Gates Assoc. Makes $2,500 Donation to Library

The Gates Associates held a press conference at their Jefferson facility on Tuesday, Jan. 27, to present a

check for $2,500 to the Ashe County Public Library. The funds were given as part of the fundraising for the library expansion project and will help fund new furniture and equipment, such as computers, for the library.

"We pride ourselves in being a part of the community and, hopefully, an advocate for the community," said Dwayne Howell, Human Resources Manager for Gates in Ashe County. "We want to show our citizenship." He added that while some of the funds were from the corporation, the remainder of the funds were given directly by employees. The Jefferson facility currently employs 270 people and manufactures automotive belts.