At the 2008 National Conference on Volunteering and Service, our corporate partners and key business leaders demonstrated the positive benefits of marrying social responsibility with business goals, proving that pro-bono service improves their communities and strengthens the bottom line.

At the conference, the Awards for Excellence in Workplace Volunteer Programs and Spirit of Service Corporate Awards were presented. Congratulations to the 2008 awardees, who showcased the best and most innovative work being done around employee engagement.

Booz Allen Hamilton, a shining example of and how a consulting company can share its expertise to support nonprofit organizations and improve communities. Booz Allen Hamilton - In 2007, Booz Allen volunteers donated more than 8,500 pro bono hours, valued at over $3.1 million dollars, to support 26 major nonprofit organizations worldwide. Volunteers worked on a wide range of projects, including strategic planning, technology infrastructure, and board development using the consulting firm's intellectual capital to help these nonprofits fulfill their missions.

ChoicePoint, a company dedicated to using its resources to make the world a safer place.In 2007, ChoicePoint Cares volunteers donated more than 6,000 volunteer hours at hundreds of community projects across the country. ChoicePoint is proud to offer low-cost volunteer background screening to youth-serving and other nonprofit organizations and to be the preferred background screening provider for the National Human Services Assembly, Little League International, Boy Scouts of America, National CASA and thousands of other nonprofits around the country that are diligently protecting the people they serve.

Genworth Financial, created its community relations program in 2005, and whose employees have since volunteered more than 50,000 hours. Genworth's philosophy, Think It PossibleSM, extends its commitment to the community through volunteer efforts and outreach, which seeks to support individuals at key stages of life. Genworth's programs help children prepare for their futures, enable access to affordable housing, and enrich seniors' lives. Last year, nearly 40 percent of Genworth employees volunteered – logging more than 17,000 volunteer hours and completing close to 200 projects.

The Walt Disney Company makes dreams come true through their VoluntEARS program, now celebrating its 25th anniversary. Disney Worldwide Outreach includes its employee VoluntEARS who generously share their magic to positively affect children, their communities and the environment. Last year, Disney donated more than $177 million in cash and in-kind support to various charities around the world and Disney VoluntEARS in over 42 countries contributed more than 466,000 hours of service, including the building of playgrounds, homes for families in need, and assisting with disaster relief efforts.

The Spirit of Service Award was presented to Ben & Jerry's, founded on the belief that community involvement is a business responsibility.

View the official press release announcing the winners.