Dear Shareholders,

“Shareholders,” you ask?  How can a not-for-profit have “shareholders”?  Well, we do, and more than likely you are one.

If you’ve ever donated to Goodwill or bought something in one of our stores, you’re a shareholder.  You’ve entrusted a portion of your assets to us.  You expect us to “invest” your stuff or your dollars, and to turn them into even more resources to help individuals and our communities. 

And that’s exactly how Goodwill works.  Our Goodwill Promise illustrates it well:

When you donate to Goodwill and shop in our stores, we promise to use the revenue to support programs and services that improve individual lives and our communities.

Here are some quick highlights of how we did that in 2005:

  • Received 27,868,057 pounds (more than 13,934 tons) of donated goods (up 6.7% from 2004).
  • Handled 2,060,352 purchase transactions in our 19 stores (up 8%).
  • Directly served 33,894 people (up 9%) through more than 20 programs and services.
  • Provided tax help for 1,188 people as a “super site” for VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program.
  • Celebrated the grand opening of our remodeled Grand Chute store.
  • Opened new stores/training centers in Darboy and Waupaca.
  • Collaborated with Prospera Credit Union to create GoodMoneySM, a unique not-for-profit venture offering payday loans at reasonable prices and connecting customers to financial counseling through FISC.
  • Expanded the Beyond Boundaries of Autism program to additional counties, including La Crosse.
  • Accepted Goodwill Industries International’s request to become one of five retail training sites for other Goodwills
  • Welcomed the Autism Society of the Fox Valley as a campus partner at the Goodwill Community Center.
  • Championed the effort to amend Wisconsin law to permanently protect Goodwill’s tax-exempt status.
  • Hosted 400 Goodwill executives and guests from across North America in Appleton in June for Goodwill Industries International’s annual Delegate Assembly under the theme “The Collaboration Challenge.”

To see or print our two-page summary report, click here.  To browse our complete shareholder report, click on the links below.

Thanks for investing in your Goodwill.  We’ll continue to invest on your behalf.

Sincerely,
 


John McFadden
2005 Board Chair
Goodwill NCW


Bob Pedersen
President & CEO
Goodwill NCW

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