ConsultUSA might have been new at running a United Way campaign, but Employee Campaign Manager Alea Seguiti planned and executed it like a seasoned pro. The theme for the campaign was "ConsultUSA Gives Back". Enthusiastic support and a call to action came from President Mark Balish, who opened up both campaign kickoff meetings leveraging live webinar technology. Jointly presented by Mr. Balish and United Way staff, the live webinars provided every employee of ConsultUSA, regardless of their location, the opportunity to learn in real-time about the company's support of the United Way mission and its goals to make a difference and help those less fortunate.

What resulted from the effort was a 51 percent participation rate - quite commendable for a first-time campaign! Thanks to everyone at ConsultUSA for their generosity in "Giving Back" to the United Way and raising $13,444 for people in need throughout our community. We're proud to name them as a Best New Campaign with 100 or fewer employees.

Combine the encouragement of CEO Morgan O'Brien with the determination of the campaign team led by Employee Campaign Managers Shawnettia Kirkland and Kristen Englert, and you have a recipe for success. That's what it took for Peoples Natural Gas to receive a Best New Campaign honor for companies with more than 100 employees.

Special events were front and center in this award winning effort. A Steeler "tailgate" party at the Pitt Street location was particularly popular with staff. Food and fun were the order of the day, with raffles and prizes adding to the excitement.

Extended communications played a role in informing staff of the need for their support of the campaign. Meetings that featured guest speakers including Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Charlie Batch were held at a number of locations. United Way campaign posters featured prominently throughout the company's locations and a newsletter distributed by Mr. O'Brien promoted participation in the campaign.

With such creative and enthusiastic campaign planning and implementation, the results were bound to be impressive - especially in light of the fact that payroll deduction was not available. Employee and special event dollars came in at $44,649. Combine employee contributions with a corporate gift of $46,000 and Peoples Natural Gas posts a campaign total of $90,649.

Thanks to all the generous staff, including members of U.W.U.A. Local 666, Peoples Natural Gas is back on board and doing great!