Having to part with money is seldom fun. Our focus is usually on the moment, based on what we will get in return for our money. We rarely focus on how the money will be used after it leaves our hands. The bottom line: every dollar spent actively supports a certain type of business practice which leaves an imprint on society.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a term used to describe a company’s efforts to improve society in some way. Some choose the upliftment of community through non-profit organizations. Other CSR’s implement environmentally-friendly policies in the workplace. Increasing awareness of responsibility has meant that many companies are more active in this arena. We hear a lot about those who have chosen to focus on high-profile issues in order to draw attention to themselves. However, it is a breath of fresh air when you discover one of your favorite companies is quietly pursuing their intentional objectives to build their community.

So, while some companies are reacting with their “giving back” initiatives in order to curb current perceptions, others, like FSI, are actually established on the idea. Founders Dave and Karen Keske, always recognized their early success as a gift and they developed a culture of sharing with others. They believed that while business was meant to turn a profit, the money was intended to benefit and uplift those around them, starting with the workplace and spreading out in ever-increasing ripples.

Internally FSI employees are cared for and treated like family, which impacts the company culture, manifesting in the compassionate way in which the team work together everyday. This outward-looking, relationship-based approach extends in a wonderful culture of giving to the surrounding community, with the company donating a large percentage of profits to a core value of “Caring”.
FSI Caring initiatives are many and diverse, but always intentional and effective, including donations ranging from: enabling local community non-profit organizations to function, the preservation of land, STEM education opportunities, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, to name just a few.

It’s one thing to donate money to a great cause, but it’s  wonderful to hear the practical impact it has had. We were recently made aware that one of the initiatives we support; the SLU Liver Center, has made an amazing breakthrough in a treatment for Alpha 1. Through the long-term research of Dr. Jeff Teckman and his team a treatment has been developed which is beginning to heal people’s livers! It is an immense privilege to support their ongoing work on such an important project with such far-reaching implications that will affect so many people.

Clients can rest assured that their choice to work with FSI includes supporting a company that not only runs in a caring way, but also gives back in so many impactful ways. It’s one of the implications when we say: Our chemistry builds a better tomorrow.