By: Bob Burbidge

Those familiar with the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) service model understand the value proposition quite well.  And yes, we have expounded the values often in this space.  But for those who are still trying to wrap their arms around the PEO concept, here is a quick summary:

  • PEOs and their client business owners partner in a co-employment relationship.
  • This arrangement allows the business owner to run their business while the PEO does the following:
    •   Issues payroll on the PEO’s accounts, which in turn affords the business owner access to enhanced employee benefit plans including health, dental, disability and life insurance as well as an enhanced 401(k) plan.
    •   Provides hands-on human resource expertise from seasoned professionals.
    •   Ensures that PEO clients and their employees are compliant with all federal, state and local laws and regulations.
    • Accepts many employer responsibilities and risks along with their client partners.

In short, PEOs provide the framework that business owners need.  The business model was developed more than 30 years ago and it has evolved into a business tool that no business owner should be without.

As Genesis HR Solutions celebrates its 25th year servicing the business community, we also celebrate the 20th running of the Genesis Battlegreen Run (GBR) on November 1, 2015.  And new this year, as it is with our PEO business model, our road race now offers non-profit companies the opportunity to raise money in a similar fashion because also new this year, we are pleased to announce the formation of the Battlegreen Run Foundation, whose mission it is to assist qualified 501(c)3 organizations. Here’s how it works:

  • Genesis HR Solutions is the lead sponsor of the race and together with the help of many local businesses, all of the expenses are borne by the sponsors.
  • In addition, as many as 50 restaurants and food vendors provide a post-race banquet that set the standard for road races.
  • The Lexington Minutemen Company, founded in 1773 is the oldest organized military organization in the country and it is the roar of their musket fire that signals the start of the race, which follows a stirring rendition of Rene Rancourt, voice of the Boston Bruins.
  • The event includes a fun run for the kids, sponsored as always by Boston Volvo Village, face painting, balloon artistry and a live band.

If a non-profit organization wanted to raise money from a road race similar to the GBR they would have quite a bit of work to do.  But like a PEO service offering – a full offering of every aspect of Human Resources – the GBR provides a solid framework for non-profits.  To participate, a team of ten or more runners and/or walkers need to register for the race, representing their non-profit.  That’s all it takes.  The GBR takes it from there by offering the following:

  • The ability to raise money via First Giving.  All money raised by the non-profit group goes directly to their cause.  All associated start-up costs and fees are paid for by the race organizers.
  • All expenses for the race (police, fire, permitting, entertainment, awards, et al.) are borne by the GBR.
  • All participating non-profit participate in a profit share of the overall proceeds from the race.

If you, or someone you know might be interested in raising money for a non-profit organization, please contact Hilliary Comeau (hcomeau@genesishrsolutions.com).  After all, this is a proven business model that has worked for businesses.  Now is the time for it to raise money for organizations that need it and don’t have the infrastructure to make it profitable.