Our goal for 2010 at EFCO was to expand our reach beyond our roots. To do this we are actively working on two fronts; beyond venture and beyond Boulder. These two recruiting strategies are intended to help us plant the seeds for growth and long-term sustainability. The model changes described in an earlier post will allow us to reach to partnerships and profit centered organizations, as well as equity-backed start-ups. To move beyond Boulder, we are leveraging the Denver and Rose Community Foundations to start actively recruiting in Denver.
I am happy to report these efforts, sustained momentum from 2009 and an improving economy have resulted in adding five new members in the first half of 2010. These members include:
Closely (www.closely.com)
Closely is a new Denver-based start-up lead by Perry Evans of MapQuest and Local Matters. In addition, our own EFCO Board Member, Karyn German is helping lead the company. Closely represents a great potential for EFCO impact in Denver, given Perry and Karyn's history. Knock-em dead you two!"Closely joined EFCO because it is a perfect vehicle for instilling social responsibility in a very young company. EFCO provides the infrastructure and resources to make the process of contributing early stage equity as easy and painless as it could possibly be. Also, I had a great experience as the company liaison for EFCO at NewsGator and I can vouch personally for how well Ryan and the board run the organization. I encourage all early stage companies to seriously consider becoming a member company." Karyn German co-founder Closely
About Closely
Closely formed in 2009 as a small experienced team with deep roots in local media, real-time technology and live content distribution. Closely launched Closely for Business at Demo Spring 2010 and are working with numerous distribution, content and media partners to deliver a comprehensive platform for live local marketing. Visit http://www.closely.com.
Doc Popcorn (www.docpopcorn.com)
Doc Popcorn was founded in 2003 by Rob and Renee Israel to offer healthier snack alternative in shopping malls, stadiums and other high traffic venues. We are thrilled to add such energy to EFCO into Boulder's Natural Foods space."We are thrilled to support EFCo through the donation of an equity grant and employee volunteer efforts," said Renée Israel, Co-Founder and Chief Marketer of Doc Popcorn. "It's important to us that we continue to weave corporate responsibility into the fabric of Doc Popcorn. So with our base of operations in Boulder, the epicenter of the natural food industry, it's great to have the opportunity through EFCo to give back to our local community as our business grows."
In addition to DocPopcorn's EFCo grant, Rob and Renee are actively involved in the Boulder Community Foundation and are one of the founding families of School Food project.
About Doc Popcorn
Doc Popcorn is the only fresh-popped all-natural flavored popcorn franchise system. The unique business model empowers franchisees to use the best corn, 100% corn oil and proprietary all-natural flavor blends to provide a healthier and delicious quality product in high traffic selling venues, simply and affordability. With locations throughout Colorado and seven other states, Doc Popcorn began franchising in mid-2009 and now has franchise locations operating across the nation. For more information about Doc Popcorn and available franchise opportunities across the nation, visit www.docpopcorn.com or call 866.599.9744, ext. 4.
ProtoTest (www.prototest.com)
ProtoTest is a 12-year old, Denver-based software testing firm run by Pete Dignan. ProtoTest expands EFCO beyond Boulder County and is joining under the 1% Profit model like Shareholders Representative Services, TechStars, and Foundry Group. We are really proud to add such a well known Colorado, High Technology service firm to EFCO.Pete Dignan the CEO of ProtoTest said; "We joined the Entrepreneurs' Foundation of Colorado because we believe in the triple-bottom-line approach to business. ProtoTest benefits enormously from being part of a thriving Denver-Boulder area, and it is our responsibility to contribute generously to the well-being of the community."
About ProtoTest
The ProtoTest mission is to bridge the gap between people and perfection. Since 1998, ProtoTest has helped hundreds of organizations improve their software quality and streamline their processes. The company provides load & performance testing, functional test automation, QA process consulting, and Agile testing project services. ProtoTest also offers training in software testing fundamentals and testing in Agile environments. Visit www.prototest.com for more information.
Giveo (www.giveo.com)
Giveo is a new Boulder-based start-up committed to providing a new solution to social giving. Giveo founder, Ed Messman, is a 13 year veteran of Boulder startups and says, "Giveo is excited to join EFCO. Just as we work to aid corporations in their social responsibility, EFCO has provided us a great opportunity to contribute and give back to the community."
About Giveo
Giveo offers a white label social software platform for nonprofits, corporations and foundations. Corporations and foundations use the platform to leverage social cause marketing with their consumers and nonprofits use the platform to engage their audience around their mission and for social fundraising.
App-X (www.app-X.com)
App-X joined EFCO because of its belief in giving back to the community. We are currently working with the 1/1/1 model of 1% profit, 1% time and 1% of products/services. In our efforts to reduce our impact on the environment, App-X is diverting at least 50% of its waste from the landfill and has dramatically reduced it's energy consumption among various other programs. App-X has benefited from the support of the local community in its creation and evolution and is excited to be able to give back to future entrepreneurs. EFCO is about integrity and sustainability for the future of Colorado and we are proud to be a member.About App-X
App-X delivers on demand solutions for Alternative Asset Managers, Impact Investors and Non-Profit organizations. All products are built on the Salesforce.com Platform. The company acts as a trusted partner to its clients delivering proven products, implementation services and ongoing support to its global clients. App-X is a 2008 TechStars company and was founded in 2006.
Thank you for the great work of our volunteer board these member companies represent an exciting inflection in the growth and sustainability of EFCO and our corporate social responsibility efforts.
