Helen Carroll, Manager of Community Relations, Toyota (and fearless leader of United Way of Kentucky!)

Toyota strengthens United Way partnership as Global Corporate Leader 

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, headquartered in Erlanger, KY, recently joined the ranks of United Way Worldwide's Global Corporate Leadership (GCL) program.  The GCL program leverages the commitment and caring power of national and global corporations.  It provides companies with support to strengthen their already strong commitment to local United Ways.

Our UWKY Board Chair, Helen Carroll, is the Manager of Community Relations for Toyota.  When Toyota decided to join GCL, we took the opportunity to discuss their ongoing commitment to giving.

UWKY: How does the manufacturing arm of Toyota currently support United Ways in local communities? 

Carroll: All of Toyota's manufacturing operations in the US, 12 operations in 11 states, run employee campaigns at their locations and provide a corporate gift, as well.  The largest campaign, more than $1 million, is at Toyota's Kentucky plant, where nearly 7,000 team members have the opportunity to support United Way programs throughout the state.   United Ways in plant communities are true community partners with Toyota, not only through campaign support but also through Toyota representation on United Way Boards and Toyota volunteer efforts in programs like United Way Day of Caring.  

UWKY: How might becoming a GCL partner change the way you support local United Ways? 

Carroll:  Toyota's commitment to United Way began as the company's operations began in each location, beginning in the mid-80's with the Kentucky plant, and most recently with the beginning of operations in Mississippi.  This commitment only gets stronger as time goes by.  While it is great to be in the company of other Global Corporate Leader Companies, the GCL membership serves to strengthen our United Way partnership and gives our company the opportunity to be recognized, on the national level, as one that believes that United Way truly is the catalyst for meaningful community change.

Special thanks to Toyota, Helen Carroll, and Toyota employees for stepping up and becoming a Global Corporate Leadership company.  Toyota joins several other GCL companies with a strong Kentucky presence, including the 2010 Spirit of America Award winner, Kellogg, "Top 10" contributors AT&T, GE and UPS, and fellow car manufacturers Ford and GM.  For a full list of GCL partners, click here. 

Metro United Way asks for 110% and raises $27.5 million, Southern Kentucky "Feeds the Need"   

Metro United Way (MUW) announced yesterday that they surpassed last year's fundraising effort, raising more than $27.5 million to address community issues, an increase of $400,000.  Although they did not set a public goal for 2010, MUW asked donors to give 10% more than in previous years, to help combat the impact of a tough economy and more people asking for help.  According to Joe Tolan, CEO of the Louisville-based organization, the increase is due to the commitment of over 9,000 individuals and more than 400 companies who took that challenge.  Congratulations Metro United Way, for meeting the needs of today and reducing the needs of tomorrow!

United Way of Southern Kentucky (UWSK) collected 57,897 items in their regional "Feed the Need" Food Drive that ended last Saturday.  The drive collects and distributes food in Allen, Barren, Logan, Simpson, and Warren Counties in the south central part of the state.  The total reflects a 12,245 item increase over 2010.  Since its inception in 2008, UWSK's "Feed the Need" has collected and distributed more than 147,069 items to families and individuals in need in Southern Kentucky.  This year, 72 companies and organizations held internal drives and over 600 volunteers coordinated donations at area grocery stores and other locations.  Well done, United Way of Southern Kentucky!

 

Do you have a mission statement, or are you on a mission?  

We've all read them... and more than a few of us have helped write them.  We're talking about mission statements that are either too ambiguous or too technical, too broad or too cautious.  Dan Pallotta, a blogger for the Harvard Business Review, writes that great mission statements are "the product of the soul - the product of a passion for living and building and creating. They're not the product of a writing exercise. And the mission is not dependent on their being broadcast to the world, because the statements are not the source of the mission. The commitment is the source of the mission."  Ask yourself the question: Do you have a mission statement, or are you on a mission?  Read more from the Harvard Business Review.

(FYI -- United Way of Kentucky is on a mission.  Every day, as a focused team of leaders, we align resources and work to advance education, income and health.  We do it by uniting Kentuckians to give, advocate and volunteer.  Thanks for joining us along the way!)

Upcoming events across Kentucky     

This Saturday, United Way of Southeastern Kentucky (UWSEKY) is presenting a total of $15,000 to agencies who have agreed to triple the investment, and the impact on their local community.  15 agencies will receive funds to help pay for programs that provide basic needs and services for children.  The presentation will take place in the context of a pancake breakfast fundraiser, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Applebee's in Hazard, KY.  UWSEKY presented over $11,000 earlier this year to regional food pantries and will make additional contributions to senior care and hospice providers, abuse centers, and family, health and housing programs later this year.  Read more.

On Thursday, March 24, United Way of Paducah-McCracken County will hold its Victory Celebration Luncheon and Awards Ceremony at Maiden Alley Cinema in Paducah, from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.  For more information, or to RSVP, click here.

On Thursday, March 31, United Way of Franklin County will hold its annual meeting luncheon at the Capital Plaza Hotel ballrooom. The event begins at 11:30 a.m.  For more information or to RSVP by March 28, please call 502-875-1675 or email uwadmin@fewpb.net. 

Want to get the word out about an event at your local United Way?  Send us the details! 

 

March birthday announcements!

The following is a list of friends of United Way of Kentucky celebrating birthdays this month. Join us in wishing them a happy and healthy year to come! 

March 16: Marion Gee
March 17: Steve Towler
March 23: Leshia Lyman   

 

Kentucky United Way Career Opportunities 

 

United Way of the Coalfield (based in Madisonville, serving Hopkins and Muhlenberg Counties) is seeking an individual who is highly self-motivated, energetic and an enthusiastic self-starter for the position of Executive Director.  Responsibilities include directing the fundraising campaign, marketing, community and agency relations, volunteer relations, managing office staff, fiscal management, providing strategic direction to the United Way Board and implementation of special projects.

Experience in fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and executive leadership a plus, with a preference to those holding a bachelor's degree or equivalent. This position requires the ability to speak publicly to groups of all sizes.  Applicants must have the ability to effectively interact with persons at all levels within the community.  Please send resume to United Way, P.O. Box 366, Madisonville, KY 42431, by March 11, 2011.

United Way of Central Kentucky (based in Elizabethtown, serving Hardin, Grayson, Larue and Meade Counties) is seeking an experienced administrative assistant with a minimum of five years experience in the administrative support field. UWCK is seeking someone with a minimum of 2 years general office and accounting experience, who is highly organized and flexible, with strong interpersonal and time management skills, and who is comfortable working closely with the public and volunteers.

If you or someone you know is interested, download the full position description here.  Resume and cover letter submissions should be sent to Christopher Wilborn at cwilborn@unitedwayck.org by March 25, 2011.