Founders Circle Interview with Wells Fargo

Founder’s Circle Member: 
Donor Level: $5,000
Interviewee: Mark Corella, VP & District Manager, Central Coast Market, Wells Fargo – on behalf of Wells Fargo

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Spokes: Tell us a little bit about Wells Fargo’s Giving Program

Wells Fargo: Wells Fargo directs its giving to areas it believes are important to the future of our nation’s vitality and success: community development, education, and human services. Wells Fargo is proud to support organizations working to strengthen our communities. Through the efforts of an enthusiastic team, member-volunteers, and contributions, Wells Fargo shares its success by giving back to non profits and educational institutions that address vital community needs and issues in its customers’ communities.

Spokes: Why did Wells Fargo choose to invest in Spokes?

Wells Fargo:  We recognize that the services that Spokes provides are important to Non Profits by helping them be administratively sound therefore allowing  them to spend more time achieving the mission and purpose of their organization.

Spokes:  How does the nonprofit sector support Wells Fargo in its business goals?

Wells Fargo: Wells Fargo can only be as successful as the communities that it serves.  By helping non profits help our communities our communities strengthen and everyone benefits.

Spokes: What recommendations do you have for nonprofits who wish to develop partnerships with corporations like Wells Fargo?

Wells Fargo: Our product is service.  Our value added is financial advice and guidance and our competitive advantage is our people.  I encourage everyone considering partnerships with Wells Fargo to get to know the people that are local to you.

Spokes: Is there anything else you can share about Wells Fargo’s community investment efforts?

Wells Fargo: Wells Fargo is proud that it ranked number 1 in the United States in corporate giving for 2012, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, which conducts an annual survey of Fortune 500 ranked companies.  Wells Fargo gave $315.8 million to communities and nonprofits in 2012, these contributions reached more than 19,000 organizations.  Our team members are also giving and volunteering in record numbers – teaching money management skills, helping build homes, mentoring youth, fundraising and serving on nonprofit boards our team members are “rolling up their sleeves” and making a difference in their communities.

A Note from Spokes to Wells Fargo!
Thank you Mr. Mark Corella for your thoughtful input. Spokes is deeply grateful to have your visionary organization as one of our earliest Founders Circle members, investing in the future of the San Luis Obispo nonprofit sector and its contributions to our community’s economic vitality, well-being, and lifestyle.

We appreciate all of our Founder’s Circle Members!