Photo presentation of awards - Dr. Richard Myers, Co Chair 2014 Campaign, Gary Vipond CEO United Way, Derek Patterson, Volunteer United Way and Sales Manager Rogers and Scott Sexsmith, General Manager Rogers
Photo presentation of awards – Dr. Richard Myers, Co Chair 2014 Campaign, Gary Vipond CEO United Way, Derek Patterson, Volunteer United Way and Sales Manager Rogers and Scott Sexsmith, General Manager Rogers

Supplied by the United Way… Dedicating his time and expertise to his community has earned United Way of Sault Ste. Marie and district Marketing Chair two national awards for volunteer service.

Derek Patterson, Sales Manager of Sault Ste. Marie’s KiSS 100.5 and Today’s Best Country 104.3, has been given Roger’s Communications’ Employee of the Year Award for his commitment to building a strong community for everyone through his volunteer role with United Way. Derek was also personally selected by Rogers CEO Guy Laurence as the winner of the 2014 CEO Award, which rewards outstanding achievement.

“Receiving an Employee of the Year, as well as, a CEO Award from Rogers is truly an honour. And what’s even more remarkable is they gave me $5000 to pass along to United Way Sault Ste. Marie & district, for each award,” said Derek. “I volunteer because I know there are too many good, honest people in our community who need a hand up.”

The two awards were presented to United Way Campaign Co-Chairs, Dr. Rick Myers, Dr. Michelle Atkin and CEO Gary Vipond to support the 2014 fundraising campaign.

The process began in early 2014 when Scott Sexsmith, General Manager KiSS 100.5 & Today’s Best Country 104.3, and United Way Sault Ste. Marie and district put Derek’s name forward for the Roger’s Community Involvement Award. He won the award later that year which also came with $1,000 for the nominating charity. This was the basis for being selected for his two most recent awards.

Supporting the nomination for Derek was an honour, as he has proven to be “an invaluable asset to organization, volunteers, staff and the Board of United Way” United Way CEO Gary Vipond.    Derek first joined our Marketing Committee in 2009 and, in the following year volunteered to take on the extra duties of Chair of the Marketing Committee. Derek invests his personal time to research and fully understand our organizations funded programs and their impact on our community.  Under Derek’s leadership and with feedback from his committee we developed a three year strategic plan to improve communication with our potential donors, our sponsors, volunteers and internally with our staff.

Derek keeps us on our toes as he always has a fresh idea and takes away suggestions and comes back with next steps and solutions.

Derek has brought positive change to our marketing and communications program … examining all media with a microscope to ensure we are delivering the message and causing listeners and viewers to Give – Act – Volunteer.

Derek is mindful of the limited staff available to assist with this portfolio and has taken on the logistics of setting up interviews, radio voice overs, television promo’s, etc. engaging all media reps and United Way volunteers to be involved in the process. Allowing our staff to provide input and also support the other pieces of our annual fundraising campaign.

“Derek’s expertise as a communication and marketing specialist has been invaluable to our United Way. We were proud to recognize Derek in 2011 with the Outstanding Volunteer Award and in 2014 with the Ontario Volunteer Services Award for 5 years of service.” Gary Vipond, CEO, United Way of Sault Ste. Marie and district.