Community Involvement Report . 2010 - SNL · ii Integrys Community Involvement Report . 2010 Our...

Community Involvement Report . 2010

real differences

Integrys Community Involvement Report . 2010

Integrys Energy Group (NYSE: TEG) is a leading Midwest energy company focused on providing customers with the best value in energy and related services. We’re headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and have seven energy subsidiaries:

• The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company, a regulated natural gas utility serving the city of Chicago.

• Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, a regulated electric and natural gas utility serving northeastern Wisconsin and an adjacent portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

• Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation, a regulated natural gas utility serving communities throughout Minnesota.

• Michigan Gas Utilities Corporation, a regulated natural gas utility serving lower Michigan.

• North Shore Gas Company, a regulated natural gas utility serving the northern suburbs of Chicago.

• Upper Peninsula Power Company, a regulated electric utility serving a portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

about us

• Integrys Energy Services, Inc., a nonregulated energy supply and services company serving competitive energy markets with traditional and renewable energy solutions.

Our business services subsidiary, Integrys Business Support, provides best-in-class support services for our energy subsidiaries, creating efficiencies and always aiming for operational excellence.

You can learn more about us at www.integrysgroup.com.

Integrys Energy Services

www.integrysgroup.com

iIntegrys Community Involvement Report . 2010

ii Our Values 1 Letter from Our Chairman, President & CEO

3 Real Differences Through Giving

8 Real Stories of Local Organizations & Events 11 Peoples Gas 14 Wisconsin Public Service 17 Michigan Gas Utilities 20 Minnesota Energy Resources 23 North Shore Gas 26 Upper Peninsula Power Company 29 Integrys Energy Services

Contents

About the cover: The Chicago Children’s Choir is a multiracial, multicultural choral music education organization. It shapes the future by making a difference in the lives of children and youth through musical excellence. Peoples Gas is a proud sponsor of the Chicago Children’s Choir.

ii Integrys Community Involvement Report . 2010

Our ValuesIntegrys Energy Group is committed to serving all of our stakeholders in ways that are consistent with our values.

our workplaces and in our communities.

4. Collaboration. We consider a broad spectrum of ideas and opinions before formulating business strategies and goals.

5. Respect for employees. We value unique and high-level skills, abilities and perspectives.

6. Service to customers. We focus on creative solutions

to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations.

7. Value for owners. We seek long-term value for our shareholders through dividend growth and strong return on total capital.

8. Support for communities. We are leaders in our communities and responsible stewards of the environment.

1. Integrity. We are guided by honesty, trust and sincerity in all of our actions.

2. Innovation. We fully support the quest to develop creative and innovative ideas that can lead to improving our ability to serve the needs of our stakeholders.

3. Safety. We are committed to safety at all times and in all places — in our products and services, in

Mary Saunders, Fitter, North Shore Gas.

1Integrys Community Involvement Report . 2010

Integrys Energy Group is able to support a great

number of community-minded organizations through donations by our private, charitable foundation, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation, and in Illinois, through our utilities Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas.

Dollars alone, however, don’t make the real differences our friends and neighbors need.

letter from our chairman, president & ceo

Charles A. Schrock Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer Integrys Energy Group

Dear Investors and Community Partners,

Contributions must be backed by people — volunteers who hear a call for aid and answer it, and dedicated individuals who have found their life’s work within nonprofit organizations.

This report details Integrys’ corporate giving in 2010. But more important to me, it tells stories of people and programs we believe in. We think it’s worth the energy to share the good things our

employee volunteers and partner organizations are doing for others, and the inspiration they bring.

Thank you for reading our report, and for your support of our company and the communities we serve.

Warmest regards,

The communities Integrys companies serve are filled with organizations

that have big hearts and very real needs. We wish we could help them all. But we believe that to have the biggest impact — and make lasting differences happen — we need to focus our giving.

real differences

Photo of WPS Kids Power Run by Cellcom Green Bay Marathon.

2 Integrys Community Involvement Report . 2010


real differences through giving

Giving by Wisconsin Public Service

Foundation, Inc.

Giving by Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas Total

Community & Neighborhood Development $161,890 $122,935 $284,825

Arts & Culture 74,568 90,600 165,168

Education 244,539 307,977 552,516

Environment 63,157 141,500 204,657

Human Services & Health* 490,851 551,936 1,042,787

Total $1,035,005 $1,214,948 $2,249,953

*Includes corporate gifts to United Way agencies.

