The Business Of Supporting The Arts
JSJ helps arts and culture remain a vital part of the communities where we live and work. From board leadership and volunteer involvement to financial contributions, JSJ and the JSJ Foundation support arts organizations like The Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Symphony, West Shore Symphony Orchestra and St. Cecilia Music Center.
For example, former JSJ Chairman Mart Johnson and his wife Dottie Johnson, Council of Michigan Foundations president emeritus and trustee of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, are generous, long-time symphony supporters. Previously, Mart chaired the Grand Rapids Symphony’s board of directors. In 2006, Tim Liang, senior vice president for JSJ, joined the Grand Rapids Symphony board where he serves on the strategic and contingency planning, and personnel committees. JSJ also funds the symphony's English horn chair.
Tim and his wife, Ping, are honored to contribute their time and leadership to the Grand Rapids Symphony as well as the St. Cecilia Music Center, making a point to attend many fine music performances. “We could not be happier,” says Tim. “We both love music, and wanted to get involved in the Grand Rapids community, using our business skills to help non-profits. It is a great feeling to represent JSJ and work to make a difference in the community.”
Managing director of AlphaMax Advisors, Ping joined the St. Cecilia Music Center, where she became president and still serves on the board of directors. Her good works have drawn other JSJ-related professionals to the St. Cecilia board, including Chuck Saylor, president and founder of izzydesign, an office furniture and seating business owned by JSJ; Saralyn Coupe of UBS, whose spouse Mark Sherwood serves on the JSJ Foundation board; Clare Wade, PR consultant to JSJ and izzydesign; and Yang Kim of BBK Studio, a West Michigan design firm that works closely with izzydesign.
Coincidence? More likely a composition of common interests. “This is a group of JSJ employees, friends and affiliates who enjoy working together,” says Tim, “and contributing their professional skills to a venerable local music organization.”