Trafficero

Intelius and the Jains Take Part in OSL

September 16th, 2009

Intelius, a screening, search, and identity security assistance supplier from Bellevue, Washington, has local philanthropists Naveen and Anu Jain as its co-founders. The company, led by the couple, has been actively participating in various Eastside-based nonprofits since its inception in 2003. The Jains believe in the spirit of community giving as a corporate responsibility as well as a “step up” to address the growing need of necessities due to the economic recession.

Intelius, along with its establishers, has sponsored the Overlake Service League (OSL), a nonprofit organization that aims to help homes surrounding the Bellevue School District. Due to its status as the aid group’s primary sponsors, Intelius was recognized as the foundation’s 10th Annual “Step Up to the Plate” Benefit Luncheon last March of this year. The Jains were named as the celebration’s Honorary Chairs, a title that pays homage to their personal assistance and the company’s contributions to the League.

OSL’s Fundraising and Development director Trish Carpenter said that Intelius has taken a step higher into its headship role in the community. The company has continued contributing despite the tough times in the economic world, setting an example for other businesses to follow. As jobs get scarcer, the assistance that the company gives out becomes more significant. “I think Overlake Service League and Intelius are perfect partners for building a better community,” she added.

Ever since the company’s initiation, Naveen Jain has instilled a solid business spirit linked directly to community service. In 2008, Naveen and Anu Jain have stepped up their firm’s philanthropy efforts.

“Giving back has always been part of our lives on a personal as well as on a business level,” said Anu Jain, who is also the company’s Community Relations vice president.

For this year, the firm has implemented an Employee Matching Program and an Employment Volunteer Program, the latter offering paid leaves for the time spent in doing volunteer at local aid and relief organizations.

Chester Council Sells Hall to University, Relocates to HQ

September 16th, 2009

The Chester Council has approved the sale of County Hall building to the University of Chester for a reported ₤28.75 million. The University plans to maximise on space with an office fitout to use the premises, located at the riverside, for housing its growing staff strength as it grows in size.

Until now, the building has been occupied by the Cheshire West and Chester Council, which will be moving to the HQ premises located on Nicholas Street. The deal is likely to have a twofold advantage for the council. Apart from the financial gain from sale of the asset, the consolidation of offices in the HQ building is likely to save the taxpayers from paying substantial sums of money towards maintenance and upkeep. This reduction is estimated to be 4 million over the next five years alone.

Under the terms of the deal, the castle square park will be valued and sold as a separate property, not attached to the Hall. This will bring in additional revenue for the council. Also, Cheshire East Council has approved the deal on the basis of a clause, which states that the car park will receive an independent valuation.

While announcing the deal, Council Leader Mike Jones said that the deal was beneficial to both the University as well as the city. Each would benefit from the other and this would have positive repercussions all round.

He further said that the Hall was a great building within an excellent business location, but as an office space was less efficient than the council’s other setups like HQ. The efficiency would be badly needed as the council continues to grow in responsibility, he added.