Community Relations Manager. "Our involvement with Engineers Without Borders-USA is a strong model for other companies looking for a meaningful, long-term community partnership. It draws on the strengths of both organizations to provide mutually beneficial outcomes."
For more information about this partnership, contact Patty Keck at Patty.Keck@ch2m.com.
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