State Approves United Way Merger
United Way of the Eastern Panhandle

Betty Ireland, Secretary of the State of West Virginia, certified the merger of the United Way of Jefferson County and the United Way of Berkeley and Morgan Counties. A certificate of merger has been issued and has approved the operation in the state of West Virginia of the corporation named United Way of the Eastern Panhandle, WV, Inc. effective April 7, 2006.

This is the culmination of almost 10 years of on and off discussions, four years of working jointly in the area of campaign, funds distribution, marketing and program services and two years of study.

Teresa McCabe, interim president of United Way of the Eastern Panhandle, stated this is just one more step in the seven-month process of becoming fully operational by July 1, 2006.

Jan Callen, executive director, reports that the merger is coming along much smoother than he could have imagined. "I credit this to the farsightedness of both United Way Boards, when four years ago they agreed to work together on as many areas as possible," he said.

Chip Bennett, outgoing President of United Way of Jefferson County, stated that he is very pleased with the merger process and is extremely happy that the 2007 budget already anticipates a $7,000 savings in overhead which means more money for the United Way member agencies.

Margie Bartles, outgoing President of United Way of Berkeley and Morgan Counties, was also happy that even with the administrative staff reductions, the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle is able to maintain a Panhandle-wide presence with an office in Martinsburg and Charles Town.

The Martinsburg Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM and the Charles Town Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:00 (noon) to 4 PM. For more information, phone (304) 263-0603 or email uweped@adelphia.net

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