13%

7%

25%

9%

46%

Community & Neighborhood Development

Arts and Culture

Education

Environment

Human Services & Health

Corporate Giving in 2010


Real Differences Through Giving

Areas of Giving

• Community & Neighborhood Development: We support nonprofit organizations dedicated to economic development, community improvement and community events that everyone can enjoy.

• Arts & Culture: We support projects that promote diversity and make the arts accessible to everyone.

• Education: We support programs that complement our own educational

programs and philosophies, including opportunities for minorities, women and youth. We also provide scholarships for traditional college students and returning adults.

• Environment: We support efforts to protect fish and wildlife habitat, improve water and air quality, sustain forests, and promote energy efficiency, renewable energy and recycling.

These are our current areas of giving.

About Wisconsin Public Service Foundation

customers). Today, the foundation provides funding to programs in multiple states.

In our subsidiaries’ operating areas, contributions are made on behalf of the foundation to charities and organizations needing financial assistance.

Wisconsin Public Service Foundation is a private, charitable foundation supporting certain subsidiaries of Integrys Energy Group. When the foundation first began in 1964, it was funded by shareholders of our subsidiary Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (and not by

• Human Services & Health: We support United Way by making corporate contributions, encouraging giving by our employees and retirees, and providing voluntary leadership. We support programs that serve limited-income, senior and handicapped individuals, and programs emphasizing wellness.



Organizations Supported by Wisconsin Public Service FoundationADOLESCENT PARENTING

AGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER OF BROWN COUNTY

AGRICULTURE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

ALDEN COMMUNITY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL

ALZHEIMERS DISEASE AND RELATED DISORDERS ASSOCIATION

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, INC.

AMERICAN FOLKLORE THEATER, INC.

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION, INC.

AMERICAN LEGION

AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION, INC.

ASHWAUBENON YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB, INC.

ASPIRO, INC.

ASPIRUS WAUSAU HOSPITAL

AUTISM SOCIETY OF NORTHEAST WISCONSIN

BAY AREA HUMANE SOCIETY

BELL TOWER RESIDENCE

BELLIN COLLEGE OF NURSING, INC.

BELLIN FOUNDATION, INC.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

BIRCH CREEK MUSIC PERFORMANCE CENTER, INC.

BOOKWORM GARDENS, INC.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

BRANCH AREA RECREATIONAL ASSOCIATION

BRILLION NATURE CENTER

BROWN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE

BROWN COUNTY CIVIC MUSIC ASSOCIATION, INC.

BROWN COUNTY TENNIS ASSOCIATION, INC.

BROWN COUNTY UNITED WAY

BRUSSELS-UNION EMERGENCY MEDICAL

CALUMET THEATRE COMPANY

CALUMET TOWNSHIP

CAPITOL CITY CENTRE

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

CELLCOM GREEN BAY MARATHON

CENTER FOR ENERGY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

CENTERSTAGE BAND & SHOW CHOIR, INC.

CEREBRAL PALSY, INC.

CHILTON MORRISSEY PARK PROJECT, INC.

CHRISTINE ANN DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICES, INC.

CIVIL AIR PATROL

COMMUNITY CENTER OF HOPE, INC.

COMMUNITY CHANGE

COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY OF MERRILL, INC.

COMMUNITY FOR HOPE OF GREATER OSHKOSH

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL WISCONSIN

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SQUAREUP FUND

COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS, INC.

CONCERNED HEARTS CLUB

COPPER ISLAND X COUNTRY SKI CLUB

CORNERSTONE COMMUNITY ICE CENTER

DE PERE LIONS CLUB

DE PERE YOUTH HOCKEY, INC.

DENMARK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT

DOMESTIC ABUSE SUPPORT CENTER

DOOR COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM CORP.

DOOR COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, INC.

DOOR COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

EASTSHORE HUMANE ASSOCIATION, INC.

ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP FOR HOUSING

EINSTEIN PROJECT, INC.

ENCOMPASS EARLY EDUCATION & CARE, INC.

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY

EXCEPTIONAL EQUESTRIANS CO.

FAMILY SERVICES OF NORTHEAST WI, INC.

FOX VALLEY HUMANE ASSOCITATION

FRANCIS HARDY GALLERY, INC. OF DOOR COUNTY

FREEDOM HOUSE MINISTRIES, INC.

FRIENDS OF PENINSULA STATE PARK

FRIENDS OF RIB MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

FRIENDS OF THE BROWN COUNTY LIBRARY, INC.

