Oct. 5, 2022
By John Bailey
The Catawba Valley Insurance Agency in Hickory firmly believes in giving back to their community, which is why they recently became the newest member of the Catawba County United Way’s Small Businesses Love Big initiative (SBLB).
The SBLB allows companies in Catawba County with 50 employees or less to invest back into their community by supporting local non-profit programs.
Catawba Valley Insurance already looks to help local non-profits each year through volunteer hours or a donation, so the company's owner, Cynda Bollinger, saw the SBLB as a natural extension of this.
“There are so many non-profits with great ideas, but they may not have everything they need,” Bollinger said. “So, if we can help, that’s great. It’s another piece of the puzzle.”
Each Small Businesses Love Big company contributes $365 a year, which will be used to fund a second CCUW allocation process focused on local small and start-up non-profits. Representatives of the businesses will meet to review the grant applications and decide what programs to fund.
“We know that our small businesses understand and see the needs in our community from a unique perspective and giving them the opportunity to invest in their community not only makes sense but honors the contributions of both small business and non-profits,” Catawba County United Way Executive Director Mark Bumgarner said.
To learn more about the CCUW’s Small Businesses Love Big initiative call Sylvia Long at 828-327-6851 or email slong@ccunitedway.com.