Union Bank & Trust makes significant donation to Vector Industries

A contact at Union Bank & Trust told Vector Industries CEO Chrissy Johnston that she could have her pick from surplus office furniture at Union’s Roanoke location.

Founded in 1969, Vector Industries employs and trains persons with diverse disabilities to enable them to reach their potential as productive community members. The non-profit announced in February that it had closed on space at 1300 Hopeman Parkway in Waynesboro that will allow Vector Industries to expand its offerings in warehousing, light assembly and office space.

The project is on schedule to allow for an Oct. 1 opening at the new location, said Johnston, who has been resourceful in trying to outfit the new space.

She didn’t know on her drive down Interstate 81 what Union had in store for her.

“Most of our furniture is 45 years old, the same age as our organization. This is a new day for Vector Industries here at 1300 Hopeman, and this furniture goes a long way,” said Johnston, surveying the donation from Union Bank & Trust of more than $30,000 in office furniture.

“We’re very proud and pleased to be able to assist Vector Industries with the equipping of their new facility here on Hopeman Parkway,” said Leonard Pittman, a senior vice president and market executive at Union Bank & Trust in Staunton.

Pittman is a member of the Vector Industries board of directors, and has helped coordinate past efforts on the part of Union Bank & Trust to assist Vector Industries.

“We are a proud supporter of Vector. Vector is a client of ours, and we were very happy to help them out when the call went out for furniture,” Pittman said.

The furniture was excess from Union Bank & Trust’s purchase of Stellar One last year, Pittman said.

“We have a strong, long-term commitment to the market, and we really enjoy opportunities like this to help organizations like Vector,” Pittman said. “I would encourage any other organizations who feel like they have the opportunity or the ability to help to contact Vector Industries.”

– Story by Chris Graham