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United Way $400K behind goal

Butler County United Way campaign Chairwoman Nancy Nix speaks during the annual progress-to-date breakfast Friday, Dec. 18, at Receptions in Fairfield.

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By Jessica Heffner, Staff Writer 10:26 PM Friday, December 18, 2009

FAIRFIELD — The Butler County United Way is still $400,000 behind its campaign goal, but hopes to make up the difference between now and February.

Leaders from the agency gave an update on the status of the 2009 $2.45 million campaign goal Friday, Dec. 18, during the annual progress-to-date breakfast at Receptions.

Maureen Noe, president and CEO of the United Way, said the economy has taken a toll on contributions, which the organization began accepting Sept. 11. About 27 companies that gave funds in the past were unable to this year because they were either out of business or experiencing financial issues.

Campaign supporters Stephen P. Wilson, CEO of LCNB Corp., and Claude Davis, president and CEO of First Financial Bank, gave their view of the local economic landscape and where they think it is headed.

While Davis said he felt optimistic that the economy was showing signs of improvement, Wilson said major job losses in the region are concerning.

“Right now we have seen the economy dip down and we all think we hit bottom ... and the expectation is we come right out of it,” he said. “I am afraid if unemployment is not resolved, if we don’t get the jobs, it could go back in another dip like a ‘W.’ ”

Even last year, Noe emphasized, the United Way was about $250,000 short at its annual campaign but managed to rally in the end. With collections running through February, she asked the nearly 75 people in attendance to reach out to businesses and individuals who may not have been asked to help “because that is one of the main reasons people don’t contribute. They were never asked,” she said.

“Our commitment to the community is not overzealous,” Noe said. “We want to do what we have always done knowing that economic times are tough and people need us more than ever.”

In terms of the merger talks between the Butler County Warren County United Ways, Bruce Jewett, board chairman said a decision should be made sometime in January.

How to donate

For more information or to donate funds, call (513) 863-0800 or visit www.bc-unitedway.org/

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