Cinnaire builds trust by valuing 'relationships over transactions'

A great deal about the culture at Cinnaire can be learned through a book, “The Speed of Trust” by bestselling author Stephen M.R. Covey to be exact, which all Cinnaire team members are encouraged to read. 

An emphasis on trust and community building helps to explain why Lansing-headquartered Cinnaire, which partners with communities to support community stabilization and economic development, earned the No. 5 spot among midsize companies in the 2023 Michigan Top Workplaces competition.    

“The idea of healthy communities starts within our walls,” says Corinne Hyzny, senior vice president of Strategic Communications at Cinnaire, a full-service, nonprofit, financial organization with a community-development focus. “We have a holistic approach to wellbeing, and we value people and relationships over transactions. As a result, we invest time, money and resources in maintaining a culture centered on trust, where everyone is recognized as a leader.”

Just as Cinnaire has a company “why statement” to communicate the nonprofit’s intention to “invest in people and places to transform lives through equitable financial and development solutions,” Hyzny explained that all of her team members have a why statement as well. By supporting each team member’s individual why statement, she says Cinnaire is able to focus on concerns that mean the most to its staff, such as job satisfaction and quality of life in an intentional way.

And when it comes to the mental health of team members, Hyzny says Cinnaire also applies the same “on the ground” personal approach that the nonprofit’s community partners have come to expect.    

“Cinnaire is seriously committed to promoting positive mental health,” stated Hyzny, whose organization has dedicated its 30th anniversary year to service—both in and out of the office. “This includes having crucial conversations with team members about how to resolve any conflict they may face in their lives in a healthy way. It all goes back to our culture of caring and respect.”

Cinnaire Corporation

Industry: Nonprofit financial organization

Top leadership: Mark McDaniel, president and CEO

Home: Lansing

Employees: 150

Website: cinnaire.com