Tech Citizenship

Greene

Ask Roger Greene why Lexington-based Ipswitch gives back to the community, and he will add one answer to the common replies about service and duty — it’s good for the company.

“Giving back adds significant value to the company, particularly in the type of people your company will attract — motivated employees,” said Greene, president of Ipswitch.

While the company engages in cold-cash donations — Greene cited the work of the organization CARE in Ecuador as one example of a charity he respects greatly — it is that and the in-kind donations that do the most to bring those motivated workers in the door.

One of the charities getting both money and time from Ipswitch is Year Up, an IT training organization based in Boston that takes disadvantaged kids who may have not have access to a solid education and gives them training for six months in information technology and an internship at a tech company.

“We took in an intern we ultimately hired, and we have employees going over to meet students and give guest lectures,” Greene said.

The company also donates software to Year Up so students can learn hands-on about IT software.

And Greene says that if CARE or Year Up aren’t your company’s cup of tea, just ask your employees for ideas, as they are usually already involved in giving back to their communities in some fashion.

“In most companies, there are employees who have a passion for getting involved in their community — start by asking them.”

Citizenship Facts

Ipswitch Inc.

Total cash contributions in New England in 2006: $163,600

Number of volunteer hours in New England in 2006: 500

In-kind contributions of equipment and services in New England: $20,000

Principal recipients of charitable activities in 2006: Year Up; Habitat for Humanity; Food Bank; Collection of books, blankets and stuffed animals over the holidays

Interesting philanthropic activities: Ipswitch was the presenting sponsor of the recent “Give Us Your Poor” benefit concert and partner in the “Boston Helps the Homeless” citywide initiative. The city of Boston’s Give Us Your Poor concert was one of eight cities producing same-day events across the country on Friday, Nov. 16, as part of a campaign and programs to end homelessness. The concert featured performers such as Natalie Merchant, Buffalo Tom, Mighty Sam McClain, and Greek Tenor Mario Frangoulis.

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