The 2017 Atlas United Way committee members with Amy Canterbury, President and CEO of United Way of Southwestern Indiana, at the 2017 Annual Meeting. Photo credit: Zachary Heronemus, Resources Development Staff, United Way of Southwestern Indiana  
 
Giving back to local communities is a priority that resonates throughout the Atlas network. At headquarters, the Atlas United Way committee looks for engaging ways to keep the charitable spirit alive among the Atlas employees all year long.
 
Those efforts don’t go unnoticed. At the United Way of Southwestern Indiana 2017 Annual Meeting, Atlas received the Spirit of United Way award to honor their continued contribution to the Evansville community.
 
“I think the award is an acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication the committee brings to its role, and the results it has achieved,” says Joab Schultheis, Vice President and CIO and Atlas United Way committee chair. “It's also recognition of the sustained commitment and impact Atlas and its employees have made with United Way. To me it’s a reminder of the importance of continuing that work as we move forward.”
 
Atlas headquarters has contributed since its first United Way pledge in 1996. To date, over half of Atlas employees donate to United Way during the pledge drive each year. But the giving doesn’t end there. The Atlas United Way committee organizes monthly fundraisers to rally more donations for the charity as well.
 
“The committee brings an impressive amount of energy and ideas to our United Way efforts. They constantly look for activities that give Atlas staff a fun way to get involved and support United Way,” says Joab. “They also do the important work of communicating and promoting awareness of United Way throughout the year. They're a fun and inspiring group to work with.”
 
Among the committee’s 10 members, two received individual awards at the 2017 Annual Meeting to recognize their dedication and generosity. Greg Williams, Director Internal Audit, received the United Way Advocate Award, and Kelli Zollman, Claims Administrator, received an award for serving four years on the Young Leaders United steering committee.
 
“While it’s always nice to be recognized for your contributions, it’s not the reason we do it,” says Greg.
“I enjoy, not only helping people, but I enjoy the people. Where else can you be around such nice people, who are nice enough to do things for others?”
 
Greg and Kelli combined have put forth nearly 20 years of volunteer service toward United Way. Both have played integral roles in Young Leaders United. Greg has been a Community Impact volunteer for three years and Young Leaders Dodgeball Tournament referee for the last four years. Kelli has been part of the Board of Directors for Albion Fellows Bacon Center, a United Way agency, since 2015.
 
“I’m humbled to be recognized by United Way. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed serving our community with a great group of young leaders,” say Kelli. “Giving back to the community is so important. We have to advocate and be a voice for those who might not be able to do so for themselves.”   
 
As the Atlas United Way committee chair, Joab plans to channel the committee’s spirit into promoting and increasing employee participation at Atlas.
 
“Whether it's volunteering, taking part in a committee event at Atlas, or making a financial contribution, it's all very important. Clearly the more people we can get involved, the better chance we have to impact United Way and our community in a positive way.”