Partnership with cab company helps Mesa United Way and the environment

Clean Air Cab is newest of many businesses making commitments to help those in need

During these tight economic times when individual charitable donations are lagging, Mesa United Way is relying more heavily on partnerships with businesses that agree to contribute a portion of their profits. The agency has cultivated dozens of such partnerships, and this month added a new one that will help it advertise while also adding to its bottom line.

Clean Air Cab, which has expanded rapidly to a fleet of 42 environmentally friendly gas-electric hybrid autos after opening in Mesa in October 2009, is having the Mesa United Way logo applied to five of its vehicles. In addition to the free advertising, $1 of every fare carried by these cabs will go to Mesa United Way.

Clean Air Cab owner and founder Steve Lopez, left, and Mesa United Way President Dan Wollam take a spin in one of the company’s vehicles that sports the United Way logo during a recent dedication event at Mesa Country Club.

 “We started this business to appeal to ‘conscience consumers’” Steve Lopez, owner and founder of Clean Air Cab, said. “These are the increasing numbers of consumers who want to help the environment and their community while also getting good value for their money.”

 “We’re delighted with this relationship,” Dan Wollam, president and CEO of Mesa United Way, said. “They came to us and said, ‘We know you’re struggling during these tough times; how can we help?’”

This is the third partnership Clean Air Cab has forged with worthy causes. The company also helps Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Besides contributing monetarily, company personnel also distribute literature to customers about its partner agencies.

Lopez said lower operating costs resulting from its highly efficient fleet of Toyota Prius vehicles enable the company to offer competitive rates to environmentally conscious customers while also sharing its profits with worthy causes like Mesa United Way.

How you can help

To explore partnership opportunities between your business and Mesa United Way, call Linda Haskell, resource development director, at (480) 834-2108.