Re: [Mpls] "Corporate citizens" becoming an oxymoron in Mpls

[Jhpalmerjp]

I think the important thing to differentiate between here is there's a
difference between the foundations and the people who manage them.  Corporate
entities have never, in my experience, done anything from a totally
altruistic motive.  They start foundations or have community development
programs in part to help in areas, but mostly because they gain good PR
either internally or externally.  Externally, they can say, hey we're a good
company, see how we're helping out.  Internally, they can say the same thing,
as well as providing employees with an opportunity to "get involved".  Make
no mistake, though, without the benefits to the company, they wouldn't do it.

The difference is that you occassionally get someone heading up the
foundation or program who does actually care and tries to steer it in the
right direction.  That the funding guidelines have changed is not surprising
in my opinion.  Not surprising because I know that's how the game is played.  
The real question to me is how much are they going to continue to change?

Jonathan Palmer
Stevens Square-Loring Heights

Leadership Does Matter!
www.jonathanpalmer.org