IMPACT Strategies reflects on philanthropic efforts of past year
Year in Review 2014: Southwestern Illinois
IMPACT Strategies reflects on philanthropic efforts of past year
Reflecting back on 2014, IMPACT Strategies President Mark Hinrichs takes pride in the successful projects that the company built throughout the region. However, what stand out most in his mind are the company’s philanthropic efforts that made a difference in the community.
“I have never worked with a group of employees that is as committed to serving the community as this group,” says Hinrichs. “When I think about the worthy causes that our team supported throughout the past year, I know a volunteer spirit is alive in this area.”
In the fall, IMPACT Strategies completed construction on a new building that will supply handicap-accessible restrooms and a concession stand for a new baseball field at Longacre Park in Fairview Heights. What makes this field special is it was built in partnership with The Miracle League of Fairview Heights, a non-profit that provides children and adults with disabilities the chance to participate in organized sports.
When The Miracle League reached out to Impact Strategies for help, staff and subcontractor partners donated their time, skills and materials to the project. Major supporters included Pyramid Electrical Contracting, Woolpert Inc., Toenjes Brick Contracting and Bergmann-Roscow Plumbing.
In an effort to support the City of Belleville and its bicentennial celebration, IMPACT Strategies volunteered to build several holiday huts for the city’s first annual Christkindlmarkt. Staff volunteered after work hours to help.
“The Christkindlmarkt has been a great attraction for the city,” says Hinrichs. “Local businesses have benefitted from the increase in traffic in downtown Belleville. We are very happy to contribute our time and skills to the City of Belleville and to support local business growth.”
Over the holidays, the company organized a food drive for the Fairview Heights Food Pantry to help families in need. Also, in lieu of giving holiday gifts to clients in 2014, IMPACT Strategies financially contributed to the St. Louis Fisher House, a guest house for military families whose loved ones are being treated at the St. Louis VA Medical Center.
“We are blessed as a company to have enjoyed a brisk pace of business for the last several years and we want to continue to make an impact with our clients and the community and pay it forward,” says Hinrichs. “In every staff meeting, we welcome comments about staff members who are making an impact. We want to stay aware of local needs and focus on how we can help.”