The VGM Group
Updated 8:43 PM CDT, Wed October 25, 2023
Published Under: Community Recognition VGM News
VGM Group, Inc. and the Van G. Miller Family Charitable Foundation are excited to announce the city of Waterloo is renaming a portion of San Marnan Drive in honor of Van G. Miller. Effective Sept. 1, 2023, W. San Marnan Dr. between Ansborough Ave. and W. 4th St. will become Van Miller Way.
Miller, who passed away in 2015, founded VGM in 1986 with the help of James E. Walsh Jr. and John Deery Jr. He was well-known for his commitment to the Waterloo community and generous support of local causes. That commitment and support continue to this day through the organizations that bear his name.
VGM Group regularly attends and sponsors local events and donates to dozens of area organizations. Over the past 10 years, VGM Group has donated more than $1 million in total. Additionally, the Van G. Miller Family Charitable Foundation has donated more than $5.4 million to the community since 2016. Most recently, this took the form of a $1.5 million gift to the city of Waterloo to aid in forthcoming improvements to two area parks.
The Make a Splash project aims to transform Gates and Byrnes Parks, providing “beautiful spaces to gather, play, and make great memories.” The project includes a multi-faceted renovation of Gates Park, featuring a performance area, basketball courts, and spray park, as well as an inclusive playground. Byrnes Park will feature a new aquatic center, with a four-lane, 25-yard lap pool; slide tower; and expanded zero-depth entry pool with spray features.
“Van was a firm believer in the power of community to transform people’s lives,” said Mike Mallaro, who serves as CEO of VGM Group and on the grant committee of the Van G. Miller Family Charitable Foundation. “We’re honored to carry on his vision and be part of a project that will mean so much to so many people. We’re proud to call Waterloo home and thankful to the city for recognizing Van and his contributions to our great community.”
VGM Group will honor Van G. Miller and celebrate the new street name with a special Founders’ Day event on Thursday, Aug. 31, at its headquarters.
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