Con-way Inc. (NYSE:CNW), parent Con-way Truckload’s parent firm, Con-way Inc. (NYSE:CNW) has stated it is making a $100,000 charitable contribution to support disaster relief efforts in Joplin, which was devastated by one of the most powerful tornados in recorded U.S. history. Joplin is the longtime home base of Con-way Truckload.

The general offices of Con-way Truckload-- which is open for business— “were on the edge of the tornado’s path,” Con-way noted, “and no one in the building at the time the tornado struck was injured.”

“The devastation suffered by Joplin has been unimaginable, yet even today the people of this great city are showing remarkable courage and character as they focus on recovery and rebuilding their community,” said Douglas W. Stotlar, Con-way president & CEO. “We feel this tragedy personally through the impact it has had on the lives and families of our employees. We’re hopeful this contribution will help speed the recovery of the greater Joplin community.”

Stotlar also announced that the company is making a second $100,000 contribution to a separate fund set up solely for Joplin employees of Con-way Truckload who suffered losses from the tornado.

Last week, the company established The Con-way Truckload Employee Tornado Relief Fund, providing a mechanism for Con-way employees across the nation to assist their fellow employees. The monies will be distributed directly to local Joplin Con-way employees affected by the storm.

Some 47 local employees lost their homes completely or found them rendered uninhabitable from damage inflicted by the tornado and its aftermath. To date, Con-way employees have pledged nearly $100,000 in contributions, in addition to donations of household goods and supplies for disaster relief.

“This has been a humbling experience,” said Herbert J. Schmidt, president of Con-way Truckload and a 40-year resident of Joplin. “Our community has suffered through an incredible disaster, yet through the compassion and commitment of many we are finding the road to recovery. This city will rebound and rebuild. I know I speak for all of our employees when I say how proud we are to be part of the Con-way family.”

Con-way Truckload noted it employs nearly 500 at its Joplin headquarters and has some 2,800 truck drivers deployed over-the-road providing truckload freight transportation throughout North America.