Machinists District W24 was named “Labor Partner of the Year” at United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s annual Celebration of Caring recognition dinner April 19 in Portland. This year’s Community Giving Campaign raised a record $22,005,560.
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette covers four counties in the Portland/Vancouver area.
The Labor Partner of the Year award is selected based on unions that not only participated in this year’s campaign, but that also showed outstanding support of United Way and community services.
In presenting the award, United Way said: “… the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District W24 set a strong leadership standard in promoting and supporting United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. Whether raising funds to benefit Guide Dogs of America and Labor’s Community Service Agency, volunteering to serve on local boards and participate in community-building events, or standing steadfast in support of United Way, the Machinists ‘Live United’ spirit is the inspiration throughout the labor community and beyond.”
Organized labor is always a major participant in the fundraising campaign‚ both in promoting the agency at union worksites and through donations. Vickie Burns, executive director of Labor’s Community Service Agency, served on the 2011 United Way Campaign Cabinet. The cabinet was chaired by Gregg Kantor of Northwest Natural. Bob Tackett, secretary-treasurer of the Northwest Oregon Labor Council, sits on United Way’s Executive Board, as does Barbara Mathey, CEO of the IBEW & United Workers Federal Credit Union.
Eighteen labor organizations, including the Northwest Labor Press, were among 100 award nominees for 2011. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 48 was a collaborating partner for community impact projects and initiatives.
More than 1,000 local companies conducted employee giving campaigns. Intel Corporation led the way, with a record contribution of $7.2 million.
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette President and CEO Keith Thomajan said individual and employee giving was a factor in outpacing last year’s total by nearly $900,000. It is the ninth consecutive year for campaign growth and puts the Portland area chapter of United Way among the top 4 percent of United Ways in the nation, placing 42nd out of 1,249.
