United Way of Central Iowa has named ITA Group the recipient of the organization’s 2015 Spirit of Central Iowa Award.

The award is presented annually to one organization for excellence in all three categories embodying United Way’s core mission — give, advocate and volunteer. ITA Group was selected by a panel of volunteer judges, who commented on its companywide commitment to philanthropy, advocacy and volunteer service as core business principles.

Among achievements leading to the award was the company’s $205,000 contribution to the most recent United Way annual campaign, a 25 percent increase from the previous year. The company also saw a 22 percent increase in the number of donors along with a 51 percent increase in leadership-level giving and a total of 86 percent employee participation.

In addition to ITA Group’s recognition, two individuals received awards:

Advocate Award: Norene Mostkoff, president and CEO, HCI Care Services and Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa.

Volunteer Award: Steve Whitty, vice president of marketing at Principal Financial Group Inc.

Finally, eight central Iowa organizations were honored with Live United recognitions in three different categories:

Give

Fewer than 200 Employees: IMT Group

200-799 Employees: LCS

800+ Employees: CDS Global

Advocate

Fewer than 200 Employees: Delta Dental of Iowa

800+ Employees: DuPont Pioneer

Volunteer

Fewer than 200 Employees: Beckley Automotive Services

200-799 Employees: Drake University

800+ Employees: Nationwide