EnergyState: Joe Fowler
November 24, 2023
Anyone familiar with the world of philanthropy understands that raising funds for community causes that truly make a difference involves more than grant writing and check presentations. It demands engagement with the community, not just a desk-bound existence.
Nonprofit organizations must establish meaningful connections with community members and stay informed about regional changes.
At United Way of Central Kentucky, where I recently retired from my post as CEO, forging community connections and staying aware of the latest developments within our five-county region is always on the agenda. These connections and insights are the driving force behind our mission to support organizations addressing education, financial stability and health and basic needs in our region.
A great example of this in action is our involvement with the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce and their President’s Circle program. The Chamber provides valuable insights into our business community, as exemplified by the release of an economic impact report commissioned by them and conducted by the Louisville-based consulting firm L.B. Schmidt & Associates, entitled Measuring the Impact of the BlueOval SK Battery Park on the Elizabethtown Metro Area.
As someone with years of experience in both community organizations and the manufacturing sector, I confidently can say BlueOval SK undoubtedly will reshape the course of our region’s future in numerous ways, as extensively detailed in the report. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that economic development alone does not automatically lead to a robust financial foundation for local philanthropic and charitable organizations.
The addition of 5,000 new jobs doesn’t magically eliminate food insecurity for disadvantaged families in our region, nor does the influx of billions in new payroll guarantee that local students will receive all the resources they need to excel in the classroom.
BlueOval SK and ancillary developments offer possibilities, not guarantees, for the well-being of our community. It’s incumbent upon each one of us in the community to seize these opportunities. If we fail to take the initiative in supporting our most vulnerable neighbors during this period of economic growth, no one else will do it for us.
When community businesses invest in philanthropy, they leave a lasting impact and secure their legacy. Consistent and substantial support from businesses not only associates them with their products or services but with a legacy of giving.
To promote philanthropic engagement amid rapid economic growth in our region, bold investments of this kind will be indispensable.
It is also important to emphasize that philanthropy isn’t reserved for those with the means to write sizable checks. Philanthropy should be accessible to everyone, and at UWCK, we provide various avenues for giving back, ranging from workplace campaigns to bourbon raffles and hands-on volunteer opportunities.
As we stand on the precipice of unprecedented regional growth, we must continue to provide various avenues for giving back and ensure that philanthropy remains accessible to all and exciting for all, strengthening the bonds that make our community resilient and thriving.
To access the entire economic impact study, go to hardinchamber.com/energystate.
Joe Fowler recently retired as CEO of United Way of Central Kentucky. He previously worked with Elizabethtown manufacturer Soudal for 28 years and served on several community boards. Direct questions about the weekly EnergyState column to EnergyState@HardinChamber.com.
