United Way Pacesetter campaign raises more than $880,000

The 29 companies of the United Way of Fort Smith Area Pacesetter Campaign raised more than $880,000, with Hanna Oil & Gas receiving the Pacesetter of the Year award.

A campaign kick-off event was held Thursday (Sept. 10) at the Golden Living headquarters in south Fort Smith.

United Way officials raised $2.2 million in the previous campaign, and economic conditions have created greater need among the social service agencies in the United Way’s six-county area.

“Last year, the campaign raised more than $2.2 million dollars. We will be excited to see what our donors can do this year,” said Bill Hanna, president of Hanna Oil & Gas and United Way campaign chairman. “By contributing to the campaign, you help tackle the most pressing issues facing this region.”

The fund-raising campaign runs from September 10 through early December. United Way officials are not setting a specific financial goal. They note that the goal of the campaign is to continue meeting the needs of the community.

A company wins the Pacesetter award by scoring points on several criteria, including a 5% or more increase in employee campaign participation, 5% or more increase in total campaign dollars raised, and a 5% or more increase in employee per capita contribution.

Pacesetter companies are: ABF Freight System, Inc.; ABF Terminal; Arkansas Best  Corporation; ATU-Ozark Campus; Arvest Bank; AT&T; Baldor Electric Company; BancorpSouth Bank; Benefit Bank; Citizens Bank & Trust; Data-Tronics; Experian ; Farmers Bank; First National Bank of Fort Smith; Golden Living; Greenwood Public Schools; Hanna Oil & Gas; Kraft/Planters; Liberty Bank of Arkansas; National Bank of Sallisaw; Rheem Manufacturing Corporation; Rockline Industries; Ron Calhoun & Associates ; Simmons First National Bank; The Trane Company; UPS-Fort Smith and UPS – Sallisaw.