FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PLATTSBURGH, NY-December 19, 2006: The 2007 United Way Campaign is still a long way from its $750,000 goal. Campaign Chairman John Masella and his campaign team have been working extremely hard making their calls and contacting area businesses and individuals as they work to hit the goal. According to Masella the campaign is currently at $518,287.82 or 69.1% of the goal.

The campaign at Georgia-Pacific gave the campaign a real shot in the arm this past week when members of UPIU Locals #140 and 387, along with salaried employees raised $34,077.25 which represents a 31.9% increase over last year. The Clinton County Government employees reported their final results at $15,476, the campaign among employees at Glens Falls National Bank netted $7,833.40 and Citizens Bank $4,500.

Other campaign results reported include; ACAP employees in Elizabethtown $3,381; WPTZ-TV employees $3,364; New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) $2,587; AES Northeast Group, PLLC in Plattsburgh, a new account this year raised $2,344; The National Grid in Ticonderoga $2,032; J.C. Penny’s $2,237.38; Casella Waste Systems $1,500; The College Auxiliary Services at SUNY $1,312; Evergreen Townhouse staff $1,092; Plattsburgh Ford $1,000, The Development Corporation $818, Monro Muffler/Brake $559.33; Mountain Lake PBS $534; Elizabethtown Community Hospital $490; Liquor & Wine Warehouse $500 and Media Central $300.

Several campaigns conducted at United Way funded agencies have been completed with the Adirondack Community Action Programs, Inc (ACAP) employees in Elizabethtown $3,381; The Essex County Mental Health Association raising $1,628, Families First of Elizabethtown $1,006; Champlain Children’s Learning Center in Rouses Point $572, Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Center at SUNY Plattsburgh $483.50 and the Greater Plattsburgh Interfaith Hospitality Network $312.

Masella added that the review of the campaign data base shows that there is a large number of businesses and individuals who have consistently given in the past who, for whatever reasons, have not given this year. If those accounts were to give, even at last year’s level the goal this year would be surpassed, so he was asking everyone to check and see if their company of they themselves have given this year and if not, please do so before the end of the year.

Masella and his campaign team wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Safe Holiday Season.

United Way of Clinton & Essex Counties, Inc. * 45 Tom Miller Road * Plattsburgh, NY 12901