United Way Presents "Spirit" Awards At Annual Meeting

Jackson County United Way celebrated Monday its past year's accomplishments and looked toward the future at its Annual Meeting at the newly opened venue, Celebrations, in Seymour. Over 50 guests attended an Open House, immediately followed by a short business meeting honoring campaign award recipients, donors, volunteers, agencies, and board members.

According to a press release, United Way Board Secretary, Jay Fischer of SIHO, called the meeting to order. Fischer announced agencies selected for 2013 funding including: American Red Cross, Anchor House, ARC, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boy Scouts Hoosier Trails Council, Boys & Girls Club, Child Care Network, Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana, Girls Inc., Head Start, Meals on Wheels, Mental Health America, Read Jackson County, Salvation Army, Senior Citizens Centers/Clubs in Brownstown, Crothersville, Freetown, Medora, and Seymour; and Turning Point.

Board Treasurer, Janet Brumfield-Smith of Home Products Inc., provided the Stewardship Report. Fischer reaffirmed that "your JCUW strives to and succeeds at keeping administrative costs to an absolute minimum, ensuring efficiency and maximum 'value' for every dollar donated." Fischer also thanked outgoing board members, Robin Landrum (three years of service and Past President), John Spray (six years of service), and Nate Tormoehlen (six years of service and Past President).

United Way Governance Chair, Nate Tormoehlen of Beatty Insurance, presented nominees to be elected. Reappointed members for another three year term include Joe Bradley, 2013 President and Holly Sipe of JCB and 2012 Vice Drive Chair. New board members elected include Ann Cooper of Aisin USA, Lori Crain of Walmart DC #6017, Talmadge Reasoner of Seymour Community Schools, and Benji Reinhart of Kocolene Marketing LLC.

Mike Fleetwood of Blue & Co. and 2012 United Way Campaign Chairman was conferenced in from Evansville. He thanked the agencies and drive-team for their hard work, asking those in attendance "to remember that our community is only as good as we choose to make it," and encouraged all to continue to support the Jackson County United Way. Executive Director, Tonja Couch, announced United Way's total fundraising for the 2012 campaign. The total giving for 2012 was $758,250.39, 83.3 percent of the $910,000 goal.

The 2012 Drive Team was recognized and campaign awards were given to: Top 10 Companies, Volunteer of the Year, Power of WE, Rising Star, Spirit of Giving, Community Spirit, and The JACSY Award. In spite of current economic challenges, 27 workplace campaigns experienced increases and 159 new donors gave contributions to this year's campaign.

· The Community Spirit Award is presented to a local company for their support of the United Way and their impact on the local community and was presented to Cummins Seymour Engine Plant. Cummins community spirit has been shown through their corporate volunteerism, community garden supplying local food pantries with fresh produce, participating in Day of Caring and hosting the 2012 CEO Campaign Kickoff.

· The Spirit of Giving Award is presented to a United Way agency for their tremendous impact on the community and their participation in the 2012 Campaign and Spirit of Giving Week; this award was presented to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Indiana.

· The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to an individual who has served the United Way in many ways and was presented to Dexter McKain for his volunteer work implementing the Cummins SEP Community Garden, bowler recruitment for Bowl for Kids Sake, and for going above and beyond his role as United Way Industrial Co-Chair.

· The Power of We Award is a new award inspired by Chris Marshall and Crothersville Elementary School for their collaborative effort with United Way's partner agencies, donors, and giving 110 percent in everything they do!

· Ashley Whitlock of Blue & Co was awarded the "Rising Star" for supporting the United Way with time, talent and treasure.

· Brian Hardy received the JACSY Award for his dedication to managing the Annual Day of Caring for 15 years.

· The United Way's Top 20 Employee Campaign Companies include:

- Kremers Urban

- Walmart DC #6017

- Aisin AHA/AWA/ADA; Aisin USA; Aisin Chemical; Aisin Drivetrain

- Schneck Medical Center

- Blue & Co.

- Cummins Seymour Engine Plant

- Seymour Community Schools

- Seymour Tubing

- Jackson County Bank

- Excel Manufacturing

- Dicksons, Inc.

- Jackson County Public Library

- Home Products

- The Tribune

- Jackson County Employees

- Beatty Insurance

- Brownstown Central Community Schools

- The City of Seymour

- Kocolene Marketing LLC

- American Legion Post #89

The United Way's commitment to the future includes developing strategies and collaborations that help strengthen our families with a focus on education, income and health so they are equipped to deal with issues they may experience throughout their lives. Jackson County United Way's 20 partner agencies continue to work towards creating long-lasting change for a better community. Tonja Couch, Executive Director, announced that "the future of United Way will include re-defined mission, vision, and values; building strong relationships; conducting a community needs assessment; and shifting to impact funding." The key to the success of many strategies includes the need for more resources, including financial and volunteer. People were asked to contact the United Way office to get more involved in their work.