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May 9, 2008

Business Volunteers Unlimited

YOU ARE NEEDED! ARE YOU READY TO LEAD?

Have you ever wanted to serve on a Board of Directors but just didn’t know how to get placed with an organization or how to find the right organization and opportunity for you? Or have you ever wanted to use your own business expertise to give back to the community? Perhaps you would like to help in the community, but just don’t have a lot of time to give?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then we have a great opportunity for you. COSE has partnered with Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU) to match COSE members with the right nonprofit leadership opportunity for business owners and/or their employees at a reduced or no cost. Small businesses are significant, as they serve as leaders and help to strengthen the communities in which they serve.

BVU is recognized nationally as a unique and innovative model, and has carefully prepared and matched over 1300 business executives to 320 nonprofit organizations. BVU provides relevant training, executive coaching and consulting to strengthen the staff leadership of nonprofits.

“Small business expertise is a common request from nonprofit organizations because of the entrepreneurial spirit and skill set these professionals bring,” says Brian Broadbent, BVU president and CEO. BVU can train and match your employees with boards that meet their interests and skills. There are also opportunities for employees to use their skills and expertise to serve as volunteer consultants on short-term direct-service volunteer opportunities.

“They’ve got something for everyone who wants to give back to the community – whether you want to serve on a nonprofit board, participate in a short-term volunteer consulting project, or roll up your sleeves and volunteer at a nonprofit organization for an afternoon,” states Lou Licata, of Licata & Toerek and chairman of COSE.

The following programs are now available to COSE members (click on each link for more information):

Volunteer Trustee Institute:
If you are interested in serving on a nonprofit board, or you have an employee that would be interested in serving on a nonprofit board, BVU's Volunteer Trustee Institute will train and match you with a board that meets your interests and needs your expertise. Take advantage of the steeply discounted COSE rate and be a leader in the community.

Management Consulting:
Make a big impact on a nonprofit organization as a volunteer consultant on short-term projects (10-20 hours). Let BVU know you are interested in using your expertise to give back to the community, and they will contact you as appropriate projects become available. This is a free opportunity for COSE members!

Volunteer Center:
There are thousands of direct service volunteer opportunities available for you and your employees. Check out some organizations that need your help through BVU's volunteer center.