FRIENDS OF THE OSHKOSH SENIORS

GIRL SCOUTS OF THE NORTHWESTERN GREAT LAKES, INC.

GOLDEN HOUSE

GOOD NEWS PROJECT

GRAND OPERA HOUSE

GREAT LAKES AEROSPACE SCIENCE AND EDUCATION CENTER

GREATER GREEN BAY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

GREATER GREEN BAY YMCA, INC.

GREEN BAY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GREEN BAY BOTANICAL GARDEN, INC.

GREEN BAY BOY & GIRL CHOIR, INC.

GREEN BAY COMMUNITY THEATER

GREEN BAY METRO GIRLS HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

GREEN BAY PACKER FOUNDATION

GREEN BAY STRIKERS SOCCER CLUB

GREEN BAY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, INC.

GREEN BAY WEST ROTARY CLUB

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

HAND ‘N’ HAND OF NORTHEASTERN WISCONSIN

HAYDENS BATTEN DISEASE FOUNDATION

HODAG SPORTS CLUB

HOLY FAMILY MEMORIAL, INC.

HOPENET, INC.

HOWARD YOUNG FOUNDATION, INC.

ICE AGE PARK & TRAIL FOUNDATION



JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT, INC.

KEWAUNEE COUNTY HOME & COMMUNITY EDUCATION

KEWAUNEE COUNTY YOUTH SOCCER

KINGDOM COME

LAKESHORE CHORALE, INC.

LAKESHORE INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK

LEIGH YAWKEE WOODSON ART MUSEUM

LIBERTAS TREATMENT CENTER FOR COMBATING ADDICTION

LITERACY GREEN BAY, INC.

LUXEMBURG CASCO AREA SCHOLARSHIPS, INC.

MANITOWOC TWO RIVERS AREA CHAMBER FOUNDATION

MARATHON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

MARATHON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY, INC.

MARCH OF DIMES

MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS FOUNDATION

MARINETTE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MARINETTE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC.

MERRILL AREA CONCERT ASSOCIATION

MERRILL AREA UNITED WAY, INC.

MEYER THEATER CORP.

MIRACLE LEAGUE OF GREEN BAY

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSN, INC.

NATIONAL RAILROAD MUSEUM, INC.

NATIVE AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

NATURAL RESOURCES FOUNDATION

NEIGHBOR WORKS

NEIGHBORS PLACE, INC.

NEVILLE PUBLIC MUSEUM

NEW COMMUNITY SHELTER, INC.

NEW CURATIVE REHABILITATION, INC.

NEW HOPE CENTER, INC.

NEW NORTH, INC.

NEW PARAMEDIC RESCUE, INC.

NEW ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY, INC.

NORTHEAST WISCONSIN BEAT THE HEAT CORP.

NORTHERN DOOR CHILD CARE PROJECT, INC.

NORTHLAND LUTHERAN SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, INC.

NORTHWOODS ALLIANCE FOR TEMPORARY HOUSING

NORTHWOODS UNITED WAY, INC.

NWTC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

OCONTO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL CITIZENS FOUNDATION, INC.

OPERATION BOOTSTRAP, INC.

OSHKOSH AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

OSHKOSH AREA HUMANE SOCIETY, INC.

OSHKOSH AREA UNITED WAY, INC.

OSHKOSH COMMUNITY YMCA

OSHKOSH OPERA HOUSE

PAINE ART CENTER & GARDENS

PARTNERS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, INC.

PAULS PANTRY, INC.

PENINSULA PLAYERS THEATRE

PETERS PANTRY, INC.

PHOENIX BOOSTERS, INC.

RAINBOW HOUSE DOMESTIC ABUSE

RAPTOR EDUCATION GROUP, INC.

REBUILDING TOGETHER

RHINELANDER AREA FOOD PANTRY

RIBBON OF HOPE FOUNDATION

RIO CREEK AVIATION FOUNDATION, INC.

RIVERSIDE MEDICAL CENTER

ROGERS STREET FISHING VILLAGE

SALVATION ARMY

SERVICE LEAGUE OF GREEN BAY, INC.

SHAMA, INC.

SHAWANO COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY

SHEBOYGAN & PLYMOUTH AREA UNITED WAY

SHEBOYGAN COUNTY CHAMBER FOUNDATION, INC.

SHEBOYGAN COUNTY YMCA

SIMPLY LIVING

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST HOMELESS SHELTER

ST MARYS HOSPITAL FOUNDATION, INC.

