Jun 22 2007
Demonstrating commitment to the reconstruction of New Orleans in connection with its annual conference, the International Association of Business Communicators is providing volunteer and financial support to build homes in New Orleans' Ninth Ward through Habitat for Humanity.
Some 110 communication professionals attending the 2007 IABC International Conference will roll up their sleeves to help New Orleans residents who lost their homes in Hurricane Katrina. In addition, all conference goers will have the opportunity to make a financial donation to Habitat for Humanity.
Wells Fargo, through the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation, is the major financial sponsor for the initiative, and volunteers from the company will also help to construct homes in one of the Habitat for Humanity housing villages in the Ninth Ward. Together, Wells Fargo and the IABC are contributing more than $10,000 toward the project. Volunteers with hammer and hard hats in hand will work on the houses on June 22 and June 23, before the IABC International Conference takes place from June 24 through June 27.
"New Orleans was our choice for our 2007 International Conference long before Katrina, and we are looking forward to keeping our commitment to the city when over 1,200 IABC members and guests assemble," said IABC President Julie Freeman, ABC, APR. "We are extremely pleased that so many members are showing their dedication to rebuilding the city with their hands and dollars two days before our conference begins. And we thank Wells Fargo, which is making this build possible."
"Wells Fargo is delighted to show its support once again for the people of New Orleans and the IABC," said Alanson Van Fleet, a Wells Fargo vice president and IABC member who will take part in the build. "This dovetails precisely with our desire to further the dream of homeownership in New Orleans and across America."