The United Way of Penobscot Valley board of directors announced Wednesday that the goal for 1990’s campaign is $1,600,000.

Campaign Chairman Dennis W. Haggerty said the goal was set after consideration of the economic climate and employment levels, analysis of agency financial needs, and evaluation of area human care needs.

The United Way of Penobscot Valley campaign has grown substantially in recent years from $1,141,878 in 1985 to $1,558,576 in 1989. This represents an increase of 37 percent since 1985, or about 7 percent a year. This pace consistently has exceeded regional and national United Way growth trends.

Haggerty feels that the $1.6 million goal is challenging and achievable. “We must try to balance the continuing growth in human care needs of our community with what United Way contributors are able to support, a major challenge for all of us.”

The campaign chairman attributed United Way fund-raising successes to the commitment and high caliber of campaign volunteers. He announced the following community volunteers who have assumed a leadership position in the 1990 United Way campaign: corporate divisions are headed by Jane Irving of Bangor Savings Bank, Tim Beaulieu, James River Corp., Dick Roderick, Dead River Co. and Bob Bassett of Fleet Bank.

Elanna Clark, executive director of the Bangor YMCA, is heading the public service division, and Stella Clement is in charge of the University of Maine. Brig. Gen. Nicholas Eremita heads the combined federal campaign, and Leo Loiselle of Loiselle and Beatham will manage the professional division. Dawn Baumer of Summit Communications is in charge of special solicitations.

Haggerty reported that the 1990 United Way campaign was off to an excellent start. The corporate volunteers have made more than 40 percent of their initial contacts and expect to be at 60 percent by week’s end.