Innovation

Regal Cinemas created the Regal Foundation in 2003 as a non-profit organization that coordinates with other charitable organizations in order to promote health, economic growth, and stability within its communities. The Regal Foundation participates in the Stars of Hope Campaign that lasts roughly two months, and usually starts in the summer time. The associate manager of Regal Cinemas in Brooklyn, Dave Ritwo, said that of the donations Regal gets, "all goes to charity, 100%." The donations help support multiple charities that include the Will Rogers Institute, Boys and Girls Club of America, and St. Jude's Research Hospital, to just name a few. In addition to Stars of Hope, Regal also hosts a Summer Movie Express which allows select theaters to offer PG or G rated films at just $1. The money they make from SMX contributes to the Will Rogers Institute, which promotes good health. It also gives families who struggle economically an opportunity to get the movie theater experience for an affordable cost.

Regal doesn't just focus on its customers in the community, but also the Regal employees. Many Regal workers participate in community service projects such as walk-a-thons and other events to raise awareness for different issues such as cancer or AIDS. Furthermore, Regal is a great employer for young teens and college students looking for their first job. They are constantly hiring new minds, and they even go as far as offering scholarships to students who are part of the Regal community.

Regal also caters to customers who suffer from hearing or vision disabilities. There are special devices offered at select locations that give customers their own subtitles or closed captioning. They also have devices that amplify the sound for those who are hard of hearing.

Inspiration

David Ritwo, an associate manager for a local theater in Brooklyn, NY, emphasized that the overall impact of why Regal does what it does is because it cares about its community. They are very community based. The impact of this innovation has created an amazing and caring community of moviegoers who come back to Regal regularly for entertainment purposes. Regal creates an environment that allows everyone to enjoy the best movie going experience. Ritwo stated that "it makes people more comfortable so that they can have a better moviegoing experience."

Overall impact

The impact of this innovation is seen in the communities in which Regal operates. One of Regal's main ways of giving back to society is by donating and supporting charities that use the money for assorted reasons. Regal brings in money which is then being sent to numerous charities for improvement in society.

Regal contributes to the economic stability and welfare of the workforce by providing job opportunitie for people of all ages, including those who are younger and just starting out in college.

Regal encourages people of all races, ages, and backgrounds to come to their theaters. They promote healthy and clean environments for their customers, including the disabled. They ensure those who suffer from economic hardships are given the fair opportunity to enjoy a movie for a fair price. They promote education by providing scholarships to younger employees that show their excellence in the company. They promote staff members that they feel have potential to do more within the company.

Regal shares its story with all of its theaters to encourage every location to become involved in community service. Many theaters go out on their own, to do service work such as walk-a-thons, cleaning up parks or schools, or other volunteer opportunities to show that they care for their community.

This has a long-term effect on the economy based on its hiring practices. In addition, the money and awareness that Regal raises for all the charities they partner with has a long term effect in that many companies use this money and attention for the overall improvement of society.

Business benefit

Their innovations benefit the business because it provides Regal with loyal customers, a good reputation, and a stable work environment. By Regal supporting the Stars of Hopes, they not only benefit a worthy cause, but they gain respect for being part of such a great cause.

Regal Cinemas also benefits from customer loyalty which stems from its efforts to help those who suffer from disabilities or economic hardships. This increases their customer count while also creating good and lasting relationships with customers who feel Regal cares for them. They create a good sense of customer service and encourage people to come back in the future. It also sets them apart from competitors who lack what Regal offers.

In the short term, Regal increases customer satisfaction, amount of employees they hire and good word of mouth.

Social and environmental benefit

These innovations benefit society because they give back to their communities in numerous ways. By donating and raising awareness to multiple charities, Regal is helping people who suffer from multiples issues that range from economic to health related problems. Regal also gives scholarships to students who are employed by them which encourages more young people to get a higher education.

They also promote fair and equal service to those who have disabilities and allows them to enjoy the moviegoing experience. They also give those who have financial issues the opportunity to experience movies for an affordable price. Regal employees also go above and beyond in volunteering outside of their theaters. Some register for marathons or walk-a-thons to show their support to those who live in their community.

Interview

David Ritwo, Regal Cinemas

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