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Savannah, GA (March 26, 2010) - United Way of the Coastal Empire hosted more than 250 volunteers and supporters during its 72nd Annual Meeting and Award Luncheon today at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center, honoring community volunteers for their hard work and dedication and inducting new Board members. The celebration also highlighted the work the organization has done throughout the past year and recognized the support it received from approximately 31,000 donors and 700 companies during its 2009 community campaign.
Outgoing Chairman of the Board, Steve Eagle, Executive Vice President of Seacrest Partners, thanked all individuals and businesses that have helped United Way make big strides in its push to create long-term solutions to issues in education and youth development, health and wellness, economic independence and basic human needs.
“It’s important that we come together today, give thanks and recognition for those that have served, and for those that will serve, so people in need can receive the services they need to be successful. Through the year-round effort and caring, more people were served, our services were expanded; and together as a community, we rallied and contributed $8.1 million in financial support,” Eagle said.
United Way of the Coastal Empire’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the nomination of seven community leaders to serve on the volunteer Board of Directors, as well as its slate of executive committee members for 2010.
The new board members are: Greg Harb, St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System; Commission Chairman Pete Liakakis, Chatham County Government; Dr. Kathy Love, Savannah Technical College; Frank MacGill, Hunter Maclean; Wren Mills, NuStar Energy; Lee Ann Powell, University of Georgia; Cliff Pyron, Georgia Ports Authority; and Debbi Thompson, WSAV-TV.
The 2010 executive committee is:
- Dale Critz, Jr., Critz, Inc. – Board Chair
- Bert Tenenbaum, Chatham Steel Corporation – Board Vice Chair
- Jeff Kole, Kole Management Company – Corporate Secretary
- Toby Moreau, BB&T Bank – Treasurer and Finance Chair
- Camille Russo, Alta Innovations – Campaign Chair
- Craig Harney, WTOC-TV – Marketing Chair
- Jennifer Giffen, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation – Outreach Services Chair
- Bob James, Carver State Bank – At-Large Member
- Cathy Hill, Georgia Power – At-Large Member
- Michael Traynor, Savannah Morning News – At-Large Member
Eagle recognized outgoing Board members and Committee Chairs and concluded his portion of the program by bestowing the role of United Way’s Chairman of the Board to Dale Critz, Jr., President of Critz, Inc. Critz, Jr. has a strong history of public service in the non-profit sector with civic and professional organizations and committees. He has been involved with United Way of the Coastal Empire for a number of years and most recently served as Campaign Chair in 2008.
Campaign Chair Jeff Kole, President of Kole Management Company, thanked a number of companies and organizations whose tremendous efforts helped United Way raise $8.1 million in 2009 to support vital programs and initiatives that improve lives in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties.
“Every campaign presents its own challenges. But this one has been one incredible journey,” said Kole, as he reflected upon his leadership with the United Way campaign last year. “I have been inspired and humbled by the generosity and compassion of the people in the Coastal Empire community. In good times and in hard times, you continue to answer the call to help your neighbors in need by supporting United Way.”
The meeting ended with the introduction of the 2010 Campaign Chair, Camille Russo of Alta Innovations. The upcoming fall campaign will showcase Russo and the volunteers who will help raise funds during the 2010 campaign.
Additional highlights:
President and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire, Gregg Schroeder presented Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation with a special award as the single largest campaign of the year, with combined employee and corporate contributions totaling $2 million.
Vaden Automotive Group received an award for donating a new vehicle which was given away as part of the community campaign. The lucky winner of the Vaden Vehicle Giveaway was Jeff Kirk of WJCL-TV.
Select companies and organizations received campaign awards for their tremendous efforts that helped the United Way succeed last year. These awards are given based on the employees giving potentials established by United Way giving guidelines.
View a complete list of United Way of the Coastal Empire's Board of Directors.
View photos from the Annual Meeting. |
