RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE
We recognize this year’s Citizens of the Year and our Corporate Partner Award winners for going above and beyond to help our neighbors in need during the 2023-24 campaign.
2023 Campaign recognition
annual meeting award winners
The 2024 Campaign Partner Awards recognize businesses that went above and beyond to support United Way of the Midlands during the 2023-24 campaign.
Last year, approximately 850 organizations supported United Way of the Midlands during the 2023-24 campaign, empowering us to create lasting change across our community. We believe the following awards capture the unique and varied nature of our partnerships: Volunteer Organization of the Year, New Business Partner of the Year, Corporate Partner of the Year – Leadership Donors and Corporate Partners of the Year.
Because we know small organizations can still make a big impact, the Corporate Partner of the Year awards are presented to companies within four different employee-size categories. Our intent is to award a single winner in each category, but sometimes more than one organization merits receiving this award.
Corporate Partner of the Year: 800+ Employees
The commitment of the entire Physicians Mutual team was evident from the very beginning, as 250 employees gathered to create a joyful “Happy Birthday” video for United Way in the parking lot of their headquarters.
This video was widely used across social media, campaign materials and in Campaign Manager workshop meetings, spreading joy and excitement.
Rob and Stacie Reed also graciously agreed to chair our 2023 campaign. And not only did they excel in leading the campaign within the community, but their efforts at Physicians Mutual were truly extraordinary!
Physicians Mutual runs their United Way giving campaign from June to December, with employee pledge activities concentrated in October.
For the 2023 campaign, Physicians Mutual employees hosted incredible events, raffles and auctioned off a countless number of baskets provided by their partners and departments.
Additionally, Rob Reed extended the campaign’s reach by involving the company’s vendors, raising nearly $62,000 in additional funds for our community!
Corporate Partner of the Year: 200-799 employees
QuikTrip has been a wonderful corporate partner and supporter of United Way of the Midlands for many years.
QuikTrip’s overall campaign increased 44% over last year, totaling more than $119,800 – and 12 employees gave at the Bridgebuilder donor level.
Employee campaign contributions also increased more than 33%, which demonstrates how employees are engaged and supportive of our mission.
And QuikTrip also participates in United Way’s loaned executive program, alternating years between Omaha and Des Moines.
This vital and unique program allows a company to “loan” us an employee that provides support during our busy campaign season, with managing workplace campaigns, speaker presentations and motivating campaign managers.
We were honored to have the loaned executive serve Omaha last fall.
Founded in Tulsa, QuikTrip opened its first store in 1958. In 1996, its first Nebraska store opened in Omaha.
They have now grown to 15 metro-area locations—and they have more than 1,000 QuikTrip locations throughout the U.S.
Pacific Life’s annual United Way giving campaign has seen remarkable growth, thanks in part to the company’s generous 1-to-1 and 2-to-1 corporate matching, which truly motivates employee contributions.
They also engage their employees through community-focused activities such as BBQs, educational sessions with UWM partners like Family Housing Advisory Services and by participating in service-oriented initiatives like United Way’s Good on the Go program.
Pacific Life Foundation’s dedication to community support has also been invaluable, particularly in times of crisis.
Their contribution to United Way’s Nebraska and Iowa Tornado Relief Fund made a significant, positive impact on those affected by the storm and demonstrated their ongoing commitment to being a compassionate and reliable partner in the region.
For more than 145 years, Pacific Life has been dedicated to securing the financial futures of individuals, families and businesses through a wide range of services. The Omaha office plays a vital role in supporting operations and sales for its annuity and life insurance lines.
Corporate Partner of the Year: 100-199 Employees
Lindsay believes every day is a chance to turn issues into opportunities that make a real difference, and they have exemplified this within their involvement with United Way of the Midlands.
Under the leadership of President & CEO Randy Wood, they have seen their campaign grow exponentially over the past year. With a participation rate of more than 69% and an increase of 11 donors at the leadership level, they have embodied the giving spirit.
And not to leave out their competitive spirit, they held two of our larger Good on the Go events this year—packing more than 1,800 snack packs for both Urban League of Nebraska and Children’s Square.
Founded in Lindsay, Nebraska, in 1955, Lindsay Corporation started as a farm equipment business, bringing about the creation of the first Zimmatic center pivot, which is still in use today!
Fast forward to 2001, when Lindsay moved its headquarters to Omaha. Since that date, they have continued to innovate and expand within the areas of irrigation, infrastructure, and industrial technology globally, having a presence in 11 countries.
