Rutherford County United Way campaign enters the new year with pledges of $1.8 million, 80 percent of its $2.3 million 2003 goal.

       The latest tally was bolstered by pledges from two area manufacturers.

       Mahle Tennex of North America employees pledged $53,610, an increase of nearly $3,400 over the previous year.

       Senior Human Resources Specialist Michelle Collier attributed the increase to the caring and generosity of the employees.

       "We had speakers (from United Way-supported agencies) come in, which greatly helped," she said. "Hearing it firsthand from agency employees, who see the effects of our dollars helping others in need every day, was effective."

       Collier said the company used a fall festival theme to make the campaign week fun. Events included apple bobbing, basketball shooting, football throwing and dart throwing contests. Pie baking and side dish competitions were also included. The company served a catered meal to the employees to finish off the week.

       The German-owned company has supported the United Way since 1987. Mahle Tennex manufactures industrial and automotive filtration products.

       "We all live here, have our roots here, and we want to do the best we can for the less fortunate in our community," Collier said.

       Employees of Standard Register, a local form and check printing company, raised $8,927.

       Plant manager Herb Troyer said the corporate pledges could increase the amount given by an additional $7,000 to $10,000, which would exceed the 2002 total pledged amount of $12,800.

       "We have 94 associates (employees) compared to 74 last year," Troyer said to explain the increased giving. "Lisa Neal, Tammy Jett and Lilly Smotherman ran an organized and very effective campaign."

       He credited the three with systematically reaching the employees in the 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week operation over a two-day span. Several United Way representatives spoke to the associates and showed a video.

       "United Way is the only agency that Standard Register supports nationally," Troyer said. "It helps local agencies and is an effective way to support a large number of agencies locally and nationally."

       United Way fund-raiser Wendy Peay also announced that fledgling Mid-South Bank's 30 employees raised $12,727 in pledges in its inaugural campaign.

       "It's a brand new company and there was 100 percent participation," Peay said. "That's pretty exciting."

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