Savannah-based Colonial Group Inc., a fourth-generation family-owned business that celebrated its 100^thanniversary in 2021, accounted for more than half a million dollars in pledges during United Way of the Coastal Empire’s traditional fall giving campaign. The company matched the employee donation pledges dollar for dollar, with the final total equaling $651,049, the largest contribution in its 85-year hitory of giving to United Way.

"Our partnership with United Way goes back a long way, and it's become woven into the fabric of our company culture here at Colonial. I’m deeply proud of our employees' dedication to giving back and whose generosity led to such a successful campaign year. In turn, United Way can continue its necessary and impactful work here in the community we share,” said Christian Demere, president and CEO of Colonial Group. 

Colonial Group is the parent firm of several subsidiary divisions across multiple states. Those divisions operate in a wide range of energy, technology, and port-related sectors, including wholesale energy supply and distribution; liquid and dry bulk terminal storage and services; fuel and lubricant distribution and services; marine bunkering service; retail fuel and convenience stores operating as Enmarket; industrial and chemical supply and distribution; water treatment; and specialty chemicals.

“Colonial Group leads by example and has been supporting the community through the United Way of the Coastal Empire since 1938,” said Mandy Parsons, chief financial and operating officer of United Way of the Coastal Empire, who is also serving as interim president and CEO. “The talented professionals in human resources run a well-organized and compelling campaign every year, and the employees of Colonial’s family of companies respond with generosity that is nothing short of inspirational.” 

United Way leaders and supporters, including Campaign Chair Jay Wilson, gathered at the organization’s headquarters to salute the outstanding giving milestone reached by Colonial Group this year.

Colonial Group’s $651,049 donation is part of the traditional fall workplace giving campaign, in which employees can choose to donate to UWCE – usually through payroll deduction. Companies support the campaign by loaning executive volunteers to United Way, allowing campaign representatives to make presentations to employees, and, as in the case of Colonial Group, adding corporate dollars in addition to those pledged by employees. The annual campaign among their own executive leadership accounts for more Alexis de Tocqueville Society members, the highest level of recognition for giving to the United Way, than any other company in our area. 

This year, Colonial also initiated a “Round Up” campaign at their local Enmarket locations, where shoppers can round up to the nearest dollar to be donated to their local United Way. 

Fundraising is a year-round job for United Way and extends well beyond the fall giving campaign. The combined totals of the campaign will be presented at the organization’s United in Gratitude event on May 14, 2024.