Corporate Partner of the Year: Under 100 employees
Holmes Murphy has been a long-standing partner of United Way of the Midlands, with their campaign consistently growing year over year.
Nearly 82% of their employees contribute to their campaign, and their 100% participation in employee events highlights their strong commitment to both United Way and the Omaha-metro community.
Bobbi Larsen, a dedicated leader at Holmes Murphy, has played a pivotal role in this success.
Her enthusiasm and unwavering support for United Way has made her a passionate advocate – leading by example through volunteering and sharing her personal “why” with everyone she meets.
Founded in 1932 during the Great Depression, Holmes Murphy is now one of the largest, independently owned insurance brokerages in the United States.
Its founding principles and commitment to dynamic leadership, independent ownership, philanthropic giving and relentless innovation continues to hold true today through the entire Holmes Murphy team.
New Business Partner of the Year
This award recognizes businesses that recently chose to invest in our community through United Way of the Midlands and did not donate to United Way in the prior campaign year.
When WP Engine presented the idea to United Way to sublet a space in Millwork Commons, it was an amazing opportunity we could not pass up.
We have been amazed at their generosity, patience, joy and support for United Way every step of the way.
WP Engine generously provided an in-kind contribution toward United Way’s rent, along with all of the existing furniture and technology in the space for $1.
With this support and minimal buildout needed to make the space suitable for our operations, United Way was able to expand staff to support programs like JAG Nebraska and 211 – which lets us continue expanding to reach our community’s growing needs.
The amazing space also offers a collaborative, engaging and supportive environment that serves as a welcoming venue that other nonprofits can utilize for meetings and events.
We are so grateful for this strong partnership in this new chapter for United
Corporate Partner of the Year – Leadership Donors
This award recognizes organizations that make efforts to secure leadership gifts from employees, year-over-year growth and those who were able to secure the most new donors at this level – Tocqueville Society and Bridgebuilders.
Tenaska’s commitment to bridging gaps and lending a helping hand shines through in everything they do.
With a remarkable 24% increase in participation rates, Tenaska has set an example of employee engagement and corporate citizenship.
Their innovative Tocqueville Step-Up Program has established a solid foundation for giving – empowering employees at all levels to contribute meaningfully to philanthropic efforts.
Tenaska’s leadership giving soared with the addition of six new individuals and a remarkable contribution of more than $35,000, demonstrating their steadfast dedication to driving positive change.
Their proactive approach to supporting neighbors in need was exemplified by their swift response to the tornado devastation in April – as they were among the first to raise their hand and generously donate $50,000.
They were also a host site during volunteer week – providing essential support to the community by creating two distinct Good on the Go kit types and organizing another event during their Campaign.
With more than 700 employees, Tenaska is adept in natural gas marketing, power management, development and acquisition of generation assets, operation of power plants and more.
As an industry leader, Tenaska does not just react to change, they leverage it to find new and unique opportunities to create value.
Volunteer Organization of the Year
This award recognizes companies who consistently strive to improve our community through volunteerism.
The winning companies were chosen based on the percentage of their employees’ overall engagement and the number of employees who participated in UWM volunteer events during the 2023 campaign year.
Through United Way’s Get Connected volunteer platform, the company achieved the second highest level of engagement, with 194 employees actively participating.
During their Good on the Go project, they set a record by assembling 1,500 hygiene kits for nonprofits in our community – and they are already planning to surpass that achievement in 2024!
Team Blue’s dedication to volunteering was also evident with key United Way events like Shine Bright and Day of Caring – where employees made a meaningful difference in the community.
Additionally, their effective use of the Get Connected platform has helped them build lasting relationships with partner nonprofits, ensuring continued community support.
While the specific fundraising activities may change, the enduring spirit of volunteerism and community care demonstrated by Blue Cross employees through their contributions of time and resources remains steadfast.
Gretchen Twohig and Jeff Russell…please join us on stage to accept this award.
Bellevue University earned this award by standing out as a leader in community service and engagement in the metro.
Through United Way’s Get Connected volunteer platform, the university successfully involved 90 employees in various volunteer initiatives, demonstrating their strong commitment to giving back and helping others.
Their participation in key United Way events like Day of Caring and MLK Day highlighted their dedication to supporting the community and making a tangible impact for so many.
Additionally, Bellevue University employees have effectively utilized the Get Connected platform as a referral tool, connecting with partner nonprofits and fostering meaningful, long-term relationships.
As a higher education institution, Bellevue University has distinguished itself as a leader in volunteerism within the academic sector, setting an inspiring example for others to follow.
2023 Campaign recognition
annual meeting award winners Resources
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