Blue Shield Settles Into New Oakland Headquarters

Blue Shield Settles Into New Oakland Headquarters

As Blue Shield moved into its new Oakland headquarters, it celebrated the success of its ’80 for Oakland’ initiative to involve the corporation with the city’s vibrant communities.

As Blue Shield of California celebrated settling into its new 12th Street headquarters in downtown Oakland, the com-pany was also celebrating the success of its “80 for Oakland” campaign. Created early in 2019, the initiative introduced and involved Blue Shield in the city’s vibrant communities by partnering with nonprofits, city schools, and parks, and other events. It was a resounding success, with 120 activities logged by the end of September. More than 650 Blue Shield employees participated, contributing nearly 4,000 volunteer hours.

The American Heart Association, Oakland Parks & Recreation Department, Oakland Unified School District, KaBOOM! playground builders, and Oakland Pride Parade and Festival were a few of the “80 for Oakland” partners, and solid relationships have been built city-wide. The city’s landmarks and neighborhoods are now familiar names to Blue Shield employees, who enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to get to know their new corporate home.

Throughout the campaign, employees showcased favorite things about Oakland on Blue Shield’s #80forOakland web feed and Yammer, with lively posts about farmers markets, restaurants, neighborhoods, activities, and landmarks like Jack London Square and the Paramount and Fox theaters.

“We didn’t want to just move our offices into Oakland; we wanted to become part of the city and all its diverse communities, enjoying everything that Oakland offers,” said Kimberley Goode, Blue Shield senior vice president, external affairs. “I can say with confidence that we achieved that goal, and now we get to participate in the life of our new headquarters city every day we come to work.”

Faces of the East Bay