Tom Avallone, Cobb Hill Construction, Concord, N.H., encourages his staff to join nonprofit boards, code review committees, and service and community organizations. “This increases our visibility, and it is good for our company to be represented,” he says.
Before starting his construction firm, Avallone worked in nonprofits for five years, so he understands the contribution these groups make to the community.
Avallone simply asks his employees to join and tells them it is good for the company and their personal and professional growth.
His employees have responded to his request. One serves on the board for the Child and Family Services of New Hampshire. Another completed a one-year program called Leadership Concord that selects 15 people per year to act as ambassadors to the Chamber of Commerce. Several others have joined the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs or served on local historic and conservation commissions. One project manager is on the code review committee for the city of Concord.
Employees schedule their hours around these commitments. Avallone says most of his employees are salaried and committed to their jobs so he does not have an issue with them taking time out to attend meetings.