From loaning buses and drivers to transport Alzheimer patients on excursions, to extensive support of the March of Dimes, Godfrey LeBron has put considerable effort into his community and reaped the benefits.

"Its not just about money; but it does bring you money," says LeBron, who is co-owner of Paradise Trailways in Hicksville, N.Y.

"(Community involvement is) a form of networking. People tend to gravitate toward people involved in charities. It makes people more comfortable with you," says LeBron, who also is chairman of the United Motorcoach Association.

Across the U.S., coach operators report having enhanced their financial success by increasing involvement in their communities.

"When youre a leader in your community you get sought after," says Ron Eyre, president of Eyre Bus, Tour & Travel in Glenelg, Md. "People come to me. When you become a community advocate, it puts you out there as a viable leader," adds Eyre.

"Every organization that I networked in, I got business. And they referred others. Theres no percentage (of business earned), but it was significant. Its really sales and marketing 101. Instead of advertising, go out personally," urges Eyre.

Today, Eyres son Matthew carries the community mantle for their three-generation company, although the senior Eyre continues to do his part.

"You are networking with hundreds and hundreds of people. That was really my job, to be the face of Eyre in the community."

Eyre says that at the height of his community involvement, about 25 percent of his time went to the community, between monthly meetings and evening events he attended with his wife. Hospitals, a school, and tourism organizations all have benefited from his involvement. And Eyre Bus has reaped rewards as well.

Industry proponents of community involvement have some practical advice to operators for getting out into the community.

The senior Eyre has found advantages in being involved with civic groups, such as the Rotary Club. "The business that I got from that was unbelievable," he says. "The business return, the name recognition the face was there in the community."

LeBron also believes firmly in the power of networking. His local chamber of commerce, for example, has helped him financially through networking functions. "I would recommend anyone getting involved to take advantage of networking."

But, choose your charities carefully, advises LeBron. "Today, in this world of being politically correct, you have to choose things that arent going to offend people. People dont usually have a problem with babies," so he has been active with the March of Dimes.

One technique LeBron uses is involving his business in the community. For example, he sometimes donates a bus to excursions for Alzheimer patients involved in a YMCA adult-care program.

Steve Klika, president of International Motor Coach Group Inc., also suggests operators encourage their staff to get involved, whether its with a church or parent-teacher organizations.

LeBron agrees. "It gives the company a strong sense of moral strength. ... Not everyone can write a $1,000 check, but you might have an employee who can give $10."

Brian Scott, president of Escot Bus Lines in Largo, Fla., is in the infancy stages of his community involvement, but he has hopes for big things. He has been involved in the industry for the past decade, but now hes ready to expand his involvement in his local community activites.

"I want to be a positive influence," Scott says. He attends transit board meetings regularly, and he is working to get involved in the prestigious Leadership Pinellas, which is a member of The Community Leadership Association, a nationwide effort to identify future community leaders.

"I hope to get some business, but I want my company to be a go-to for solutions in the community," says Scott.

Leadership programs are the easiest and best way to get started in the community, says Klika. "It teaches you social responsibility. You will be expected to get involved in boards, community service."

Klika himself has long been involved in his communities. Today, in Kansas, he serves as a school board member for Blue Valley School District, and has leadership roles with the Overland Park Convention & Visitors Bureau, Johnson County Transit and SAFEHOME, a domestic violence program.

Eyre notes that community involvement can also bring press coverage. Eyres connections in the community brought him, for example, a feature on the cover of The Baltimore Suns business section.

While he was chair of the American Bus Association, a new communications officer was hired. The business editor at the Sun was the communications officers best friend. A team from the Sun showed up at the business and six weeks later, a story appeared.

In another case, Eyre and his wife, Joanne, won a dancing contest to benefit Howard County Tourism a not-for-profit that promotes tourism and their antics ended up on the front page of the community paper. "People sent e-mails, made copies. We got a huge reaction from that, even nine months later."

Operators also point out the intangibles of giving back it feels good.

"I have always felt the need to give back to the community that you serve, which for us is the entire Baltimore-Washington, D.C., market," says Eyre.

Where does LeBrons dedication to service come from?

"It all pretty much comes from my mom. She always stressed that in me when I was a young boy. Your good deeds will help you with your life. The more you give, the more you will receive.

"One of the highest forms of donating is employing people. Were always maligned. The only time we get press is when there is an accident. (But) we are the fiber of the community because travel is central to life."