Giving to United Way is an opportunity to make a difference in a very profound way - changing someone's life and making our community a better place to live, work and do business. There were many "difference makers" in BMGII that stepped forward and made a strong commitment to this year's campaign, including the management and employees of Citizens Bank.

With the acquisition of Republic Bank by Citizens Banking Corp., 2007 was certainly not a year of business as usual for employees but the bank was definitely poised for growth and wanted to make a statement as to its commitment to Northeast Ohio. Paul J. Fissel, president of Citizens Ohio was formerly with Sky Bank, where there was a proud tradition of support for the annual United Way campaign. His passion fit perfectly within the mission and culture of Citizens Bank. Paul worked with ECM Betty Lingler to make United Way a priority and hold meetings that explained the value and benefit of being corporate and civic leaders. Citizens Bank benefited greatly from the addition of former Sky Bank executives who stepped up as leadership givers and other associates who followed their lead. The results were just outstanding with 75% participation and a phenomenal 227% increase in contributions.

Other campaigns showing substantial increases that deserve special thanks include:
Acxiom +43%
Applied Industrial Technologies +15%
Associated Estates Realty Corp. +10%
Cavaliers Holding Co. +13%
Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. +12%
Colliers Ostendorf-Morris +13%
The Coral Co. +15%
The Federal Reserve Bank +11%
Forest City Enterprises + 8%
Gilbane Building Co. +576%
GrafTech International LTD +42%
Hinkley Lighting +23%
Huntington Bank +32%
Industrial Manufacturing +17%
JND Properties +23%
National City Bank + 5%
Preformed Line Products +44%
Sifco Industries +83%
Third Federal Savings & Loan +45%
U.S. Cotton, LLC +24%