Springs Window Fashions employees (l-r) Jessica Livezey, Ray Berger, John Strimple and Deb Narbor, Committee Chair, organize a community donation every year to local charities.  

MONTGOMERY – Many local charities and organizations have experienced the benevolence of Springs Window Fashions and its employees. At the Montgomery facility, giving back to the community occurs year round, so much so that a committee chaired by Deb Narbor meets monthly for that purpose.

“We are happy to help, it seems needs have increased the past few years due to the economy’s downturn and funding to non-profits,” said Human Resource Manager John Strimple.

Also serving on the charitable committee are Customer Service manager Ray Berger who is in charge of commercial and retail customers, and Jessica Livezey, who ‘trouble shoots’ over the phone answering customers’ questions.

“We have an annual amount for donations set aside for our local area which includes six counties. Most of the requests are for monetary funds, but this year we gave our product to four organizations,” Narbor said.

Those receiving window shades included Setebaid, which is connected to Camp Victory in Millville, the William Cameron Engine Company of Lewisburg, the Clinton Township Fire Hall of Montgomery, and the East Lycoming Historical Society (ELHS), Hughesville.

PHOTO BY CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary East Lycoming Historical Society President, Erma Bower and one of five windows with shades recently donated by Springs Window Fashions.

For the first time the company sent employees to install shades at ELHS. “It was a win – win situation for us. The hands on experience made us understand the process, thus making us more able to answer a customer’s question,” Strimple said.

It was Berger who first measured the ELHS museum windows, and later he and Livezey were part of the installation team. The 1850’s building proved to be a real challenge due to various sized windows and cement walls.

Other organizations receiving monetary gifts from SPRINGS Window Fashions are the United Way, local libraries, school districts, fire companies and community food banks.

Employees too recently opened their wallets supporting the Christmas Dinner at the social hall of the Hughesville Area Fire Company. “To raise funds, we had a ‘dress down week’ with employees donating five dollars each,” Narbor said.

At Montgomery there are currently 250 employees. Manufacturing is being phased out here and moved to other sites within the United States and Mexico. However, according to Strimple, “Employment opportunities here are growing. In 2014 we are looking to fill 30 customer service positions beginning with six to eight weeks of training. Anyone fluent in Spanish or French is especially needed.”

Company headquarters are in Middletown, a suburb of Madison, Wisconsin. Its forerunner was known as Carey McFall, which until 1984 was located in Montoursville.

Having many employees over the decades, many recall the brand name of BALI. Product advancements include insulation qualities referred to as Tri-sulation, honeycomb shades blocking sun and temperatures. Choices in colors have also expanded greatly.

Locals can keep the donations coming by choosing Bali products for their homes. For more information go to www.baliblinds.com or www.windowcoverings.org.