Davey Tree, AMETEK Boost United Way Fundraiser

Two Kent businesses have made major contributions to the United Way of Portage County's 2011 fundraising goal of $1,040,000 for the community campaign.

The Davey Tree Expert Co. and AMETEK together donated more than $100,000 towards the campaign.

For 2011, AMETEK increased their campaign donation by 14 percent over last year with a donation of $36,370. The Lake Street company encouraged employee donations with day-off incentives and by hosting a campaign kick-off breakfast.

Davey Tree also increased their donation over last year, by 16 percent, with a record-setting $73,000 contribution. Teams of employees worked together to raise donations, and the winning team won an iPad.

Both companies are with AMETEK moving all of its employees from Lake Street to the downtown redevelopment, and Davey Tree is moving its Stow-based Davey Resource Group to Kent.

The United Way campaign is still in progress, and the need is greater than ever due to cuts on other available support, according to the non-profit. The campaign continues until the spring of 2012.

To donate, contact Liz Ziots at 330-297-1424 or go to www.uwportage.org.