Freeport, ME, May 25, 2017
As United Way of Greater Portland’s Largest Contributor in 2016, L.L.Bean Receives United We Thrive Community Give Award
More than $1.7 million donated to United Way chapters throughout Maine in 2016 as a result of L.L.Bean’s corporate and employee contributions
Internationally recognized outdoor retailer L.L.Bean, best known for its L.L.Bean Boots and legendary customer service, was honored to receive United Way’s inaugural United We Thrive Community Give Award in the best large organization category. The award is given to organizations that demonstrate excellence, creativity and generosity during the 2016 United Way of Greater Portland campaign. In 2016, L.L.Bean was the largest donor to United Way in Maine. The company contributed over $1.7 million to United Ways in Maine; corporate donation totaled over $600,000, while L.L.Bean employee contributions added another $1.1 million. The gift will be used to support United Way’s vital work in education, financial stability and the health of individuals and communities throughout the state of Maine.
“We’re fortunate to have an organization like United Way doing the incredible work they do to positively impact our communities and the lives of so many people in so many ways,” said Shawn Gorman, L.L.Bean’s Executive Chairman and United Way campaign cabinet member. “I’m not only proud of our contributions to United Way, but I am equally proud of all the employees who so generously gave to such a worthy and deserving organization. We are humbled by United Way’s recognition of the efforts of so many in the L.L.Bean organization.”
For four decades, L.L.Bean has been partnering with United Way on a number of benevolent endeavors, including donations, volunteerism, the loaned executive program and more. During that time, L.L.Bean has consistently been one of Maine’s largest donors, often exceeding $1 million annually.
“Making this community stronger requires individuals and companies committed to giving back, leading by example and getting hands-on in addressing the community’s challenges. L.L.Bean is a true role model for our community,” noted Liz Cotter Schlax, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Portland.
About L.L.Bean, Inc.
L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading multichannel merchant of quality outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. Still family owned, Shawn Gorman, great grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean, was named Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2013. While its business has grown over the years, L.L.Bean continues to uphold the values of its founder, including his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors. In the past five years, L.L.Bean has donated over $6 million toward conservation and land stewardship. L.L.Bean operates 34 stores in 16 states across the United States, along with 25 stores in Japan. The 220,000-sq. ft. L.L.Bean retail store campus in Freeport, ME, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and welcomes more than 3 million visitors every year. L.L.Bean can be found worldwide at www.llbean.com, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.