United Way of Bedford County depends on the financial support of the community to not only survive, but to help provide funding for all of our partners. Individuals, banks and businesses in the county step forward to help us through donations and sponsorships. Our board of directors is thankful for the response we receive.  

The employees of some our local banks such as Peoples Bank of Middle Tennessee, First Community Bank, FirstBank and Heritage South Community Credit Union annually contribute to United Way of Bedford County through employee campaigns.  

But without the support of local industries through their employee campaigns and other contributions United Way of Bedford County would be forced to merge with another United Way or close its doors for good.  

The “Times-Gazette” profiled the industries of Bedford County last week. With our employee campaign drive having started this month I thought it was time to recognize the industries which help sustain and support United Way locally.  

Cooper Steel has one of the most successful employee campaigns with Paula Burks overseeing the efforts. Cooper Steel also provides a generous sponsorship as well.  

Newell Brands, through the support of Lisa McMahan and Mike Mathews, provides an incredible amount of school supplies for the United Way “Stuff the Bus” program. Newell also provides a large number of employees who work with our partners on “Day of Caring.”  

Speaking of “Day of Caring,” Tyson Foods, through the work of Jennifer Finchum, provides a great meal for workers and guests. It is always a highlight of “Day of Caring.”  

Tyson also provides chicken for those allergic to seafood at our “Mardi Gras in May” dinner which features fresh crawfish. Tyson is also a major contributor for our “Stuff the Bus” campaign.  

Josten’s, previously through the work of Kristin Wood, but now through Becky Langham, a former United Way board president, has been a staunch supporter of “Stuff the Bus” as well as providing donations through special events for employees. Jostens also provides boxes for “Stuff the Bus” distribution.  

Vanderbilt-Bedford Hospital under the oversight of Tennova could always be counted on for water for special events as well as workers for “Day of Caring” and special events designated as fundraisers for United Way of Bedford County. Charisse Parker and Whitney Collier lead the way in these efforts.  

SHEPENCO, through the help of Joyce Allen, has made generous employee contributions as well as providing pencils when needed for “Stuff the Bus.”  

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation contributes annually through an employee campaign. United Communications is a major sponsor of our events each year.  

The United Way Board of Directors thanks all of these industries for their support. As we all rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic of the past two years we are looking for even more support from local industries.  

You might notice there are several industries not mentioned in this column. We would love to have more industries step forward to help us as United Way works to make the community better for all.  

If you would like to establish an employee campaign for 2022, please contact me with an email at director@unitedwaybedford.org. All the money we raise stays in Bedford County.  

Please consider adding your industry to our list of supporters.