Welch Allyn recently received the “Best of Trade Award” in the Product and Device Manufacturing category from the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette as part of its 2011 Campaign Award program. This was the first year the Welch Allyn campaign was chaired by an employee, Ann Harris, a technician in manufacturing engineering. The Beaverton, Ore-based company saw an increase in contributions of nine percent in just one year.

More than 1,000 companies participated in the United Way’s 2011 campaign and the campaign awards are meant to recognize those companies who have given back to their community. Nearly 100 of those companies were nominated; however, only 42 companies received an award.

“There is a motto at Welch Allyn, ‘Be always kind and true,’ that we try to live up to every day, and it encompasses much more than just what happens inside our facilities,” said David Allyn, director of corporate social responsibility at Welch Allyn. “It is an honor to be recognized by the United Way for our efforts to give back. These are our neighbors we’re reaching out to, so this kind of program is really an investment in the communities where our employees work, live and play.”