An Exclusive Invitation for Charlotte County Businesses
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director - United Way of Charlotte County
In June 2022, our team attended the United Way of Florida State conference to re-set and energize. Being refreshingly greeted by the first keynote speaker gave us all we needed to know about what was to be expected in those days. The speaker asked all of us to stand up while exhilarating music filled the conference room. Don’t ask me to sing, but “Ooh Child (things are going to get easier)” sure resonated with us after a couple of hard years following the pandemic. I enjoyed the way the conference began as I am passionate about music.
We were inspired and uplifted! Troy C. Smith, Certified Speaker, Trainer, and Coach gave us the tools we needed to bring HOPE to Charlotte County. He shared so many inspiring messages and acronyms of HOPE. One of them, Having Optimistic Perspectives Everyday, was just what we needed to hear.
A vision for United at Work was born in the summer days after hearing Troy and his inspiration. Looking back, I can SEE how the permission to look at and care for each other as a team created an environment for innovation. Fast Forward to October 2022…. the days after Hurricane Ian hit Charlotte County. People were hurting, employees out of work and business owners were assessing the needs of their most precious resource – their employees. Thanks to the collaboration with the Elsa & Peter Soderberg Foundation, United at Work, in its first endeavor, was launched. It became laser-focused on helping employees working for Charlotte County businesses who were affected by Hurricane Ian.
To date, United at Work has served over 500 employees, which represents 171 local businesses. But what about the business owners and all they have been through? The business owners, managers, CEO’s and Directors who have been keeping Charlotte County’s workforce running. They need to feel the support and guidance from us too. We would like to share the amazing message of HOPE that we heard from Troy.
The Inaugural United at Work Summit is an event we are excited about, and we’ve invited HOPE Ambassador, Troy C. Smith to share valuable insights and resources with Charlotte County. Troy’s expertise in leadership and motivation is unparalleled. This approach effectively offers practical solutions to improve employee retention, enhance appreciation for personnel, foster team collaboration and boost productivity levels. Although, this event is designed only for leadership, his insights are sure to leave a lasting impact on you and your team.
Find out how United Way of Charlotte County is still able to either assist your organization and employees that work within your organization. Perhaps, the company you work for needs motivation or practical strategies to support and care for employees with a fresh perspective.
The United at Work Summit is scheduled for Thursday, October 26 and your name with your company/organization must be on the list. While this event is not for everyone, you may know of a business owner that needs to be uplifted, encouraged or inspired.
Thank you to Suncoast One Title and Kevin Graham for sponsoring the event. You will hear from Kevin and how United at Work has personally touched his company. In addition, Peter Soderberg will be sharing why United at Work is vital in Charlotte County. We ask for your help in sharing this event. Let them know about it. For more information visit unitedwayccfl.org/summit or to RSVP please email rd@unitedwayccfl.org.
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.