Genentech launched the "Genentech Goes to Town" community relations program in 1993 to support the local community by encouraging employees to get to know local businesses in the communities in which they live and work. Genentech provides $25 in special GenenMoney to each employee during a two-week period and encourages them to support local shop owners and the continued development of the downtown business areas. The special "GenenMoney" is redeemable only at participating businesses.
For the second consecutive year, as part of Genentech Goes to Town the company is also making charitable contributions to local community food banks, the Second Harvest Food Bank, the Solano County Food Bank and the North County Food Bank.
The Genentech Goes to Town program is typically held in September in South San Francisco, Vacaville, Oceanside and Hillsboro. The company also evaluates expansion opportunities on an ongoing basis in other Genentech communities.
Key Figures
- In 2009, Genentech Goes to Town celebrates its 17th year in South San Francisco, 10th year in Vacaville, fourth year in Oceanside and first year in Hillsboro.
- Since the program's inception, approximately $1.9 million has been distributed to support merchants in the company's hometowns.
- More than 200 local businesses in South San Francisco, Vacaville and Oceanside are participating in the program: 83 in South San Francisco, 69 in Vacaville, 38 in Oceanside and 33 in Hillsboro.
- Approximately 11,000 are employed by Genentech, approximately 75% of which are located in San Mateo County. Approximately 820 employees are located in Vacaville, 480 in Oceanside and 200 in Hillsboro.
Company Quotes "According to some shop owners, because of the current economic downturn, our communities are welcoming this program more than ever this year. It's a great opportunity for employees to discover new places to shop or eat and for local establishments to find new clients, potentially long-term clients, at a time when business can be especially difficult."
-- Colleen Wilson, Director, Genentech Community and Patient Programs
"We are pleased that 2009 marks another year of Genentech Goes to Town, our community relations program that supports businesses in the locations where we operate. I believe that the program exemplifies well Genentech's culture of community commitment, and through the collective efforts of employees in four different communities, we hope to provide an economic boost for local businesses."
-- Pascal Soriot, Genentech Chief Executive Officer
Additional Materials
- Download images of the Genentech Goes to Town program below:
Genentech Goes to Town South San Francisco Map 
Genentech Goes to Town Vacaville Map 
Genentech Goes to Town Oceanside Map 
Genentech Goes to Town Hillsboro Map 
A South San Francisco shopkeeper with GenenMoney 
Genentech CEO Pascal Soriot (front, right) and Head of Global Product Strategy and Chief Marketing Officer Ian T. Clark (front, left), accompanied by employees Jim Riker, Brigid O'Loughlin, and Deb Turner prepare to shop at South San Francisco businesses for Genentech Goes to Town. - Read more about Genentech's locations.
- Download the below footage of participating South San Francisco businesses (5.06MB/MOV) in Quicktime format.
