It is not unusual for a business in Western Tidewater to show its appreciation by giving back to the community. We are blessed, in fact, with a number of local companies that are incredibly civic-minded. Bronco Federal Credit Union, which recently awarded $22,000 in college scholarships, is indicative of our business community’s giving spirit.

The scholarships, ranging in value from $1,000 to $5,000, were given to eight deserving local high school seniors to help them further their education. Given the skyrocketing cost of a college education, the financial support is likely much appreciated and needed.

Other recent examples of local corporate generosity include International Paper’s donation of 15 acres of land along the banks of the Blackwater River to the City of Franklin to build a new Riverwalk, which was announced just last month. Additionally, International Paper last fall, with the help of Dominion Energy and local charitable foundations, donated the funds and labor necessary to build a new playground for the city’s children at Armory Park. Many other local companies, too many to list, routinely devote time and resources to better our community.

We are grateful to these corporate citizens who are dedicated not just to being financially successful, but who also seek ways to make life better for those around them. Ours is a better community because of them.