JimShoes's rising success in the community has helped CEO James Hastings follow through on his desire to give back to the community that supported both him and JimShoes. Drawing from his personal life's story and the positive impact he experienced through the consistent and careful guidance of his family, church and teachers. James understands the value of volunteering and mentoring tomorrow's leaders and youth.

Urbana Business Association

In the spring of 2007 James Hastings became a member of the Urbana Business Association. The mission of the Urbana Business Association is to promote Urbana as a dynamic place in which to live, work and do business. As a member, James had the opportunity to network and gain marketing support from other Urbana businesses along with the support of working with the government to grow his business of JimShoes Entertainment. In 2008, James was elected to serve on the events committee board of the association. This committee was responsible for all events and activities that took place in the city of Urbana, IL for the community.

CUper Star Program

JimShoes CEO James Hastings joined the Champaign-Urbana Area Project in 2007 and helped them with their CUper Star program through mentoring, volunteering, and being a positive influence and role model for the teens.

The CUper Star is a program that encourages social, career and leadership development that enables our youth to have a voice and influence in their community. The purpose of the program is to provide a venue for teens to get involved in and out of school community involved projects that would be both youth inspired and youth desired. CUperStar is a non-traditional event that will cross all socioeconomic, geographic, and color barriers. Youth achieved program objectives through numerous activities including auditions, interviews, career and leadership workshops, rehearsals, planning sessions, community service, and public appearances.

Champaign County Urban League Mentoring Program

JimShoes CEO James Hastings volunteers his time to help assist the Champaign County Urban League Mentoring program. Through this program, James has a great opportunity to mentor and give youth the guidance and direction that they may have been lacking. James sees this opportunity as a way to be an example to show the youth that you can be a successful entrepreneur with the right guidance, determination, and great work ethics.

Indiana Black Expo Music Lounge

In 2006, JimShoes CEO James Hastings volunteered in assisting with the 2006 Indiana Black Expo Music Lounge.

The Music Lounge is a new venue for the culture arts pavilion and is designed to recapture the young adult audience whose numbers had been declining in recent years. The Music Lounge objectives were to coordinate a venue and to reach a diverse group of performers seeking opportunities to gain exposure and hone their skills.