Free conference call service for non-profits
Friday, June 9, 2006
(The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation)Dutch Huette, president of Global Conference Call, Inc.
(The Harwood Institute's conference call
provider), recently contacted us to let us know
that we would be receiving unlimited free
conference call service and recording
capability for as long as we wanted it. This
enormously generous offer will allow The
Harwood Institute to stay connected with its
national network of public innovators, and we
intend to take advantage of it. But why would a
businessman do such a thing?
We asked Dutch, a true social entrepreneur and public innovator, that very question. Here is what he had to say:
"Thank you for asking these important questions. I think we live in an age where it is important to understand what motivates the people around us.
"I have been in the telephone business since 1986. As director of a mid sized telephone company in 1995, I helped develop new services for our customers. I was immediately drawn to conference calling services because of the benefit for small companies and organizations to have meetings without having to all be in the same place at the same time. I started my own company five years ago with the commitment to use best quality equipment and allow 'reservationless' use by our customers.
"Why should we allow use of our service for non-profits at no cost? I have a 'core belief.' Increased communications makes the world a better place. When people talk, (and listen) relationships improve. Productivity improves, understanding improves - and on and on.
"We now have thousands of customers in over 20 countries. We have a great deal of capacity to handle more conference calls without creating a burden on our equipment. As a Rotarian and as a businessman, it makes sense to support organizations that are working hard to make a difference in the world today. We help about 30 non-profits now. The feedback has been inspirational to us. We can help many more. This is just a tool that can be used to lend a helping hand.
"The offer of no charges for unlimited conference calls stands to any organization that contacts us through your newsletter. Just call 1-800-472-6034, ask for Dutch, and please mention The Harwood Institute."