The attorneys and staff of Wright Beamer have long recognized the importance of being involved in the communities where we work and live. Our commitment as a firm, and as individuals, to a wide variety of volunteer-based, non-profit organizations, is longstanding and deep. Our state and local governments can’t do it all, and non-profit organizations can’t possibly afford enough paid staff to meet the needs of the people they serve. Volunteers, therefore, have an enormous impact on the well-being of our communities and are vital to everything that makes America great.

According to statistics published by the National Conference on Citizenship, 27.4% of Michigan residents were volunteers in 2014, ranking Michigan 25th among all 50 states. Those volunteers, amounting to just under 2 million individuals, are estimated to have contributed a total of 199.6 million hours of service, with an estimated economic value of $4.6 billion. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women volunteer more than men (28.3% versus 22%), 35- to 44-year-olds were most likely to volunteer (29.8%), 39.4% of college graduates volunteer, and married persons volunteer at a higher rate than singles (30% versus 20.2%).

One organization with which we as a firm have enjoyed a close, longstanding relationship is the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce (GFACC). Like most chambers of commerce, the GFACC exists to serve and support the businesses that do business in our community. Strong, viable businesses provide jobs, needed goods and services, and are themselves consumers and pay taxes, all of which contribute to the overall economic well-being of our community. Volunteers supplement Chamber staff by serving on the Board of Directors and as Chamber Ambassadors. Volunteers also help to staff, plan, and implement a wide variety of Chamber programs and events through the year, providing a direct benefit to our entire community.

For more information about the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit the Chamber’s newly revamped website at: www.gfachamber.com. While there, be sure to sign up to attend the upcoming State of the Cities breakfast on Wednesday morning, February 17, 2016. This hallmark event has been a highlight on the Chamber calendar for decades, and will once again include presentations by Farmington Public Schools, as well the mayors of the Cities of Farmington and Farmington Hills.

Our community is stronger because of volunteers. Is it time for you to get involved?