Celebrating Denver's Most Philanthropic Businesses

Online, April 5, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Companies have been rethinking their corporate philanthropy strategy for decades, but most have done so quietly - until recently. Today more business owners and executives are taking a stand not only to share what they are doing that benefits their triple bottom line (people, planet, profit), but also to encourage other businesses to consider their own impact on the community.

"It's important that companies come together to honor the work they are doing beyond the traditional bottom line," says Susan Hyatt M.S., author of Strategy for Good: Business Giving Strategies for the 21st Century. "It's also a way to introduce this way of thinking to those who haven't yet considered the unique contributions their company can offer to the community."

1% for the Planet, Net Impact, and Social Venture Partners International are all organizations that support businesses in "doing good." These organizations serve as advocacy groups for corporate philanthropy as well as offer information on how companies can have the most impact with their giving.

On Thursday, April 28th Hyatt will host her book launch and join with local companies to honor those who contribute to the community. The event will be held at Icehouse Tavern, a restaurant owned by one of Denver's philanthropic entrepreneurs - Mark Berzins. Other guests include some of Hyatt's interviewees featured in her book. In addition to The Little Pub Company, owned by Berzins, other philanthropic companies include The Denver Post, Corona Insights, Belcaro Paint and Home Decorating Center, Beau Jo's Pizza, Landscapes Within, Karl Dakin LLC, and Colorado State Bank and Trust.

In Hyatt's book, Strategy for Good, she advocates that businesses be smart and strategic. She states that companies can "do good" with their community involvement and also benefit their bottom line as well, from increased exposure, brand loyalty, and employee satisfaction. Hyatt has dedicated a portion of all her book proceeds be donated to 1% for the Planet, Net Impact, and Social Venture Partners.

The event is coupled with the "Dining Out for Life" fundraiser. In which participating local restaurants will donate 25% of their food sales to support Project Angel Heart's delivery of nutritious meals to those with life-threatening illnesses.

The celebration is open to the public and free to attend. Stop by between 4-7pm at the Icehouse Tavern located at 1801 Wynkoop Avenue, Denver, CO 80202. Parking is available in the paid parking lot at Union Station. Afterwards dine out at one of the 300 restaurants participating in the "Dining Out for Life" fundraiser.

To find out more about Susan Hyatt and her book, Strategy for Good, visit http://www.strategyforgood.com.