Tom Hilton, 2012-2013 campaign chair, left, with outgoing United Way of Anderson County Board President Jimmy Stone, who accepted the No. 1 Company Campaign Award on behalf of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. (Photo courtesy of D. Ray Smith)
Donations to the United Way of Anderson County were down this year, and on Thursday, officials cited challenges in the federal contracting community, including the July 28 security breach at the Y-12 National Security Complex and the later departure of security contractor WSI.
There was also an end to federal stimulus money, a freeze in federal budgets and salaries, and a new consolidated contract to manage Y-12 and the Pantex Plant near Amarillo, Texas, which could result in the departure of B&W Y-12, said Rick Morrow, UWAC executive director.
The United Way of Anderson County had hoped to raise $1.4 million in the fiscal year that ended March 31, but volunteers and staff members fell short of that, collecting $1,277,771.
“This has been a tough year,†said Buzz Patrick, who was recognized as Volunteer of the Year during an annual meeting at the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge on Thursday morning.
Last year, United Way raised $1,376,213.
Morrow said U.S. Department of Energy contractors have been “great friends, great supporters.†Still, he and several United Way volunteers said the organization has to diversify its revenue base.
“We just can’t always depend on DOE and DOE companies,†said Tom Hilton, the 2012 campaign chair.
This year’s shortfall translated into a $200,000 reduction in the money allocated to agency partners. No agencies were cut, but four programs within member agencies were, officials said.
Despite the challenges in the federal contracting community, though, several of the Top 10 contributors were DOE contractors. The Top 3 were UT-Battelle, B&W Y-12, and Oak Ridge Associated Universities. Others in the Top 10 were American Centrifuge Manufacturing LLC, AMETEK Inc., UCOR, Y-12 Federal Credit Union, ORNL Federal Credit Union, Bechtel National Inc., and Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.
Hilton said a dozen companies donated a combined $53,000 more than they did last year, a 38 percent increase.
“That went a long way toward covering some of our shortfalls,†said Roger Kiger, UWAC board treasurer.
Kiger said United Way volunteers and staff knew DOE contractors were going to have a difficult year, and they notified agencies in advance. In addition, the organization’s staff controlled its expenses, with the 2013 operating budget 1.5 percent lower than it was in 2005.
“Rick has done a great job,†Kiger said.
This year, United Way is launching a coordinated media campaign to raise awareness about its roughly three dozen member agencies. They have 51 programs in three core areas: basic human needs, youth development, and senior needs, a press release said.
“We want to share with this community all the positive programs and outcomes our agencies provide this community,†Morrow said. Agencies will host open houses so the public can see firsthand their donations at work.
Morrow said more people could donate to United Way this year.
“I think we could see a strong recovery,†he said.
Jason Allison says
I’m sorry John, I know you report what is given to you, but, how in the heck does the United Way’s lack of donations have anything to do with Y-12? That has just about as much merit as Obama lowering flags for the three dead at the marathon but no mention of the 4000+ soldiers dead in Iraq and Afghanistan.
mary connolly says
Mr. Allison, I just happened to notice. Is the child in the image posted by your name making an obscene gesture?
Jason Allison says
She represents the truth no one wants to hear….and many get offended by……if one is offended by this, I say grow thicker skin
Jason Allison says
And I see you trying to play Oak Ridge Today police…..makes one wonder???????
John Huotari says
Jason,
We appreciate you reading Oak Ridge Today and participating in the discussion.
However, we don’t want to allow profanity in the comments section. Therefore, I ask you to not use that Facebook image on Oak Ridge Today.
If you need another option for posting, you can also log into the comments section using an alternative Facebook profile photo or your e-mail address or Twitter, Disqus, or Google account.
Thank you for understanding.
Jason Allison says
Now, you see here Mary? John knows how to respectfully ask me make a change. Yes John, I will make the change you requested.
johnhuotari says
Thank you, Jason. I would also ask you not to make it personal with other commenters.
johnhuotari says
Jason,
After the Y-12 security breach, WSI Oak Ridge lost its contract to guard Y-12. Later, it lost a bid to to guard other Oak Ridge facilities. It’s my understanding that the company had been very supportive of organizations like United Way, but it no longer exists.
A new consolidated contract has also been awarded to manage and operate Y-12 and the Pantex Plant near Amarillo, Texas. B&W Y-12 is currently the Y-12 contractor, but may not be much longer. Two protests filed against the award of the consolidated contract are currently under review, with a ruling expected by April 29. The transition from B&W Y-12 to new contractor Consolidated Nuclear Security LLC had originally been scheduled for May 1. Like WSI, B&W Y-12 has also been considered a good corporate citizen.
I hope this helps, but please let me know if it doesn’t.
John