FULTON, NY – It has been said that small businesses are the backbone of the community. That distinction is evident to the United Way of Greater Oswego County as well, as the support they receive from small businesses plays a vital role in the success of its annual campaign.
United Way of Greater Oswego County has set its goal at $800,000 for the 2010/2011 Campaign.
“The community has a strong commitment to help us reach our goal, and the support we receive from small businesses plays an important part in allowing us to meet our goals and continue our efforts to increase the wellness of our community and improve the quality of life in Oswego County,” said Executive Director, Melanie Trexler.
Resource Development Director with the United Way, Lois Luber, who herself was once an Oswego business owner, noted that most successful business owners are community leaders who want to give back to the people that help their business to succeed. She asked a few to speak about their reasons for giving.
Michael Pollock, president of the Fulton Savings Bank said, “Fulton Savings Bank makes it a priority to invest in the communities that the bank serves. We are proud to support the United Way of Greater Oswego County and feel that our contribution will pay large dividends in the future. United Way programs assist people in our local areas attain a better quality of life.”
For Jeff Bame, Manager of JC Penney in Oswego, supporting the United Way campaign is something both he and his employees find easy to do.
“Our associates feel very strongly about helping our customers and the community in which we live. The United Way is the best way to reach the many individuals in need in Oswego County,” he said.
As the former president of the United Way’s board of directors, Dr. Richard Tesoriero, was able to see for himself the positive impact that the agency has on the lives of so many in Oswego County.
For him supporting the United Way has always been a top priority.
“As a small business owner I receive numerous phone calls every week from people seeking donations. Many are from deserving organizations and it’s difficult to say no. However, as a member of the United Way’s board of directors for more than 25 years I have first hand knowledge of what the United Way does. I feel my donations to the United Way will have the greatest impact on those in Oswego County with the greatest need,” he said.
Tracy Menge is the United Way campaign coordinator for Key Bank’s Oswego County branches.
She shares her vision of the United Way with fellow employees in Key Bank’s Fulton, Oswego, Mexico, Pulaski and Parish branches.
“I feel that the United Way is very important; as Key Bank participates with the payroll deduction program it makes it very easy to donate from my payroll. I draw personal satisfaction from giving back to our community as many of the programs funded by the United Way of Greater Oswego County cover the same footprint as Key Bank,” she said.
“It is very rewarding to see that our business community recognizes the importance of our member agency programs and the comfort that they provide to so many of our friends and neighbors throughout Oswego County,” added Luber. “I am always happy to take the time to meet with any small business, and their employees, and inform them about how they can become involved in helping to make their community a better place.”
As the United Way’s annual campaign moves forward Luber sees the support of small businesses as an important partnership with the United Way.
“Their support is the catalyst for the future growth that will allow the United Way of Greater Oswego County to continue to make a positive impact on the quality of life for everyone in Oswego County. While each small business owner has their own reason for supporting the United Way, they all share the same theme, which Chris Satchel of Mimi’s Drive-In in Fulton summed up concisely, ‘I donate to the United Way to help support our community,’” she said.
For more information on the United Way of Greater Oswego County’s Annual Campaign, or to make a donation, call 593-1900 or mail contributions to 1 S. First St., Fulton, NY 13069.
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