United Way Young Leaders Society

Member Profile: Beth Mihm

Beth grew up in the Portland metro area. After her freshman year at Portland State University she moved to New York, where she worked and lived for ten years. Going back to school in 2002 brought her back to Oregon and Portland State University where she finished her accounting degree in 2005.

Since that time she has worked in the public accounting field for various Portland firms, most recently at Spectrum CPA Group, LLP in Lake Oswego. The part about accounting that she enjoys the most is the client interaction. “It’s great to facilitate good business practices and to see our clients succeed when they meet their goals.”

Beth joined YLS recently because it brought together many core values and elements that are important to her. The civic responsibility that the group promotes through various events is inspiring to her and she enjoys meeting other professionals from various backgrounds that are concerned and active within the community. Being a part of the Marketing committee has helped to solidify her commitment to helping shape the vision of the club with its membership and within the community as a whole.

From January through April it is uncommon to find Beth anywhere but at the office, but during her downtime she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, golfing, attending YLS events and meeting new people. 

“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness.  Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost.”  ~H. Jackson Browne.

Results and Giving Campaign Total

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette had two big announcements in the month of April. First, the Community Impact Fund Results report was released detailing the impact United Way has had on the community over the past five years. Second was the exciting announcement that the 2009-2010 annual giving campaign raised over $20 million.

Dan James, Chair of the Board of Directors of United Way of the Columbia Willamette and Vice President, Public Relations and Marketing for PNGC Power kicks off the results announcement event

The Community Impact Fund Results report details how United Way leveraged $22.5 million in contributions to secure another $18.8 million in foundation and government grants, bringing the total investment to $41.3 million for community impact programs in Multnomah, Clark, Washington and Clackamas counties. During the reporting period, United Way was to help 100,000 people a year improve their lives. Here are some highlights of the report:

Through $7,399,350 invested in Education, 38,919 children and youth have increased academic and life skills, with 27,818 adults improving their skills and resources to support them in their learning. Through $6,943,434 invested in Income, 41,564 individuals and families have increased financial stability. Through $5,764,144 invested in Health, 44,472 adults and children have improved their health and well-being. We invite you to learn more about the results of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette's impact over the past five years by viewing the Community Impact Fund Results report online today.

Employees of Wells Fargo accept the Campaign Chair’s Award for Excellence

At the Celebration of Caring event on April 29th, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette announced that its 2009-2010 Community Giving Campaign reached $20,103,670, a 2.2% increase over the previous year's campaign total.

During tough economic times, United Way credits its many individual, corporate, employee, retiree and foundation givers as well as over 70 new companies participating as helping to outpace last year’s Campaign total of $19.6 million. This is the fifth year in a row that United Way has increased the level of the giving campaigns and puts the organization among the top 10% of United Ways in the nation.