In Grand Rapids, Mich., Tim Nelson, convention services manager for Experience Grand Rapids, sees himself as a liaison, a person who connects churches with charities.
One of his largest projects was for the United Church of Christ Conference, which did 32 projects in the city. About 400 youth participated.
“The challenge with that many projects in a city of Grand Rapids’ size is to keep projects relevant,” Nelson said. “I set up some meetings with a few of the local organizations that could accept help and then the meeting planner got in touch and chose the ones they would work with.”
Most projects are a half day or less; among United Church of Christ’s projects were landscaping at a retirement home and building and renovating homes.
For one faith-based group, Nelson organized a familiarization tour of nonprofits for the conference organizers.
The committee visited leaders of four organizations to learn about each group’s mission. “They wanted to get a good handle on the organization and be assured that their missions aligned with that of the church,” said Nelson.
Nelson also organizes transportation for community service projects. “This is a real specialty for most CVBs,” he said. “Churches can come in and make great use of their local members, but their locals are not experienced in transportation logistics and we are. I know how to route groups. It is much easier for us to take on that role.”
800-678-9859
www.experiencegr.com
As they target faith-based meeting business, CVBs in Greenville, S.C., and Oceanside, Calif., are making lists of local charitible projects.
In Greenville, the CVB suggests groups work with a local food bank, a program for young parents and a blood center. Options range from donating cash or canned foods to the food bank to having “baby showers” for those served by Little Steps.
In Oceanside, sales director Dana Higgins has talked with Mission San Luis Ray about volunteer
projects there. Among the possibilities are working in the mission’s rose gardens.
Having volunteer options to suggest to faith-based clients makes sense for Oceanside, a closeknit community near Camp Pendleton. About 40 percent of its group business is faith-based, Higgins said.
“I think it is kind of a natural if it is made easy for them. It goes back to the supplier being more proactive and letting the client know that community service is a possibility,” said Higgins. “Sometimes you have to offer it before the idea will be brought up.”
864-421.0000
www.greenvillecvb.com
760-637-9953
www.visitoceanside.com
