News2026 Be The Change Partners

For 40 years, VGM has been supporting the communities our employee owners call home. Each year around Valentine’s Day, we announce our Be The Change Partners for the year. In celebration of VGM’s 40th anniversary, this year’s partnerships hold deep meaning to VGM and its history. For 2026, VGM has selected four organizations for our Be The Change Partners, each receiving a $10,000 donation. 

Junior Achievement of Central Iowa  

This organization is dedicated to empowering youth through K-12 programming that focuses on work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. They connect business and school communities through a volunteer network to deliver inspiring educational experiences.  

VGM has a long history with this organization, and all three of VGM’s founders (Van Miller, Jim Walsh, and John Deery Jr.) were inducted into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame for their work in the community. 

North Star Community Services  

A not-for-profit rehabilitative agency providing support services to meet the needs of adults with disabilities, and enable them to live enriched, interactive, and meaningful lives. 

North Star was the first charity golf tournament held by VGM in 1997. Employee owners may recall North Star coming to VGM headquarters for caroling during the holidays! 

Retrieving Freedom 

Their mission is to change lives through the training and placement of service dogs for veterans with disabilities and children with autism.  

Retrieving Freedom has been a favorite partner among employee owners. We love our pets around here and seeing employee owners bringing their dogs to the Pawffice! 

Stable Influence 

Based out of Phoenix, Arizona, this organization provides therapeutic horseback riding and equine-assisted services to youth and adults with physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Their programs focus on improving riders’ balance, coordination, strength, independence, and self-confidence through structured equine activities.  

Our founders were major supporters of the ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding program in the Cedar Valley. We’re continuing the support of this type of work in another community employee owners call home. 

Over the last 40 years, VGM has donated over $3 million to local communities and organizations, with $1.5 million donated over the last 10 years. VGM supports a variety of organizations, including ones that focus on helping veterans, individuals with disabilities, families, and children.

If you'd like to learn more about VGM's Community Giving or would like to inquire about VGM support, please visit our Community Giving page.