Employee Business Networks
Best Buy's Employee Business Network (EBN) is a national program of field and corporate employees who form a network based on interest in and support for a common dimension of diversity. Best Buy-sponsored Employee Business Networks are inclusive and open to all employees. Employee Business Networks provide opportunities for education, collaboration and individual development as well as a framework for building cross-functional work teams. EBNs are a key part of Best Buy's strategy of being Customer-Driven and Talent-Powered by providing education and awareness about, and exposure to, different communities who represent the rich diversity of our employees as well as our customers. Best Buy currently has the following active Employee Business Networks:
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AEN (Asian Employee Network)
Our mission is to build a resource for Best Buy Asian employees to help support their needs and the needs of the company, both professionally and personally.
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BEN (Black Employee Network)
Our mission is to foster a supportive environment for Best Buy associates connected by common dimensions of diversity, promote a positive understanding of multiculturalism and reinforce the importance of diversity in achieving business results.
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BLU (Best Buy Leadership United)
Our mission is to provide a safe environment for employees to explore issues facing people of color within Best Buy. Additionally, Best Buy BLU will support company initiatives and improve cultural awareness throughout the organization. We will promote unleashing the power of our people and the development of Best Buy leaders from underrepresented groups of people of color while improving the retention of Best Buy talent. Best Buy BLU promotes a network that will expand the external talent pool by presenting Best Buy as THE company of choice amongst employees, consumers, investors, suppliers and communities.
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INCLUDE - Focus on Abilities, Not Disabilities
Our mission is to foster an inclusive work environment where all employees feel a level of confidence, support and belonging that allows them to maximize their full potential by focusing on their abilities, not disabilities. INCLUDE will promote opportunities, supportive services and accommodations in a manner that ensures dignity for everyone – employees, customers, family and the community.
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LatIN (Latin Involvement Network)
Our mission is to create a resource for Best Buy Latino employees to aide in personal and professional development, promote a sense of community among participants, support business goals and provide resources for recruiting and retaining the best and brightest talent.
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PRIDE (People Respecting Individual Differences Equally)
Our mission is to provide a supportive environment for Best Buy Enterprise gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees and allies.
We encourage professional development, promote personal growth and help Best Buy foster an inclusive and diverse work environment.
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SAGE (Supporting Advances in Generational Empowerment)
Provide and promote an inclusive environment at Best Buy for employees age 40 and over. We want to aide in recruitment, development and retention of this group to assist Best Buy in achieving its corporate goals.
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WOLF (Women's Leadership Forum)
WOLF is a movement grounded in a simple truth: If we want to be a great place for women to shop, we have to be a great place for women to work. We believe the time is now to transform the business to invite female customers, and the $55 billion market share they represent, into our stores.
Testimonials and Stories
Thoughts from the EBN Program Manager
"Starting at a new company is always a transition. My involvement in several of the Employee Business Networks helped me to acclimate to Best Buy's environment, take on leadership responsibility as well as build my personal and professional network. When I had an opportunity to take on the role as Manager of this program, I was thrilled to be able to give back to Best Buy and the communities in which we serve."
Rita
Program Manager, Employee Business Network
DFW PRIDE EBN participated in Lifewalk
In October, 2007, DFW PRIDE EBN participated in the annual Lifewalk at Lee Park in downtown Dallas, Texas. The EBN, and a local Best Buy store, joined together to create awareness and raise money for AIDS research. Fifteen Best Buy employees volunteered over 40 hours of time giving out water to the walk participants. The volunteers were proud to help and impact this life-changing event.
DFW PRIDE EBN volunteered at Spirit Horse Therapeutic Riding Center
The DFW PRIDE EBN members and the Best Buy District 7 staff spent a day (in 102 degree temperatures) laying grass, digging ditches, planting flowers and clearing rocks so the center can bring more horses to help kids. The center, the kids and their parents were grateful for Best Buy's support. In addition to the volunteer work, Best Buy contributed $3,000 and a new digital camera to the center in order to help keep the wonderful place going.
Thoughts from PRIDE EBN members in St. Louis, Missouri
At this year's St. Louis PRIDE event, the local PRIDE EBN members donated 317 volunteer hours and earned (and donated) $7,000 in Best Buy volunteer sponsorship dollars for their efforts. Representatives from the Springfield Illinois store also attended the event.
Overall, the event was a huge success and increased awareness of how LGBT friendly Best Buy is and how the company supports individual differences and wants to make a difference every day in the community. Many event participants plan to purchase their electronics at their local Best Buy. The event was a growing experience for all the EBN volunteers. We are looking forward to participating in more community events as well as preparing for next years festival.
Thoughts from PRIDE EBN members in St. Petersburg, Florida
Local PRIDE EBNs participated in the largest GLBT in Florida in which Best Buy was a presenting sponsor. Best Buy co-hosted the comedy event and provided Best Buy items and coupons for prizes throughout the event. Geek Squad was represented in the parade by two "bugs" and a home theater truck. All in all, it was a lot of fun, and truly showed Best Buy's support for the GLBT community.
South Texas LatIN EBN members support the Alameda Museum
Our local EBN and a couple of our stores in the community have developed a partnership with the Alameda Museum – the first Hispanic Museum affiliated with the Smithsonian. The museum focuses on honoring the Latino contributions to American Culture.
Our LatIN EBN chose to get involved with the museum to build a stronger relationship with the local Hispanic community. Recently, about 20 Best Buy employees volunteered at an exhibit opening. All of the volunteers enjoyed the experience and look forward to helping at more events and continuing to grow the relationship with the museum.
Chicago area LatIN EBN members support a local community celebration
The local LatIN EBN and three Chicago-area Best Buy stores sponsored the "Back of the Yards" community celebration. It was a great opportunity for the 20 Best Buy volunteers to meet and support local Hispanic leaders and community members. In addition to the help of our volunteers, our Best Buy band provided live music and entertainment on stage. As a result of the relationships that were built, Best Buy volunteers cleaned up a local park on a recent Sunday afternoon.