Employees of Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division (MLGW) have pledged $802,530.37 for United Way of the Mid-South during the 2006-2007 United Way fundraising campaign held throughout all MLGW offices and work centers. The final pledge total exceeded the goal set for the campaign, and all pledges were raised solely from MLGW employees. MLGW does not make a donation as a corporation.

The United Way campaign at MLGW is directed by a steering committee, its members representing both MLGW and its union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1288. All MLGW employees were thanked recently for their participation by MLGW/IBEW United Way co-chairs Dana Massey and Tjuania Redmond. In a letter to all their co-workers, the steering committee co-chairs pointed out the significance of the amount pledged and the continued spirit of giving so prevalent among MLGW employees.

Representatives from MLGW and IBEW, including Chris Bieber, MLGW Vice President of Engineering and United Way campaign executive sponsor; Bill Hawkins, IBEW Local 1288 Assistant Business Manager; and MLGW President Joseph Lee, III presented a check for $802,530.37 to Bryce Haugsdahl, United Way of the Mid-South’s vice president for fundraising, at the January 18 meeting of the MLGW Board of Commissioners. It was noted at the meeting that the amount of the check places MLGW in the top five United Way givers in the City of Memphis.

“I am very encouraged and excited about MLGW’s commitment to the Memphis and Shelby County community,” said President Lee. “Joining the ranks of United Way’s top five corporate contributors impresses me as a prime example of the dedication and generosity of MLGW employees.”