Alcas Named United Way Company Of The Year

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Alcas Named United Way Company Of The Year
by Tracy Riordan

A 258 percent jump in employee contributions has earned Alcas the honor of being United Way’s Company of the Year.

Last fall Alcas employees set a goal of $50,000 for the three-week United Way fund drive. That goal was surpassed in the first week. By the end of the drive the employees committed to donating $63,000 and the company provided a matching gift of $25,000, bringing the total Alcas donation to $88,000.

“When they decide a course of action it’s a done deal,” said Betty Carney, Chief Professional Officer for the United Way of Cattaraugus County

In presenting the award to company and United Steelworkers officials, Betty read the plaque aloud:

"In Recognition of Your Leadership and Employees’ Generosity. Thank You"

Alcas was presented with the award on March 20 at the United Way of Cattaraugus County’s annual dinner at the Old Library in Olean.

The help afforded by companies like Alcas, Dresser-Rand, Olean Wholesale and Community Bank, as well as individuals was key in helping the United Way exceed their fund-raising goal of $324,000. Over $360,000 was raised for 2002-2003!

“Welcome to our victory celebration,” Eric Garvin, Chief Volunteer Officer of the United Way, said to open the March 20 dinner. “We surpassed our goal beyond our wildest dreams.”

Looking ahead to the 2003-2004 United Way campaign, the campaign chairmen were announced. Next year’s chairmen will be our very own Jim Stitt and Peter Laine.

Alcas officials look forward to the challenge next year of not only helping the United Way surpass yet another campaign goal, they also have their sights set on the newly established Challenge Award trophy.

Good-natured razzing between officials at Dresser-Rand and Alcas regarding what company raises the most contributions has resulted in what will become an annual award. Each year, the company with the largest commitment will keep the Challenge Award trophy in their offices until unseated by another company with a higher commitment.

(Appeared in the March/April 2003 edition of the Alcas Communicator newsletter.)