JP Morgan Chase 2008 Annual Report Download - page 31

Throughout our history, we have always believed that
our obligation extends beyond simply serving share-
holders, clients and employees. For us, public service
means working with government officials, in a nonpar-
tisan way, to fully identify, analyze and overcome our
problems. We believe the right solutions come only
when we participate in a constructive dialogue, get
beyond the words, “It’s not politically feasible,” and
take bold steps.
Ensuring the health and vibrancy of this company for the
next 200 years is paramount
The real measure of strength for a country – or a
company – is not whether we have problems but how
we learn from them, overcome them and emerge better
for it. For more than 200 years, the world has turned
to JPMorgan Chase in times of difficulty and turmoil,
counting on our people to support our country, our
clients and our communities around the world. We
feel that obligation more intensely than ever and are
focused on doing everything in our power to make
sure this company remains strong, healthy and vibrant
so that it can continue to do what it does best for the
next 200 years.
Jamie Dimon
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
March 23, 2009
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VII. CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
We believe we have a deep responsibility to you, our
shareholders, and to our creditors, our clients and all
our employees. We work incredibly hard to uphold all
our obligations every day.
Our commitment to corporate citizenship
We have always been deeply committed to being good
corporate citizens. It is an essential part of what we
do – and who we are – as a firm. As such, we have
intensified our corporate responsibility efforts, direct-
ing resources to make a meaningful difference to the
people who live and work in the communities in
which we operate.
While some may think of us as a Wall Street firm, we
also are very much a part of Main Street: We employ
225,000 people worldwide in 48 U.S. states and more
than 60 countries. Our 5,000 branches serve customers
in 23 states. We provide health care coverage for
400,000 people. On average, we pay more than $10
billion a year in taxes to the U.S. government, as well
as to state and local jurisdictions.
Last year alone, our firm and our Foundation made
charitable contributions of approximately $100 million
in our markets across the United States. And over the
past five years, we have given more than $600 million
to 13,500 organizations globally. These tremendously
important investments help inner-city young adults
get jobs, fund educational programs, build affordable
housing and support rebuilding efforts after a tsunami,
earthquake or hurricane hits one of our global commu-
nities. Our people are devoted to the communities they
serve – and, in a mutually beneficial relationship, we
thrive when those communities are healthy, secure
and prosperous.
The Way Forward: Stepping up our game
We strive to help our clients and our customers in
every way – and especially during these difficult times.
This overall effort, part of an initiative called The Way
Forward, represents our commitment to the actions we
have taken and are willing to take to move America
and the global economy forward.