Gulfstream employees give big to the United Way of the Coastal Empire! For the first time, Gulfstream employees' annual pledges to the United Way fundraising campaign have exceeded $1 million. This year's total pledge is $1,044,601, a 12 percent increase over last year's record total of $932,206.

"During these uncertain economic times, our employees companywide recognized that their community needs their financial support now more than ever," said Joe Lombardo, Gulfstream president. "Despite concerns about energy costs, the availability of credit and the declining value of the stock market, our employees once again demonstrated tremendous generosity that will help others."

Gulfstream does not pressure its employees to contribute to the United Way; instead, the company communicates extensively about the significance of supporting the community through the United Way. This is the fifth consecutive year that Gulfstream employees have pledged to the United Way. Since 2003, Gulfstream's U.S.-based work force has grown by 49 percent. During the same period, employee pledges to the United Way have increased by 108 percent. The company's total contribution to the United Way consists of the employee pledges and a corporate commitment. The corporate commitment will be announced next week.

"The United Way of the Coastal Empire truly appreciates the overwhelming generosity of Gulfstream employees," said Gregg Schroeder, president and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire. This is a record-setting employee gift and comes at a time when the community deeply needs this support."

The 2008 United Way fundraising campaign goal is $8,288,888, up from the $8 million goal of last year. To date, 78 percent of goal has been raised. United Way officially kicked-off its community fundraising campaign on September 10th and will end on November 21st.