Kick Your Life into a Higher Gear

Are you a business professional with a passion for the arts and a desire to play a leadership role in your community?

Kick your life into a higher gear by joining the board of a nonprofit organization through the Arts & Business Council's Business On Board® program. Learn more at www.artsandbusinessphila.org/bob/becomeboard.asp.

Michelle J. Hong from Brown Brothers Harriman, an international financial services firm, is a June 2006 Business On Board graduate. Michelle, a Vice President in private wealth management and trust services at Brown Brothers Harriman, a member of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce since 1928. Michelle now serves as Treasurer of Pig Iron Theatre Company. The company is an internationally-recognized movement theatre ensemble, and one of Philadelphia&squo;s treasures. This is what Michelle had to say of her experience:

"My involvement with Business On Board, which led to serving on the board of Pig Iron Theatre Company, has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had since I moved to Philadelphia. I feel involved and engaged with the local arts community and I have made a lot of new friendships as a direct result of it. The partners and directors at my firm are also incredibly supportive. They understand the importance of getting involved with causes outside of work.

"Pig Iron has been very welcoming and has given me important roles to fill. Within the first few months of my being on the board, they asked me to chair the annual fundraiser. We exceeded the fundraising goal by 30%. So this year, we increased our goal again, to double what it was two years ago. We are on track to exceed that too, and they recently asked me to serve as Treasurer."

"When I was first placed with Pig Iron by the Business On Board program staff, I wasn’t sure if this highly successful theatre company needed someone like me. But now I realize that there is always a need for committed, passionate volunteers. The Council’s Business On Board training helped me understand what to expect and how to effectively contribute my business and personal skills. I am continually referring to the resource manual that I took away from class."

Business On Board has been the catalyst for countless success stories like Michelle’s. The program trains and places business professionals interested in serving on the boards of nonprofit arts & cultural organizations in the Greater Philadelphia Region. This 4-session training program provides specialized instruction in nonprofit board service, connects participants with organizations that best suit their interests and personally facilitates board selection and final placement.

Over 400 individuals have completed Business On Board, and are currently making a real impact on their chosen arts organizations. Business On Board graduates are employed at many of the region’s leading companies, including Independence Blue Cross, KPMG, Cozen O’Connor, GlaxoSmithKline, ACE Group, Day & Zimmermann, Inc. and more.

The Arts & Business Council is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2008 class. The program will be held on four Fridays: February 29, March 29, April 25 and May 23.

Apply for Business On Board at http://www.artsandbusinessphila.org/bob/becomeboard.asp.

Business On Board is sponsored by ACE Group.