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By Lynette Murphy

It’s common for service industry employers today to see large turnover in employees. Some owners of fast food restaurants and related lower-paying fields say keeping an employee for even three months would be a relief.

Help is on the way.

Created in response to business owners who want to reward their best employees, retain loyal employees and recruit new employees, the Endowment Association’s Added Incentive program provides benefits for both employers and employees — and supports higher education at the same time.

"Employers pay more each year training new employees than they would funding a scholarship, keeping in mind the tax break they receive," says Susan Lee, the development director who spearheaded the program. "By working with the WSU Endowment Association, business owners decide what’s right for their business through the Added Incentive program."

Participating companies make a tax-deductible contribution to the Endowment Association to set up one or more current or endowed (long-term) scholarships. Company officials decide how to disperse the money to employees and/or their families.

Ken Hertel, owner of Barn’rds Roast Beef Restaurant, says he sees first-hand the struggles of young people trying to complete college.

"I joined the program because I wanted to help people who really needed the money and keep employees longer, even if it’s just for another year or two," he says. "It feels good to help these kids who are helping themselves."

Star Lumber and Supply Co. and Metal Fab Inc. are two other companies participating in the new program.

"The results of this program are smart, happy, productive, long-term employees; a stable, consistent employee base; a tax break for your donation and satisfaction knowing you are helping employees and assisting your hometown university," says Lee.

For more information about Added Incentive, contact Lee at ext. 3837 or lee@twsuvm.uc.twsu.edu.