WASHINGTON, Pa.— The Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2012 Charles C. KellerExcellence Award for Corporate Philanthropy are CentiMark Corporation (large category) and AccuTrex Products (small category). Both companies will be recognized for their generosity at the WCCF’s annual Philanthropy Banquet on Thursday, Nov. 15 at the Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe.         

Created by the WCCF in 2011 to honor a Founding Trustee and past Chairman of the Board, Charles C. Keller, the award recognizes local for-profit businesses for exemplary giving and community service. The inaugural Charles C. KellerExcellence Award for Corporate Philanthropy was presented to Keller’s law firm of Peacock Keller.

Dedicated to helping in the community, CentiMark Corp. offers volunteer or financial support to hundreds of charities across the nation that serve the hungry, the homeless, at-risk children, abused women, displaced veterans, and senior citizens. 

Additionally, CentiMark encourages its employees at all levels to share both company and personal time with community organizations. This grassroots philosophy of giving back was implemented many years ago by Founder Edward B. Dunlap, who believes that more can always be done to help the underserved and underprivileged. Meals on Wheels of Peters Township, Washington Christian Outreach, Blessings in a Backpack, Washington City Mission, and Junior Achievement are just a few charities that have received CentiMark support in the form of contributions and volunteer hours. The company also works with social service agencies to identify families who are struggling in an effort to provide food, as well as other surprises such as Easter baskets or back to school clothes, to them throughout the year.

“Giving back to the community hasn’t shaped the company culture at CentiMark…it is the company culture. It’s been ingrained in us for years, and now we have the resources to do more,” remarked Timothy Dunlap, president. “CentiMark is proud to be named a recipient of the Charles C. KellerExcellence Award for Corporation Philanthropy because this honor recognizes our employees for their incredible service to those in need.”

AccuTrex Products has maintained a steadfast giving and volunteer history for more than 30 years. The company’s employees have served many local organizations including: Washington County Special Olympics, Washington Hospital Foundation, Washington-Greene County Blind Association, the American Cancer Society (sponsoring a Relay for Life team for the past 18 years), United Way of Washington County, Junior Achievement, Immaculate Conception Church, John F. Kennedy Catholic School, Abundant Life Baptist Church, Meadowlands United Methodist Church, Boy Scouts of America, the Washington County Manufacturer’s Association, as well as the WCCF. As a Vietnam veteran-owned company, AccuTrex Products also supports organizations and activities that address veterans’ needs. Several employees were instrumental in the revitalization of the Fort Pitt Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, and the company’s efforts led to the creation of “Military Appreciation Week” at the Mylan Classic.

“It is very flattering to receive this award in the year following its inception,” remarked Martin P. Beichner, Jr., president/CEO of AccuTrex Products. “We are fortunate to employ a lot of really nice, caring people who enjoy being involved in service activities and charitable projects. Our company feels it has an obligation to help take care of needs in our community in whatever way we can.”

Nominations for the annual Charles C. KellerExcellence Award for Corporate Philanthropy will be accepted until Jan. 31 of each year. Criteria for the award are as follows: Demonstrate a company philosophy of community service, such as time-off or flexible scheduling for employees to perform community service; Encourage employee commitment at multiple levels of the company; Donate resources including financial, personnel, facility or product; Orchestrate a sustained effort to address a community need; Promote active community participation by others. All for-profit businesses with operations in Washington County are eligible for nomination.

For more information, visit www.wccf.net.