United Way of the Pine Belt Region hosted its annual meeting on Thursday, Feb. 17, at the YMCA in Laurel. Dixie Electric selected employees who donated to the campaign the past year to participate and attend the annual meeting.

                At the meeting, the United Way announced that $472,922 was raised for the community so far, reaching 75 percent of the campaign goal. This money will help fund 21 agencies. Dixie Electric was recognized as a Pacesetter company, with Laurel donating $14,804.96 to benefit Laurel and Waynesboro and Petal donating $2,036.04 benefiting Petal through the United Way of Southeast Mississippi.

                Dixie Electric also received an Over the Top award for its contribution to the Prancer Path. Randy Smith received recognition for his 11 years of service, and Pollyanna Magee received recognition for her 21 years of service. Pollyanna was also honored as Volunteer of the Year.