ST MARYS HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER

ST VINCENT HOSPITAL

STEPHENSON PUBLIC LIBRARY

SUNSHINE HOUSE, INC.

TC FOR KIDS MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

THE CLEARING

THE DUDLEY BIRDER CHORALE

THE JOSEPH METTNER FOUNDATION

TOWN LINE 4-H CLUB

TREES FOR TOMORROW, INC.

TRI CITY AREA UNITED WAY

TWIN COUNTIES FREE CLINIC

TWO RIVERS ECUMENICAL PANTRY

TWO RIVERS PARKS & RECREATION DEPT.

UNITED FUND OF CHILTON, INC.

UNITED FUND OF KEWAUNEE COUNTY

UNITED WAY OF ALLEGAN COUNTY

UNITED WAY OF BROWN COUNTY

UNITED WAY OF DOOR COUNTY, INC.

UNITED WAY OF LANGLADE COUNTY, INC.

UNITED WAY OF MANITOWOC COUNTY, INC.

UNITED WAY OF MARATHON COUNTY, INC.

UNITED WAY OF PORTAGE COUNTY, INC.

UNITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

VALLEY FIGURE SKATING CLUB

VOLUNTEER CENTER OF BROWN COUNTY

WAUSAU AREA PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION

WAUSAU KAYAK & CANOE CORP.

WAUSAU PERFORMING ART FOUNDATION

WAUSAU SCORE 0447

WEILL CENTER FOUNDATION, INC.

WHITE PINE COMMUNITY BROADCASTING, INC.

WINNEBAGO COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS

WISCONSIN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION

WISCONSIN DEPT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

WISCONSIN LIONS FOUNDATION

WISCONSIN PUBLIC TELEVISION

WISCONSIN TROUT UNLIMITED

WMC FOUNDATION

WOLF RIVER HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, INC.

WOODLAND DUNES NATURE CENTER, INC.

YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION

YWCA GREEN BAY – DE PERE

Organizations Supported by Wisconsin Public Service Foundation in 2010 (continued)



ACCESS COMMUNITY HEALTH NETWORKACCESS LIVING ADA S. MCKINLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES AMERICAN GAS ASSOCIATION FOUNDATIONBARREL OF MONKEYS BETWEEN FRIENDS BICKERDIKE REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONBIG SHOULDERS FUND/ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATRE CAROLE ROBERTSON CENTER CASA - COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATECASA CENTRAL CENTER ON HALSTED CENTRO DE SALUD ESPERANZA CHICAGO CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTERCHICAGO CHILDREN’S CHOIRCHICAGO COMMONS CHICAGO CULTURAL ALLIANCECHICAGO FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATIONCHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM CHICAGO HOUSE CHICAGO HUMAN RHYTHM PROJECTCHICAGO METRO HISTORY EDUCATION CENTER CHICAGO POLICE MEMORIAL FOUNDATIONCHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATIONCHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENT SCIENCE FAIR, INC.CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER CHICAGO SINFONIETTACHICAGO WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTERCHICAGO YOUTH PROGRAMS, INCCHILDREN FIRST FUND CHINESE AMERICAN SERVICE LEAGUE, INC.CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERCHRISTOPHER HOUSECIRCLE FAMILY HEALTHCARE NETWORKCLARETIAN ASSOCIATES COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF CHICAGO COMMUNITY HEALTHCONNECTIONS FOR ABUSED WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN DONORS FORUM

Organizations Supported by Peoples Gas & North Shore GasELDERCARE@CHRISTCHURCH EL VALOR EMERGENCY FUND ERIE FAMILY HEALTH CENTER ERIE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSEEXECUTIVE SERVICE CORPS OF CHICAGOFACING HISTORY AND OURSELVESFAMILY FOCUSFAMILY SERVICEFRANCISCAN OUTREACH ASSOCIATIONFRIENDS OF RYERSON WOODS FRIENDS OF THE CHICAGO RIVER FRIENDS OF THE PARKS GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY ALLIANCEGIRLS IN THE GAME GOODMAN THEATRE/CHICAGO THEATRE GROUPGREATER NORTHWEST CHICAGO DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONHOUSING OPPORTUNITIES AND MAINTENANCE FOR THE ELDERLY H.O.M.E.I.C.STARSIN SEARCH OF GENIUS INDO-AMERICAN CENTER INSPIRATION CORPORATIONINTERFAITH HOUSE JAPANESE AMERICAN SERVICE CENTERJOFFREY BALLET KOREAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SERVICESLAKE FOREST OPEN LANDS LAKEVIEW PANTRY LAMBS FARM LOCAL INITIATIVES SUPPORT CORP. (L.I.S.C.)LUCHA - LATIN UNITED COMMUNITY HOUSING ASSOCIATION LUNA NEGRA DANCE THEATER MERCY HOUSING METROPOLITAN PLANNING COUNCILMOTHERS TRUST FOUNDATION MUJERES LATINAS EN ACCIONMUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRYNATIONAL ABLE NETWORK, INC. NATIONAL LOUIS UNIVERSITY NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ARTNEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES OF CHICAGO, INC. NEW MOMS, INC.

