Behind The Frontline - Episode 043 - What is Corporate Social Responsibility?

In this episode of Behind the Frontline, Nic Dampier is joined by Steve Ramus, Director of Corporate Sustainability, Governance, and Disclosure at H.B. Fuller, and Janis Petrini, Co-Owner and Founder of Express Employment Professionals of Grand Rapids, Specialized Recruiting Group, and Frontline Training Solutions, for a conversation about the power of giving back. Following Steve’s webinar, The Giving Advantage, this episode explores how corporate social responsibility is not just for large corporations or formal foundations. Steve and Janis discuss how businesses of any size can build stronger connections with their communities, create shared value, and strengthen employee engagement through meaningful community involvement. The conversation also highlights Express Employment Professionals of Grand Rapids’ Branded Blue initiative, a long-standing community impact program that helps connect local employers with nonprofit partners, donation drives, volunteer opportunities, and meaningful causes. Janis shares how giving back has become part of the identity of Express Grand Rapids over the past 30 years, while Steve offers practical insight into how organizations can make community involvement easier, more authentic, and more sustainable. Together, they discuss why employees are increasingly drawn to companies that demonstrate purpose, impact, and belonging; how giving back can support talent attraction and retention; and why business leaders should view social responsibility as both the right thing to do and a smart long-term strategy. If you are a business leader, HR professional, manager, or employer looking for practical ways to connect your organization more meaningfully to your community, this episode will help you think differently about generosity, employee engagement, and the role businesses play in building stronger communities. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Contact us today to learn how Frontline Training Solutions can support your leadership and organizational development goals.