Local United Way chapter thanks 3 companies for contributions to community

All around the New River Valley, people and companies are joining forces to stand up to the troubling times and lending a helping hand to our local community needs. Companies such as ATK Energetic Systems (Radford), Kollmorgen (Radford) and Corning, Inc. (Blacksburg) are encouraging their employees to help our community each year by paving the way and showing their support.

Jason Hamby (left) and Steve Simmons (right) of United Way receive the ATK corporate check for $8,100 from representatives Scott Pfeiffer and Anne Humphrey. Photo courtesy of Justina Sage Sumpter

ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 22 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally. ATK Energetic Systems in Radford provides 25mm and 30mm ammunition to U.S. government and international customers and develops and produces commercial propellant for commercial and law enforcement customers. ATK has been a longtime supporter of local United Way organizations around the country and we are thankful for their corporate commitment to United Way MRF. ATK’s local employee and corporate contribution this year was $48,588.

“We are pleased to be able to help families and individuals in the New River Valley through this donation to the United Way,” said Kent Holiday, who served as vice president and general manager of ATK Energetics Systems during the 2011 campaign. “ATK is a strong supporter of the United Way at the corporate level as well as through local divisions like ours. We know that our contribution will help people in our area who are struggling to meet basic needs.”

Steve Simmons (from left) and Jo Lynn Price of United Way receive the Kollmorgen corporate match of $16,265 from Kollmorgen representatives Dennis Mabes, Lucy Foley and Melissa Gonzalez. Photo courtesy of Justina Sumpter

Kollmorgen, located in Radford, is a leading provider of motion systems and components for original equipment manufacturers around the globe. Being in our community since the 1950’s the company has supported our local United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd for more than 30 years. The company has a team of individuals that work together for a month each year to encourage their employees to give to the United Way through payroll deduction. Kollmorgen then matches that gift dollar for dollar. This year’s Kollmorgen total contribution equaled $32,530.

“Kollmorgen has been a longtime supporter of United Way and the charities they support. We have a team of individuals that volunteer their time and effort each year promoting United Way and their work. I’m proud to work for such a giving company that encourages their employees to help others and gives a corporate match, dollar for dollar,” said Dennis Mabes, human resource director of Kollmorgen.

Corning Inc. and United Way representatives. Front Row: Michele Holbrook, Deb Ballentine, John Klapetzky, Beth Stephens, Tammy Ashburn. Back Row: Patrick Ruocco, Tim Gillow, Loserah Phillips, Elizabeth “Randi” Price, Danny Martin, Robert Pilkington, Steve Simmons. Photo courtesy of Justina Sage Sumpter

Corning, Inc., located in Christiansburg, is the world leader in specialty glass and ceramics. Having a location in our community since 1965, Corning Inc. has been a proud supporter of United Way. An attitude that is passed down from the corporate office, housed in New York. The Christiansburg location has a single individual who heads up the campaign each year, Tammy Ashburn. Tammy has run the local campaign for nine years. Corning’s employees give through payroll deduction and unique games. Corning, Inc. then takes the local employee contributions and gives a corporate donation; this year’s total contribution was $32,900.

“Corning Incorporated has a long tradition of giving back in the communities where we operate. Our employees in the Blacksburg plant recognize how much United Way helps people right here in our own communities every day. We get strong participation during our campaigns, and the generosity of our employees is shown. We never know who will need our help but know the agencies of United Way will be there to help,” commented Deb Ballentine, plant manager of Corning, Inc.

United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd will use these generous donations to assist with their impact fund. United Way’s impact fund supports a wide network of services addressing the greatest needs as well as opportunities to build a strong healthy community.

“A corporate commitment is extremely valuable – especially at a time when overall corporate contributions have been decreasing. With the help of companies like ATK, Kollmorgen and Corning more critical needs are met, and people in our local community are helped in ways that are important to daily living. These companies provide basic needs to individuals and families throughout the New River Valley. ATK, Kollmorgen and Corning’s combined contributions equal 18% ($114,018) of our total donations – that’s how important they are to this community. Thousands of lives are touched with the money raised by these local companies and the support from their corporate offices,” said Kymn Davidson-Hamley, executive director of United Way of Montgomery, Radford & Floyd.

These companies and many others work hard each and every year to provide for the local needy. United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd would like to say thank you on behalf of the charities and individuals served by your donations. Each individual that gives to United Way changes lives and for that the community is sincerely thankful.

– Submitted by Justina Sage Sumpter, United Way of Montgomery, Radford & Floyd

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