Allison Koile and Josh Linton are both enthusiastic and passionate about the work they do for Commerce Bank and in the community. This year, the two took on co-leading the bank’s United Way campaign.
“This last campaign was awesome. It was a ton of fun and we had a great turnout of people participating, not only in wanting to donate but also participating in our volunteer activities,” Josh said.
Allison and Josh have both volunteered on the United Way committee for the past few years. But taking on the lead role came with a lot more responsibility—and a few extra challenges. Josh went on paternity leave just a few weeks before the campaign officially started.
“But thanks to the work we’d put in over many months, we were all as ready as we could be,” Allison said. “We do all have day jobs in addition to running the campaign, so we just really pitch in and work with each other to get things done.”
This year, they worked to really get everyone from executive leaders to those working in bank branches involved and hosted a fun carnival to engage employees and their families in giving to United Way. That commitment and growth in their campaign is why Josh and Alison are nominees for Employee Campaign Manager of the Year at this year’s WaymakerTM Awards.
“Banking can seem kind of dry and boring. So you want to keep people interested and excited to be at work and be excited to be part of this community,” Allison said. “We’re a competitive bunch and try to instill that spirit into something that’s fulfilling and will help others.”
“Having learned over time and seeing what United Way does here in the community, where I live and am raising my family, but also the community where Commerce Bank works and has been in for 160 years–we’re dedicated to supporting our neighbors,” Josh said. “Knowing United Way has been right there alongside us is a natural marriage in contributing to a really strong community.”