United Way of the Piedmont honors local partners and companies at annual Leaders Breakfast
May 16, 2024
On the morning of May 9, over 100 local leaders from Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties convened to celebrate at United Way of the Piedmont (UWP)’s Corporate & Community Leaders Breakfast.
This annual gathering serves as a platform to honor partner companies and organizations whose steadfast support catalyzes transformative change within the community through United Way initiatives.
Speakers from both local community and partner organizations included: Chris Santoro, Chair Elect of UWP’s Board of Directors and Vice President of Investments at MTM Management; Jaxon Lang, President & CEO of AFL; Reverend Dr. Sheila Elliott Hodge of Silver Hill Memorial United Methodist Church in Spartanburg; and Parkes Coggins, Vice President Heart/Vascular and Oncology Services at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and UWP’s Resource Development Chair.
Paige Stephenson, UWP’s President & CEO, commenced the awards ceremony with heartfelt appreciation for each United Way partner. “By supporting United Way,” Stephenson shared, “you have the power to change lives, break cycles, and uplift our whole community. Today, we celebrate those who have shown exceptional commitment to this cause.”
The 2024 Corporate & Community Leaders award winners were then announced:
• Large Business Partner of the Year: Contec
• Small Business Partner of the Year: Morrisette Packaging
• Public Service Partner of the Year: Wofford College
• New Business Partner of the Year: Toray Composite Materials America, Inc.
• Employee Campaign Coordinator of the Year: Jaculyn Ogle, Timken – Tyger River
• Chairman’s Award: Jeffery Sather, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation
UWP also recognized partners with exemplary campaigns for achieving Circle of Excellence status:
• Lockhart Power
• Johnson Development Associates
• McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
• Cate & Brough, P.A.
• Brown Packing Co., Inc.
• Spartanburg Housing
• William Barnet & Son
• United Community Bank
Amanda Richardson, UWP Vice President of Brand Experience & Resource Development closed the event by stating, “United Way is here with you. We are here to connect employers to their employees and to the community, to connect people who want to make a difference to the needs of our community, and to connect people who need help to the resources they need.”
For more information about partnering with UWP, email [email protected]
About United Way of the Piedmont
United Way of the Piedmont is a local nonprofit that strengthens educational opportunity, economic mobility, and access to healthcare for families in Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties. We convene partners and mobilize resources to carry out our mission to connect, engage, and inspire people to transform our community. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that means everyone. Learn more at www.uwpiedmont.org.
