In today’s business landscape, successful companies must go beyond simply generating profits. Increasingly, consumers and employees have an expectation — and I believe businesses have a responsibility — to be good corporate citizens and make a positive impact on the communities they serve.

This is the essence of corporate social responsibility (CSR), and it’s a principle that Penn Community Bank takes to heart through our THRIVE Community Development Plan.

While the expression may be new, the actions that make it up have always been at the core of our mission. THRIVE is born out of our 150-year legacy in the region and based on our belief in the role and responsibility of corporate entities to support thriving communities. This six-part effort guides our team in understanding and advancing the interconnected missions of the bank and our charitable arm, the Penn Community Bank Foundation, and serving as leaders in CSR.

The benefits for Penn Community Bank have been considerable, from building deeper customer relationships to gaining valuable community insights. Truly living out your business’s mission as a corporate citizen is an ongoing commitment, but the impact makes it incredibly rewarding and valuable for businesses.

So how can you take steps toward positive change in your organization? Here are some key steps:

Listen and engage with your local communities.

Attend community meetings, build relationships with nonprofit leaders, and engage residents to understand their biggest needs and challenges. Let them guide your priorities.

Align your efforts with your company’s strengths.

Leverage your resources, products, and services. Consider your company’s skill sets and geographic location to create or support initiatives that drive meaningful impact.

Go beyond writing checks.

The big check presentation is great, but be sure to prioritize investments, business practices, and employee volunteer efforts that put philanthropy into action.

Build a strategic plan with measurable goals.

Avoid even the appearance of chasing positive press. Develop a multiyear plan with measurable targets for your work in focus areas — like those in our THRIVE model — and take time to report out.

Prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ensure your efforts embrace all community members and intentionally engage underserved populations.

Lead by example and share learnings.

Use your journey to inspire other companies in your sector or your region. Openly discuss successes, challenges, and best practices because we’re all in this together.

The path isn’t easy, but few business opportunities are as rewarding as using your organization’s capabilities to create positive change. Don’t let CSR be an afterthought or a PR buzzword; make it a key part of how you grow your values-driven business. I urge every business leader to embrace this opportunity to invest in human potential and play a role in building thriving communities.

Learn more at Penn Community Bank.