Volunteer Spotlight
MAY 2020
Distribution: All SCORE Volunteers
COVID-19 Amazing Volunteer Response

Thank you to all SCORE volunteers and chapters for going above and beyond at this challenging time. Thanks to you, SCORE’s communities have seen incredible support from volunteers proactively reaching out to clients in need, generating new resources, and hosting educational webinars (sometimes for more than 1000 attendees at a time)! We are proud to share a few highlights of your efforts.

Keep up the great work!
Volunteer Spotlight - Bill Grosskopf, Workshop Chair, SCORE Austin

Bill Grosskopf joined Austin SCORE in 2016 after a 40-year career as a small business owner of a family-owned typesetting business. There, he put his two engineering degrees to work by installing the latest computer-based equipment, and streamlining operations with accounting and project management software. This experience prepared him well for taking on the responsibility for the Austin workshop program.

In late 2016, Bill took on the entire workshop program which, for that fiscal year, totaled 122 workshops and 1,358 attendees. By 2019 these numbers had increased to 206 workshops and 2669 attendees. Here are some of the initiatives Bill used to expand the program:
  • Increasing the number of venues (currently 19) in the greater Austin area.
  • Adding workshop topics that cover the needs of start-up businesses as well as those already established.
  • Taking on the tasks of writing workshop descriptions and setting up for registrations, which were previously outsourced, resulting in the creation of more dynamic promotional material which better explains the programs and leads to increased attendance.
  • Utilizing social media in promotion. Over 9,000 people receive weekly emails listing upcoming workshops (doubled since 2017).
  • Accumulating resources - speakers, SCORE coordinators and sponsors/venues.

In recognition of his contribution to SCORE and the Austin chapter, Bill was named Mentor of the Year in 2017.

Early in 2019, the chapter purchased a "Meeting Owl" which, paired with Zoom, allowed for the sharing of live workshops online. During the year, most workshops held at the Austin SCORE office offered the option to attend remotely.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, some March and all April workshops were moved to online with everyone joining via Zoom. Three of the first online meetings addressed legal and HR issues addressing the coronavirus shutdowns, providing timely information to participants. The online program will be offered to chapters throughout the Southwest Region.

In addition to the outstanding and innovative work that Bill has done with the workshop program, he still finds time to actively mentor clients in the areas of business financing and accounting.

Please join us in recognizing Bill for his many contributions to SCORE!
SCORE Platinum Leadership Award - Charlie Connelly, Williamsburg SCORE

In March, Charlie Connelly was honored by Williamsburg SCORE with the SCORE Platinum Leadership Award.

Dean Risseeuw, Williamsburg Chapter Chair, had the following to say about Charlie, who has been with SCORE since August 2010:

" For most of the next eight years (since starting in 2010) he served as Chapter Treasurer, enforcing financial discipline within the chapter while reinforcing all requirements from National. There were never any financial issues during his tenure; no deficiencies in the annual reviews.

During these eight years of meritorious service he taught workshops on financial accounting and non-profit bookkeeping both in Williamsburg and throughout the Peninsula. The CEO of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce requested SCORE assistance in educating and training her 32 member Board of Directors. Charlie volunteered for the task and, with one other mentor, conducted the training using Roberts Rules of Orders and best practices of holding effective board meetings. Both the CEO and the Directors themselves expressed their appreciation for the knowledge he imparted.

As a certified mentor he counseled (and co-counseled) aspiring entrepreneurs (and fellow mentors, as well). He was particularly valued as the financial expert on team counseling projects.

In May 2005, he was one of the early recipients of the Williamsburg SCORE Jefferson Cup for Distinguished Service.

Although relinquishing Treasurer’s duties in October 2018 to prepare to relocate closer to his extended family, he insisted he be available to cover the financial aspects of the annual review. His quiet competency and gentle demeanor have been a crucial part of the Chapters’ great reputation and success in the Williamsburg community."

Please join us in congratulating Charlie for this well-deserved award!
Women's Committee Networking Event

Network and learn from SCORE members throughout the country.

The Women's National Steering Committee is pleased to invite all volunteers and staff to the first of a monthly networking zoom meeting on Thursday, 5/14 at 3 PM ET. Our first topic will be sharing "unique methods for mentoring during a crisis." Registration is required so register today!

Years of Service Recognition - May 2020

The Years of Service Recognition program was put in place to thank our dedicated volunteers for their continued service. Volunteers that maintain an ongoing relationship with SCORE for longer terms are the backbone of our operations and growth. Through this program, volunteers are recognized for service lasting 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25+ years with SCORE.  

Please help us recognize these volunteers for their commitment and congratulate them for their continued dedication to SCORE's clients and mission -  May 2020 Years of Service . 

Certificates will be mailed to the Chapter office once we return from COVID-19. In case of questions contact  [email protected] .
COVID-19 Resources for Clients

These webinars and other helpful resources can be shared with your clients who are seeking guidance on how to prepare and recover from disasters.
COVID-19 Volunteer Toolkit

These resources provide the latest communications and notifications around SCORE’s policy and guidance during this trying time.
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
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