Game Changers Set the Pace for the 2019 United Way Campaign
Pictured – John I. LaMancuso, 2019 Campaign Chair, and the Game Changers attentively listening about why he supports the United Way and the difference everyone makes in our small community.
Game Changers, formerly known as Pacesetters, kicked off last week at the local Wegmans in Jamestown, NY. The theme for the 2019 United Way of Southern Chautauqua County’s campaign is “Change Doesn’t Happen Alone,” and campaign chair, John I. LaMancuso is ready to change the game.
“Having five generations of his family that have lived and invested in Southern Chautauqua County, the love John has for our community is tremendous; he’s already spearheaded some new initiatives to help face and conquer complex problems in our local community.” said Cynde Johnson, Marketing and Resource Development Coordinator. “We’re really excited for another great campaign.”
This group of Game Changers represent employers and organizations that show innovation in how they run their United Way campaigns each year. “They’re models for other employers,” said Cynde. The group discussed ideas about how to keep their workplace campaigns strong and engaging. They also heard a story from one of United Way’s strongest campaign supporters, Robert Dahlin, Weber Knapp’s HR Director. Dahlin had once been very skeptical of the United Way, and when he first started at Weber Knapp, was not excited about having to coordinate the campaign. After researching United Way of Southern Chautauqua County, and serving as an allocations volunteer—reviewing applications from agencies and making funding decisions—he became proud to be in his role.
“It’s powerful to hear Robert, who now chairs the Campaign Industrial Team, from Ryan Salvo, the store manager at Wegmans, and John LaMancuso, our campaign chair,” said Amy Rohler, Executive Director. “They all have different approaches to how and why they invest in our community through United Way.” Rohler pointed out that United Way is invested in making a measurable impact in four strategic areas: - helping families become self-sufficient, making sure everyone is ready to work, encouraging young people to succeed in school, and connecting people in need with help. “But,” added Rohler, “this kind of lasting change doesn’t happen alone. We need our community to pull together to make things better for all.”
The 2019 Campaign Game Changers include: Clark Patterson Lee, UPS, Wegmans, Tops Markets, Alliance Advisory Group, Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company, Community Bank, N.A., Glatz Agency, Northwest Bank, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, UBS, Weinberg Financial Group, Phoenix Metal, Ring Precision Components, Spectrum Eyecare, CASA of Chautauqua, Chautauqua Blind Association, Prevention Works, the Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County, Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, and Weber Knapp.
Game Changers begin to plan their campaigns early, in advance of the official Campaign Kickoff, which will be held on September 10, 2019 at 4:30pm in the parking lot of Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union.
United Way of Southern Chautauqua County invests in 26 community partners of 39 local programs.
#