At Commonwealth Personnel Consultants, our corporate philosophy also embraces giving back to the community. It's a natural extension of the priority we place on building positive relationships. Additionally, our company's participation in business and civic affairs adds another dimension to our wide-ranging network of contacts and further enhances our usefulness to you.

Our community involvement can best be illustrated by the many varied activities and accomplishments of Pat Haynes, President.

• Past President of National Association of Women Business Owners Richmond Chapter (NAWBO); Board member for eight years and National Board Representative for two years. Established NAWBO Richmond Corporate Partner program, which opened up opportunities for women to do more business with larger corporations. Helped start state certification program for women business owners. Helped establish four new NAWBO chapters in Virginia. Served on organization committee for first Women's Business Enterprise Conference. Chaired first Enterprising Women of Excellence Banquet in 1997, sponsored by NAWBO and Verizon to honor accomplishments of women business owners. Continues to chair event, which attracts over 400 attendees. Proceeds go to NAWBO and the Massey Center for breast cancer research. Worked with group of NAWBO members and the state on the Welfare Reform Initiative.
• Serves on Board of Directors of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and chairs the Small Business Committee. Helped organize the Chamber's Small Business Conferences and Finance Fairs and secure corporate sponsorships. Helped start the Fantastic 50 Awards program, which recognizes 50 of the fastest-growing companies statewide. Served on 1997-98 nominating committee for Virginia Chamber to help target women and minorities for Board positions.
• Served on Board of Directors of the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce and on Board of Henrico West Business Council. Helped start the President's Circle to encourage female and minority membership.
• Served as Pacesetter Chairperson for campaign to raise initial private funding for the Greater Richmond Partnership economic development organization. Is also corporate investor.
• 1995-96 graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond.
• Former Advisory Board member of Women's Yellow Pages and was chosen by group as "Woman of Influence."
• Was the first person featured in Ukrops Leadership Profile Series and first woman featured in Verizon Women in Business Series.
• Honored as 1998 Woman in Business Advocate of the Year by U.S. Small Business Administration.

Pat is one of those people who can't and won't say no when it comes to the causes she cares about. That's a good thing for the many beneficiaries of her generosity. As evident, the majority of her efforts are focused on helping other women. Here's why.

"As a recruiter for the last 30 years, I have helped to start and develop the careers of women. Without even realizing it was happening, I became a champion for women in business. Through associations such as NAWBO and my corporate contacts, I have worked to bridge the gap between women-owned companies and larger corporations to encourage more partnerships and more business opportunities. It has been extremely rewarding because when we give to others, we all benefit and become more empowered." - Pat Haynes