CBE Group Employees Make Big Impact in Local Communities

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The CBE Group, Inc. (CBE), a leader in the debt collection industry, announced the impacts of its “CBE Cares” initiatives throughout 2010.

The employees of CBE made 2010 yet another year of generosity in the community by making significant charitable contributions through several company-sponsored campaigns.  All part of the CBE Cares efforts, the campaigns focus on reaching out to those in need and giving back to CBE’s four local communities; Cedar Falls/Waterloo, Iowa; Des Moines, Iowa; Kansas City, Kansas; and Atlanta, Georgia.

CBE President and CEO, Tom Penaluna, said, “Giving to the community has become part of our culture and I am very proud of our employees for being gracious, taking an active role and really making a different for those around us.”

Each CBE Cares effort is sponsored by the company and coordinated and decided upon by committees.  Major campaigns that contributed to CBE’s year of generosity included:

United Way
CBE’s United Way campaign was a huge success with over $70,000 in employee contributions being made throughout the month of November.  At each CBE location, the United Way committee coordinated events, auctions, food sales, raffles and more, giving employees additional, fun ways to increase their donations to local United Way organizations. “CBE sets the highest standard for a United Way Campaign; engaging for staff members, motivating for the team effort, filled with enthusiasm with great results for the community.  They are the gold standard,” said Sheila Baird, president for Cedar Valley United Way.

Pay It Forward
CBE initiated a company-wide focus on paying it forward during the holiday season.  Employees were encouraged to identify a deserving need and then join forces to make a difference for others.  An emotional recap event showcased the employee’s efforts, including fundraisers for those facing difficult situations, donations to large non-profit agencies, adopting families, and contributing to area food, clothing and toy drives. “It was simply amazing to see the impact our employees made for hundreds of people in our communities, around the country and even across the world,” said Kendra Richman, Director of Management Development and coordinator of the Pay It Forward efforts.

Partners in Education
Again in 2010, CBE partnered with Lincoln Elementary School to support its staff and students in several ways throughout the year.  Employee’s contributions and company funds were used to help fund the school’s wish list, student uniforms, adopt-a-family efforts and more.  In addition, employees volunteer their time to help with events and participate in a pen pals program with Lincoln students.  In 2010, employees contributed over $5,000 through Partners in Education.

Jeans for Charity
Through CBE’s Jeans for Charity initiative, employees in each location make a positive commitment to supporting local non-profit organizations and their mission to serve those in need.  Each month, the employee’s contributions and donated to a local charity selected by a committee at each of our four offices.  Throughout the year, over $60,000 was donated to 20 charities, including House of Hope, Boys & Girls Club, Trolley Kids and Build our Ballpark.

“The CBE Cares initiative is just one way CBE employees’ actions speak louder than their words,” said Penaluna. “The company is dedicated to Defining the future of debt collection and the efforts of CBE employees in the community demonstrate their role in that mission  – understanding the future starts within each of us.”

About CBE Group
CBE has been in the accounts receivable management business since 1933 and currently employs nearly 1,000 people in four locations nationwide. Its corporate headquarters is located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with additional facilities in West Des Moines, Iowa; Overland Park, Kansas; and Atlanta, Georgia. CBE was named one of the best places to work in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls metropolitan area the last seven years. CBE represents many of the nation’s most renowned and respected organizations. CBE serves a variety of industries including healthcare, utilities, satellite, telecommunications, financial services, education and government. For more information, visit www.cbegroup.com.