The old adage “what goes around comes around” holds true in life and in business. For businesses that act ethically and achieve the label of good corporate citizen, what comes around is more than philanthropic satisfaction.

“It has always been well known that ethical companies financially outperform unethical companies,” states Denis Collins, Edgewood College business professor and author of the recently published, Essentials of Business Ethics, which lays the foundation for creating a culture of integrity.

Collins defines good corporate citizenship as the act of “treating every stakeholder with the respect and integrity that they deserve.”

Business stakeholders include the owner and employees, as well as members of the community; organizations in the community; the government; the natural environment; suppliers and, of course, customers, notes Collins.
Karen Ellenbecker, founder of The Ellenbecker Investment Group in Pewaukee, had three goals when she started her business. First was to provide stellar service to her customers. Second was to change the perception of the investment industry, and third was to provide an excellent work environment for her employees.

Ellenbecker is sincerely committed to making a difference in her community.

The Ellenbecker Group stands out above the rest in an industry under fire. In addition to running her business for 13 years, Ellenbecker hosts “Money Sense,” a weekly radio show on WISN 1130 that has provided investment and financial advice for nearly 20 years. She provides superlative services for her clients and her radio show listeners through education, enabling them to make smart investment decisions.

While committed to finding the best return for her listeners and clients, Ellenbecker also partners with local people and businesses. “It is really forming strong alliances with the best people in our community, so when I refer a client, I know they are going to get the best possible information,” she says.

In 2005 the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau recognized The Ellenbecker Group for its business ethics and integrity.

The Ellenbecker Investment Group’s ethical treatment of employees results in low turnover and a strong commitment to the company and to its clients. Employees have a real sense of ownership in the company, notes Ellenbecker. “When you have people who love what they do, it extends not only to your clients, it extends into the community,” she says.

Employees are encouraged to give back to the community through volunteering and giving to charities. The Ellenbecker Group participates in a number of philanthropic activities including the Adopt a School Program, through which The Ellenbecker Group has given hats and mittens to each student at Milwaukee’s Kagel Elementary School for 10 years.

The rewards of good corporate citizenship are loyal customers, safer products and stronger communities, states Edgewood College Business School Dean Charles Taylor. “A good corporate citizen recognizes that it is a genuine stakeholder in its community’s future and will work to ensure that all of its neighbors have the possibility to share in the prosperity that they help to generate,” he says.

When ethical companies provide jobs with good livable wages and contribute to further economic development in the community, everybody wins. “The research says crime goes down, home ownership goes up; stable communities increase; and the quality of life for everyone is improved,” says Taylor.

Ellenbecker was among seven Wisconsin businesses recognized for outstanding corporate citizenship in the 3rd annual Wisconsin Corporate Citizenship Awards featured in the May issue of Corporate Report Wisconsin.

“You can’t win an award like that if you haven’t put in place an ethical way of doing business,” says Ellenbecker. “Winning the Corporate Citizenship Award tells people they can call us. It shows people we are a company that is committed to the highest standards.”

Collins, a judge for this year’s award, said he was impressed by the effort shown by the winning companies to form sincere relationships with people. He also noted that a large number of the nominees and winners were notably concerned with environmental issues.

“With the problems we have with global warming and climate change, that needs to be one of the biggest concerns,” says Collins. “How does your company relate to the natural environment? Is it making the environment better or worse?”

New Berlin-based Industrial Towel and Uniform has made environmental stewardship an integral part of its business strategy.

“The environment is part of the broader community and deserves to be treated with respect and concern for the future, preventing and reducing waste and using resources conscientiously is simply common sense and has always proven to be beneficial in the long run,” says Jim Leef, ITU president.

ITU, a provider of environmentally safe garment and laundry services to businesses, is another recipient of the 2009 Wisconsin Corporate Citizenship Awards.

“The Corporate Citizenship Award gives affirmation to all ITU people who contribute to the success of our organization on a daily basis,” notes Leef. “It reflects on the sum of their work, over time.”

Industrial Towel, The Ellenbecker Investment Group and a long list of Wisconsin companies have achieved success while implementing ethical business practices that respect the environment, employees, customers and the community.

“As the world keeps on evolving, businesses tend to become more and more ethical, and ethical expectations increase every year,” states Collins. “So if you want to be ahead of the curve, you might as well just be ethical.”

By Leah Call