Leanne Tangen has been named the loaned executive from United Parcel Service, Willmar, to the Kandiyohi County United Way.“UPS continues to be a supporter of United Way. This year, along with employee deduction plans, fund raisers and corporate gifts, we have added nine United Way loaned executives through-out the state,” UPS announced.
Tangen, Paynesville, will work from Aug. 15 to Oct. 15 with the United Way helping raise funds for the 39 organizations which they support. She has been an employee of UPS for 15 years.
“I wanted to become involved as it was a way I could ensure our money would stay local,” Tangen said.
Kandiyohi County United Way has a campaign budget of $500,000 this year. It is part of Tangen’s responsibility to help companies in Kandiyohi County organize kick-off campaigns. Recently she met with the New London and Willmar School Districts. Tangen will also help organize campaigns through seven UPS offices in Granite Falls, Morris, Glencoe, Mankato, St. James, Slayton, and Willmar.
Tangen said she will also make calls on corporate chief executive officers, talk to corporations about gifts, organize raffles, help organize the Laugh Olympics and the Taste of Kandiyohi.
“In the short time I have been with United Way, I have learned a lot. I didn’t realize it is run like a business and has an operating budget like everybody else,” she added. “Minnesota is the only state in the United States that has loaned executives to work with the United Way. They are using union people to talk to union people.”