Generosity prevail

United Way of Northwest Georgia is proud to announce that 100 percent of the United Way $3.25 million campaign goal has been reached. More than 10,000 individuals and hundreds of local corporations selflessly gave to United Way.

In this challenging economy, generosity has prevailed, according to United Way officials.

Through United Way, contributions — large and small — work together to improve more than 100,000 local lives.

“The 2011-2012 campaign represented an important victory for the Whitfield and Murray county communities,” said Bill Davies, United Way Campaign Chair and BB&T city executive. “Our results demonstrate that even during the toughest of economic times, the people of our area step forward to help their friends and neighbors. Each year United Way challenges the community to reach into its pockets and contribute financially to the well-being of our community. I knew that this was going to be a tough year. Unemployment was at a historical high, manufacturing plants were closing and many individuals and families were reeling from the fallout of the economic recession. I wondered, ‘What I have gotten myself into?”

As this year’s Campaign Cabinet and other volunteers began to talk to people and the results of workplace campaigns began to come in, Davies started to see something magical happen, he said.

“People gave, and gave generously,” Davies said. “We received donations from people who had never given before and we saw long-time givers increase their support. Even against the backdrop of the economic downturn, leading corporations doubled their efforts to share the United Way story with their employees. It was amazing, and it worked!”

Davies extends a thank you to everyone who contributed to the United Way campaign. The investment of the top six accounts, representing corporate contributions and the personal gifts of employees, equaled $2.17 million — roughly two-thirds of the organization’s total campaign.

The top six accounts are:

• Beaulieu of America continued its culture of giving.

• Brown Industries, led by Tim Holt, was very successful and represents one of the longest standing partnerships with United Way.

• J&J Industries, led by Bob Bethel, increased in dollars and continues to demonstrate high levels of employee participation across departments.

• Mohawk Industries, led by David Steele, increased in dollars and capitalized on innovative strategies.

• Shaw Industries, led by Chuck McClurg and Myra Brock, increased its contribution and continues to be the largest United Way campaign.

• Textile Management Associates, led by Steve Townsend, implemented a leadership campaign resulting in increased giving.

United Way relies on company employees who serve as Campaign Chairs to plan and implement employee campaigns. McClurg, the campaign chair for Shaw Industries, shared his experience.

“It was a privilege to serve as the 2011 Shaw Campaign Chair. Candidly, during our early planning sessions, Myra Brock, co-chair, and I were somewhat concerned given the current economic challenges facing our company and employees,” McClurg said. “However, what we learned is that during tough times Shaw employees are at their best. We have an established culture of ‘giving back’ to the community from the top down. Our employees wanted to do their part to make a difference in the lives of those in need.”

“We were truly blessed with 106 talented and committed team leaders who implemented the campaign throughout our manufacturing facilities, offices and departments. The leaders’ belief was that once an individual understands how the money is vetted, allocated and utilized that they would choose to participate,” he added.

McClurg is just one of nearly 100 campaign coordinators who led United Way campaigns across Whitfield and Murray counties.

The United Way Campaign Cabinet who pulled together and made this campaign successful include, by division, are:

• Account Development: Kevin Sanders, Shaw Industries.

• Alexis de Tocqueville: Bryan Macon, Dorsett Industries; Ralph Boe, Beaulieu of America; Julian Saul.

• Commercial: Agnes Richmond, Cloud-Richmond Marketing.

• Leadership: David Jolly, J&J Industries.

• Professionals: Shawn Molsberger, Hamilton Health Care System; Jerry Watkins, Morehouse Group.

• Retirees: Marshall Mauldin, community volunteer.

• Textile: Gary Dale, Americhem; Pete Sigmon, Shaw Industries.

• Young Leaders Society: Matthew Moore, Shaw Industries.

One highlight of the campaign was Dale and Sigmon’s leadership of the Textile Division, which increased by 18 percent. Textile Management, Engineered Floors and Textile Rubber had large dollar increases.

Individual giving drives the United Way campaign. Matthew Moore led the Young Leaders Society (YLS) drive this fall. Significant gains were made in membership, growing by 58 new members to total 213, who each give $365 or more annually to United Way. YLS members on average increased their gifts by $112 over last year. With an increase of 17 percent over last year, total Young Leaders giving was more than $163,000.

Jolly was instrumental in guiding the Leadership campaign, resulting in more than 200 individuals making an investment of $1,000 to $10,000.

Macon chaired the Alexis de Tocqueville Society campaign. He implemented a strategy to recruit junior members, the next generation of philanthropists, who each invested $5,000. Full Tocqueville membership is $10,000 annually. Tocqueville investment for the 2011-2012 campaign is more than $700,000. United Way extends a special thank you to Boe and Saul for continued leadership of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society.

From an economic development standpoint, the community sees great strides in bringing new businesses to our area. United Way recognizes the ripple effect as these new partners provide charitable dollars through employee campaigns. Thank you to the following new United Way campaigns: Challenger, CEO Steve White; HealthOne Alliance, CEO Judy Pair; IVC US, President Xavier Steyaert; and US Floors, President/CEO Piet Dossche.

Without media partners, United Way could not tell its story. Thank you to Dalton Utilities/Optilink for sponsoring the 2011 campaign video. Thank you to The Daily Citizen News for donated space, sharing how United Way improves the community.

“A special thank you to United Way of Northwest Georgia President Amanda Burt and Director of Resource Development John Relaford, who lead by example and live out the mission of United Way both professionally and personally,” Davies said.

To learn more about United Way of Northwest Georgia, visit ourunitedway.org or friend the group on Facebook.

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United Way reaches $3.25 million goal

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