Three companies provide significant help to ATSS Foundation

Generosity helps nonprofit address challenges due to COVID restrictions

Generous support from PPG/Ennis-Flint, 3M and Ver-Mac made a significant difference for The ATSS Foundation as it started 2021.

The Foundation was forced to cancel its two biggest fundraisers of the year due to COVID-19 restrictions so the assistance from the companies during ATSSA’s recent Convention & Traffic Expo makes a big impact, said Foundation Director Lori Diaz.

Traditionally, The Foundation holds its golf and sporting clays events in conjunction with the Convention but the Convention was forced to move to an online platform as a result of the pandemic, which also meant the two popular events weren’t held.

PPG Chairman and CEO Michael McGarry announced during the 51^st Annual Convention & Traffic Expo that his company had made a historic donation to The Foundation. The amount was later disclosed as $30,000.

PPG acquired Ennis-Flint in December and the following month announced the creation of a new business unit called Traffic Solutions, according to a company statement.

The Foundation was created to promote work zone safety through charitable giving and public awareness programs. Its programs provide support to the families directly affected by work zone incidents through its Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship, Experience Camps Travel Scholarships and by remembering the lives lost through the National Work Zone Memorial.

“I can’t think of a person, business or nonprofit entity that has not been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. I think it has been especially difficult for non-profits and charities as they rely on the generosity of others to support their missions,” Foundation Board Chair Dave Krahulec said. He added that he is thankful for the support of Ennis-Flint/PPG, 3M, Ver-Mac and every company and individual that provides assistance.

Minnesota-based 3M has partnered with The Foundation for six consecutive years by operating a pledge wall during the Convention & Traffic Expo. This year’s fundraiser ran from Jan. 1 through Feb. 18.

The company provided $5,000 for sponsorship of the 3M Toward Zero Deaths Pledge Wall and offered to match donations up to $5,000. However, after donations totaled $8,042, 3M chose to double its matching amount, bringing its total support to $23,042.

Ver-Mac, a family-owned business based in Quebec, auctioned two roadway safety products with all money raised going to The Foundation. Bids were accepted from Feb. 1-18 for a PCMS-1500 Pro Series G3 portable changeable message sign and a Smart Arrowboard -25 LED.

Cindy M. Williams, president of Time Striping in Van Buren, Ark., submitted the winning bids on both products, resulting in a $22,502 donation by Ver-Mac to The Foundation.