Cape Girardeau County officials pushing for better United Way participation

Cape Girardeau County commissioners heard a presentation Monday about the county employees' 2010 United Way campaign, which is designed to increase employee participation in the fundraiser.

Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones said the commission has always supported the United Way but that it has often been difficult to encourage county employees to become financially involved.

County employees' campaign coordinator Joey Keys said in an effort to increase awareness, all employees will attend meetings about the United Way and who benefits from the agency.

"We're hoping the mandatory meetings will motivate employees to give," Keys said. He said each 20-minute meeting will have a video, guest speakers and a question-and-answer session.

Last year, county employees donated $2,160 and had a participation level of 9.5 percent. This year's donation goal is $3,000 with a 30 percent participation by employees.

In addition to being able to buy United Way T-shirts and casual days, county offices will also participate in a change war this year. He said the office with the highest donation per person will be able to eat first at the county's 2010 holiday party.

In other action

• Commissioners unanimously approved the reappointment of Marsha Haskell and J.J. Williamson as county representatives on the Workforce Investment Board of Southeast Missouri. Commissioner Paul Koeper spoke with board president June O'Dell before the reappointment and she told him both Haskell and Williamson had good attendance records and were well-informed.
• Commissioners unanimously approved Cape Girardeau County Sheriff John Jordan's reappointment of Joe Bob Baker to the County Law Enforcement Restitution Fund Board.
• Koeper reported to the commission that the elevator at the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse should be operational by the end of the day, and the elevator inspection should take place today.
• Koeper reported to the commission that the county's summer road paving project was to be completed by end of the day, weather permitting.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

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