Local companies honored for service

By John McVey, Journal staff writer

MARTINSBURG - Three of the six businesses honored last week for their community service at the second annual West Virginia Business Volunteerism Reception were from Berkeley and Jefferson counties.

The American Amish Co., with corporate offices in Martinsburg and locations in Morgantown and Winchester, won the Spirit of Volunteerism: Small Company (1-50 employees) award; the Bank of Charles Town was awarded the prize for Spirit of Volunteerism: Medium Company (50-200 employees); and Quad/Graphics' Martinsburg plant won the award for Spirit of Volunteerism: Large Company (200-plus employees).

The awards were presented by the West Virginia Business Volunteer Council during ceremonies April 19 at the Governor's Mansion in Charleston.

Bill Klingelsmith, Quad/Graphics' manager of training and recruitment, said it was fantastic to be recognized for the company's community service.

"Community service is a part of our company's core values," he said in a recent telephone interview. "But we have so many employees who volunteer."

For instance, Quad/Graphics' employees are Little League baseball coaches, Boy Scout leaders, volunteer firefighters and more, Klingelsmith said.

"Community service, it's a spirit at Quad/Graphics," he said.

The American Amish Co. sells sheds, barns, gazebos, swing sets and several other structures built by Amish craftsmen. Established in 1998, the company contributes to a variety of community efforts.

In 2009, the company's projects included a makeover to a Morgantown-based Ronald McDonald House, expansion of the Berkeley County Animal Control office and building a ticket booth for Washington High School in Jefferson County.

At the Bank of Charles Town, with locations in Berkeley and Jefferson counties, service is part of the company's core values and is incorporated into every aspect of its business. The bank's president, Robert Baronner, is considered the "go-to guy" for the Eastern Panhandle's nonprofit community.

In 2009, employees of the Bank of Charles Town participated in many service projects including the United Way Day of Caring and the March of Dimes to name only a few.

Others recognized for their community service were Charles Ryan Associates of Charleston for Entrepreneurial Service; Brickstreet Mutual Insurance, with offices throughout West Virginia, also won the award for Spirit of Volunteerism: Large Company; and the award for Corporate Responsibility went to Saint Francis Hospital of Charleston.

The West Virginia Business Volunteer Council is a program of Volunteer West Virginia, the state's Commission for National and Community Service. BVC is open to all private sector businesses, labor organizations, nonprofit organizations and business and professional associations.

Go to www.volunteerwv.org for more information about the West Virginia Business Volunteer Council.

- Staff writer John McVey can be reached at 304-263-3381, ext. 128, or jmcvey@journal-news.net