“Leaders in Business Award” for Volunteer Efforts in Canada

Convergint Technologies recently was named 2008 recipient of the “Leaders in Business Award” by Volunteer Calgary, an organization that connects thousands of Calgarians with unique volunteer opportunities. The award, sponsored by Chevron Canada Resources, annually recognizes companies that demonstrate leadership and innovation in workplace volunteerism.

Convergint, with locations in 21 markets across the United States and Canada, is one of North America’s fastest growing building systems integrators. The Calgary technology center designs, installs and services security, building automation and heating ventilating and air conditioning systems. Headquartered in Chicago, Convergint provides a paid day off annually to each of its 650 colleagues to help address needs in their local communities as part of the company’s Social Responsibility Day.

For the past three years, Convergint colleagues in Calgary have volunteered at Hull Child and Family Services. Hull provides residential treatment, early-intervention and education services for children, young adults and families in Southern Alberta who suffer from behavioral difficulties, mental disorders or the effects of physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

Hull nominated Convergint for the 2008 Leaders in Business Award for the company’s many contributions addressing environmental, safety and security issues.

“They set a great example for the rest of the community showing how you can bring in your specialized gifts and talents to help other people in need,” said Hull’s Caring Community-Based Specialist Kim Davies.

Convergint installed security cameras and intercom systems to address children’s safety issues and organized various building, maintenance and landscaping projects. Convergint colleagues also have assisted with Hull’s Christmas Hampers program, the No Place Like Home program to beautify the residences, and the Business Fore Calgary Kids foundation, which over the past three years has raised nearly $400,000 through their annual golf tournament fundraiser to help children in Calgary. More than $280,000 raised through Business Fore Calgary Kids was donated to Hull Child and Family Services.

“It’s a great thing for a team to get involved in something bigger than what they do on a day-to-day basis,” said Convergint Alberta Business Development Manager Peter Brown. “It lets us focus on something other than just ourselves, our business and being profitable.”

Convergint was built upon a foundation of values and beliefs that includes giving back to the communities in which its colleagues work and live. The company also has been named to The Center for Companies That Care Honor Roll for the past four years for its unwavering commitment to elevating quality of life.