Merchants Named 2025 United Way Champion

April 17, 2025

Merchants Bonding Company™ was named 2025 Live United Champion by the United Way of Central Iowa. This award recognizes organizations that have shown outstanding dedication to advancing United Way's mission and making a lasting impact in our community. 

This year, remote associates and those in Merchants locations across the United States were able to participate in the campaign by donating directly to their local United Way chapters, which helped boost our overall giving throughout the year. 

Living Out Core Values

One of Merchants' core values is supporting our communities, and this recognition is a testament to how our associates bring that value to life. Through generous donations and active participation in United way events, we're helping strengthen Central Iowa by supporting the key initiatives identified in the 2025 Community Report - food security, housing stability, education, and access to health care. 

"Being named a Live United Champion reflects not just Merchants' commitment, but the collective heart of our associates," said Therese Wielage, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and Vice President of the Merchants Bonding Company Foundation. "We're honored to stand alongside organizations driving meaningful change here in Central Iowa, while also supporting communities across the country where Merchants associates live and work." 

One of just 14 organizations to receive the 2025 Live United Champion award, Merchants joins other Central Iowa companies including John Deere, Casey's, Farm Bureau Financial, Athene, Des Moines Public Schools, and more - recognized for their sustained community impact. 

To learn more about the challenges facing Central Iowa and the positive changes being made, read the full 2025 Community Report at unitedwaydm.org.