NEWBERRY LIBRARY NORTH CHICAGO COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICTONWARD NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE OPENLANDS PARKWAYS FOUNDATION PODER LEARNING CENTER POLICE CHAPLAINS MINISTRY FUNDPOLISH AMERICAN ASSOCIATION PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE CHICAGOPRESERVATION FOUNDATION OF LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES PROJECT EXPLORATION RAVINIA FESTIVAL READING IN MOTION READING POWERREBUILDING TOGETHER * METRO CHICAGOREDMOON THEATRE RESIDENTS FOR EFFECTIVE SHELTER TRANSITIONRIVER NORTH CHICAGO DANCE COMPANYSAN JOSE OBERO MISSION SARAH’S CIRCLE SCHOLARSHIP CHICAGO SEVEN GENERATIONS AHEAD SISTER HOUSE STREET LEVEL YOUTH MEDIA SUNLIGHT AFRICAN COMMUNITY CENTERTARGET HOPE, INC.THE CARA PROGRAM THE ENTERPRISING KITCHEN THE HISTORY MAKERS THE NIGHT MINISTRY THE RENAISSANCE COLLABORATIVE, INCTHE RESURRECTION PROJECT THRESHOLDS TIMELINE THEATRE COMPANY TUESDAY’S CHILD UNITED WAY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTYUNITED WAY OF LAKE COUNTYUNITED WAY OF METROPOLITAN CHICAGOURBAN GATEWAYSWOMEN’S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERWORKING IN THE SCHOOLS – WITSYWCA OF METROPOLITAN CHICAGO

Integrys companies, our employees and our partner organizations are making real differences for our communities. These

contributions of time, an extra set of hands, ideas and caring aren’t required of anyone. They’re simply the result of values Integrys shares with so many others — values including respect, collaboration, service, integrity.

Here are just some of the stories of the real differences we were a part of in 2010.

real stories2010

The Wisconsin Public Service Solar Olympics is an annual, one-day renewable energy event for participating SolarWise® schools within the utility’s service area. Pictured here is the solar sculpture event at the Solar Olympics.



Giving a True Gift of Self

Real Stories

The American Red Cross helps people in emergencies every day. Whether that means a half a million disaster victims or one sick child who needs blood, that vital work is made possible by volunteers and donors.

Across Integrys’ companies, we try to make donating blood as easy as possible for our employees. Numerous

people are involved — from employees who coordinate the arrival of bloodmobiles or the setup of donor rooms on site, to retirees who volunteer to register donors and give them snacks, to the employees who spend a half hour of their day making a life-saving donation.

Of special note in 2010 were our employee donors

at Michigan Gas Utilities in Monroe, Michigan, who nearly doubled the units typically donated at that location. In Green Bay, Wisconsin, one employee reached a lifetime donation of 52 gallons!

For more information about the American Red Cross, visit www.redcross.org.

www.redcross.org


Real Stories

Running Healthy

Local runs and marathons are popular across the communities Integrys companies serve. In a spirit of community and well being, many of our employees hit the pavement and aim for the finish line, along with friends and neighbors. Some are first-time runners, inspired by a cause or co-worker, some are old pros, and others find even a brisk walk helps them be a real part of something bigger than themselves.

