LOS ANGELES, March 4, 2010 — Office products industry leaders, colleagues and City of Hope supporters will honor David Williamson, executive vice president and general manager of MWV – MeadWestvaco’s office products group, with The Spirit of Life® Award, City of Hope’s most prestigious honor, in recognition of his outstanding business achievements and philanthropic commitment. The annual Spirit of Life gala will take place on September 23 at the Chicago Hilton and will benefit cancer research, education and treatment programs at City of Hope, one of the nation’s leading cancer research and treatment centers.
MWV provides packaging solutions to many of the world’s most-admired brands in various industries. Its Consumer & Office Products division is a leading manufacturer of well-known, award-winning brands in school supplies, office products and planning and organizing tools, which include AT-A-GLANCE®, Mead®, Five Star® and Day Runner®. MWV has a commitment to sustainability while helping its customers to meet their sustainability standards. With customers in over 100 countries, MWV has 24,000 employees worldwide and 153 offices located in 30 countries.
“I’m honored to receive this award and to support City of Hope’s mission to quickly transform scientific discoveries into new treatments for patients with cancer,” said Williamson. “Years ago, I made a personal commitment to help put an end to this devastating disease and to give patients greater hope for finding a cure. Through this strong relationship between MWV, the office products industry and City of Hope, together we can reach new heights and help turn innovative research into promising new treatments for patients.”
Williamson visited City of Hope to learn firsthand about the institution, along with his wife, Gay, and nearly 75 industry colleagues including Wayne Beacham, chairman and chief executive officer of S.P. Richards Co., chair of City of Hope’s National Office Products Industry, and 2005 Spirit of Life honoree; Jay Mutschler, senior vice president of contract at Staples, chair of 2010 Spirit of Life campaign and 2011 Spirit of Life honoree; and former Spirit of Life honorees Jess Beim of Avery Dennison, Sharon Avent of Smead Manufacturing, Steve Embree of OfficeMax and Jamie Fellowes of Fellowes Inc.
“We’re proud to recognize David for his tremendous support for City of Hope and our mission to help accelerate research discoveries into treatments for patients who need them,” said Matt Dodd, senior director of development, City of Hope. “His dedication and support is what helps scientists come closer to a cure.”
Since its inception 26 years ago, City of Hope’s National Office Products Industry has raised more than $70 million for lifesaving research, treatment and education programs. The industry has been instrumental in the development of some of City of Hope’s most significant entities, including its Center for Biomedicine & Genetics, which specializes in the production of materials for use in clinical trials and laboratory studies and aids collaborations between City of Hope and other institutions. To purchase tickets for the Spirit of Life event, contact Matt Dodd at 866-905-HOPE or mdodd@coh.org. Click here for more information about City of Hope’s National Office Products Industry.
About the Honoree
In 1988, Williamson joined MWV and was involved in a number of acquisitions, mergers and new product launches for the Consumer & Office Products Division. Prior to MWV, Williamson held a variety of sales, marketing and general management positions at 3M and was integral in the 1980 launch of Post-It® Notes.
Williamson and his wife are active supporters of United Way, The Hudson, Wisconsin Hospital Foundation, Youth Action Hudson and the University of North Dakota Foundation. In 2003, the UJA Foundation honored Williamson with the Richard Karasik Humanitarian Award. In 2008, he received the Torch of Liberty Award from the Anti-Defamation League. Currently, he is a member of the UND Aerospace Foundation Board and executive board member of City of Hope’s National Office Products Industry Council.