Tech Citizenship

Connolly

EMD Serono Inc. is a global company with a local focus when it comes to charity. And that focus is so strong it even extends to the company’s annual summer outing, during which employees paid money for a chance to get a top-level executive soaked in a dunk tank. Proceeds went to Father Bill’s Place, a Quincy-based organization dedicated to ending homelessness, said Renee Connolly, vice president of U.S. communications for EMD Serono, in an e-mail interview.

In addition to giving back while having fun, the company offers employees a chance to work at a variety of area nonprofits during events held twice each year.

“We encourage and support volunteerism as part of our culture at EMD Serono, and believe it not only helps to build the communities around us, but also the community within our own company,” said Connolly.

Typical places EMD Serono volunteers pitch in include the Greater Boston Food Bank, Project Health and Habitat for Humanity.

Giving back is also well entrenched at the senior level at EMD Serono. Company executives sit on the boards of a number of area nonprofits.

EMD Serono will continue its strong local focus, Connolly said — both around the South Shore where its U.S. headquarters are in Rockland, and around the North Shore where EMD Serono has a research and production facility in Billerica.

“The return on your investment in charitable giving cannot always be measured, but it is invaluable,” Connolly said.

Citizenship Facts

EMD Serono Inc.

Total cash contributions in New England in 2006: $1,692,044

Number of volunteer hours in New England in 2006: N/A

In-kind contributions of equipment and services in New England: $1,486,984

Principal recipients of charitable activities in 2006: National Multiple Sclerosis Society and its local chapters across the United States; Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation (BioTeach Program)

Interesting philanthropic activities: Employees at EMD Serono are encouraged to participate in charitable activities throughout the year as individuals on their own personal time, but also during two organized events each year that take place during business hours. For instance, in 2006 EMD Serono employees volunteered on company time at the Jefferson School Playground in Rockland, as well as the Greater Boston Food Bank, Franklin Park Zoo, Habitat for Humanity, and the Pine Street Inn.

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