I am honored to be assuming the role of United Way of Northeastern Minnesota board president, and I hope to continue to build on the momentum my predecessors generated, continuing to grow our community engagement.
I first learned about – and started donating to – our local United Way when I started working for U. S. Steel, more than 20 years ago now. UWNEMN is a special United Way that offers direct service programs, and hearing about the Buddy Backpacks program and what that meant to children across our region is really what solidified the impact of the organization in my mind.
The United for Veterans direct service programming is what drew me to join the board. I wish the program had been available in our rural communities when I left active duty.
I had the opportunity to get more involved with United for Veterans when UWNEMN was looking at creative ways to try to keep the “Rampage at the Ridge” event sustainable. While we ultimately were not able to sustain that event, I have always remained confident there is an opportunity to create something to fill the void it left, bolstering physical and mental health and bringing a high-energy camaraderie-building event back to the calendar.
In the year ahead, I would also like to work closely with UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay to strengthen the region’s understanding of our organization’s mission and purpose - and share some positivity.
UWNEMN is fortunate to have a large support base, but we are always looking for more engagement. Our active volunteers, board members, and staff often enlist spouses, friends, and other loved ones to help support all the great events and causes. These unpaid volunteers and board members ensure your donor dollars go further.
My involvement with UWNEMN has grown significantly over the years because I strongly believe “We the People” need to invest in our own communities. I’d be surprised if anyone who chooses to do so with UWNEMN doesn’t eventually find a way to get more involved. We are fortunate to have a world-class team working in Chisholm for all of us across the region, and it’s energizing to be a part of. It’s a very mission-oriented organization with a “do what it takes to get the job done” culture which results in finding ways to do big things in our backyard.
Chad Buus is the Area Manager – Mine Maintenance for U. S. Steel Minnesota Ore Operations and has served on UWNEMN’s Board of Directors for six years.