web1_TTL062115RiverFest_6.jpg

As part of the Wyoming Valley RiverFest, first Artists’ River Tour set for Saturday

web1_TTL062116burke.bdy_.jpg

Happy birthday Adyson Lyn Burke!

<p>While it was a very long time ago, my first job out of college was as a management trainee at First Eastern Bank in Wilkes-Barre. I spent 15 years in the banking industry and, although much has changed since the 1980s, I still have a lot of respect and appreciation for bankers who care about the communities they serve.</p><p>The United Way of Wyoming Valley is fortunate to have several bankers on its board of directors. While the banks obviously compete for deposits, loans and investments, they all share a commitment to the economic development of the region and the well-being of the community. They have all been very helpful and generous to the United Way.</p><p>I recently heard one of our newest board members, Greg Collins of Wells Fargo Bank, speak at a Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce event. It was the second or third time I heard Greg talk about a marketing slogan used by his bank. At first, I thought it was a little odd, but the more I reflect on it, it certainly makes sense. The slogan is &#8220;Small is huge.&#8221;</p><p>Greg and his associates at Wells Fargo have done a lot for children and the region. He told me that what Wells Fargo means by the slogan is that small acts build up and, over time, can have big impacts and, little by little, we can build and strengthen communities.</p><p>I am no longer a banker, but in my world and in the collective work of the United Way, this concept surely resonates!</p><p>For the second consecutive year, the United Way of Wyoming Valley raised more money than it did the year before. I believe the work being done to help children and families who live in the shadows of poverty is beginning to be noticed and take hold. In analyzing last year&#8217;s campaign, I learned 60 percent of the donors had made an average gift of approximately $1.50 per week. In the mindset of Wells Fargo, these small gifts do build up and, collectively, will have a big impact. Small is huge.</p><p>Similarly, a significant percentage of the United Way&#8217;s work is investing in programs and services that support children from birth to 5 years old. As I have noted many times, these are the most critical years in terms of brain development and academic readiness. For every $1 invested in early childhood education, there is a measurable $17 benefit to society. Indeed, a small investment in children has a huge return for all of us.</p><p>Another banker in Northeast PA who has been promoting investments in young children long before most other corporate executives is Pete Danchak of PNC Bank. Pete has become a well-recognized leader throughout the state in advocating for early learning opportunities. Over the years, PNC&#8217;s Grow up Great initiative has provided millions of dollars and countless hours of volunteer support to help young, at-risk children throughout the region.</p><p>A New York Times article earlier this month suggested that when the recession was really impacting us, as a nation, we invested in many large banks because they were &#8220;too big to fail.&#8221; Now, this article said, we need to invest in children because they are &#8220;too small to fail.&#8221;</p><p>The United Way of Wyoming Valley recognizes the potential of those who are small is huge, and all children should grow up great. We are very grateful to those who support this important work. Not only do we passionately believe we can change lives and improve the community we call home, we&#8217;re banking on it.</p><style>
.neFileBlock {
	margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
	margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
	border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
	padding-bottom: 5px;
	padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
	font-size: 85%;
}
</style>
<div class='neFileBlock'>
<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_JonesBillColor.jpg">
<div class="neCaption"></div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_JonesBillColor.jpg</photo0><caption0></caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>Bill Jones</p><p>Guest columnist</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Bill Jones is President and CEO of United Way of Wyoming Valley. He can be reached at 829-6711 ext. 1230.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Bill Jones: In both contributions and child potential, small is huge