Here are some of the runs where Integrys employees could be found in full stride in 2010:

WPS Kids’ RunSponsored by our subsidiary Wisconsin Public Servce, a run for kids and their families in conjunction with the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon. Date: May 15, 2010 Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI Distance: 1K www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.

com/race-info/events/wps-kids-run

Cellcom Green Bay MarathonDate: May 26, 2010 Location: Green Bay, WI Distance: 26.2 miles www.cellcomgreenbay

marathon.com

J.P. Morgan Chase Corporate ChallengeThe largest Corporate Challenge race in the U.S., raising funds for nonprofit organizations. Date: May 27, 2010 Location: Grant Park, Chicago, IL Distance: 3.5 miles www.jpmorganchasecc.com

Bellin RunMore than 100 Integrys runners out of approximately 10,000 runners! Date: June 12, 2010 Location: Green Bay, WI Distance: 10K www.bellinrun.com

Buffalo Chase Corporate ChallengeDate: June 10, 2010 Location: Delaware Park, Buffalo, NY Distance: 3.5 miles www.jpmorganchasecc.com

Integrys and Peoples Gas employees turned out for the 3.5-mile J.P. Morgan Chase Coporate Challenge in Chicago’s Grant Park in May.

www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com/race-info/events/wps-kids-run

www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com/race-info/events/wps-kids-run

www.cellcomgreenbay marathon.com

www.cellcomgreenbay marathon.com

www.jpmorganchasecc.com

www.bellinrun.com

www.jpmorganchasecc.com

peoples gas

Team H.E.A.T. volunteers from Peoples Gas help weatherize homes for elderly and low-income residents.



Creating a Gathering Place at Lincoln Park Zoo

Real Stories

Lincoln Park Zoo, a major fixture and historic site in the city of Chicago, embarked on a major task to improve its South Pond area in summer 2010. The redevelopment included a healthy new ecosystem to support the insects, birds, amphibians and small mammals that already used the pond and to attract numerous other species back to the area. A

newly constructed Nature Boardwalk now rings the entire pond, providing full access to visitors for the first time and demonstrating how animals, plants and people can interact.

Peoples Gas stands by the Lincoln Park Zoo’s mission and commitment to the environment. In doing so, the company supported the

construction and operation of the Peoples Gas Education Pavilion in the South Pond area. Designed and built by Studio Gang, the Peoples Gas Education Pavilion is a learning center for children.

For more information on the Lincoln Park Zoo, please visit www.lpzoo.org.

www.lpzoo.org


Making Connections for Abused Women and Their Children

Real Stories

Ending domestic violence — that’s the commitment of Connections for Abused Women and Their Children. This vital organization provides shelter for women and children, counseling, advocacy, and a 24-hour hotline for reporting domestic violence.

Peoples Gas is proud to support an organization focused on ending such a serious issue as domestic violence, which leaves so

many community members vulnerable. We hope to help them rebuild their lives, feel safe, and gain confidence and hope again.

With only 158 shelter beds dedicated to women and children who are victims of domestic violence in the city of Chicago, support from Peoples Gas specifically goes toward maintaining and enhancing the Greenhouse Shelter, a safe refuge and provider of comprehensive

services for these women and their children.

The Greenhouse Shelter is one of only two domestic violence shelters in Chicago that accepts mothers with teenage boys up to the age of 18 years.

For more information about Connections for Abused Women and Their Children, visit www.cawc.org.

www.cawc.org

wisconsin public service

Louie the Lighting Bug (center) and Barb Nick (right), senior vice president of energy delivery & customer service for Wisconsin Public Service, participate annually in the local Cerebral Palsy Telethon.



Teaching Future Einsteins

Real Stories

Wisconsin Public Service is partnering with innovative, energetic teachers to bring hands-on science to K-8 children. Through grants, the utility helps up to two teachers per school bring The Einstein Project’s Electric Circuits unit to third-, fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms. The grants pay tuition for the teachers to attend special training in how

to teach an engaging science unit. Then, for six to eight weeks, their students benefit by learning skills in critical thinking and problem solving.

The one-year grant has a value of up to $300 per teacher, which can be renewed for half that amount the following year. It’s for use in schools that haven’t used The Einstein

Project’s Electric Circuits unit before. The hope is that after two years, the school will pay for the circuitry program itself — and the energy will be carried on.

For more information about The Einstein Project, visit www.einsteinproject.org.

Photo used by permission of The Einstein Project

www.einsteinproject.org


and analyzes how much energy an appliance or piece of equipment uses. It helps energy users understand their energy use — including which appliances are the biggest energy users, and how much energy is used when appliances are on standby. With real energy information, households can make better energy choices.

Finding Watts Up at Local Libraries

How much power is that game system or extra refrigerator really using, and how much does it cost you every month? In 2010, Wisconsin Public Service teamed up with local libraries to help homeowners find out by offering Watts-Up Meters for checkout.

A Watts-Up Meter is a handheld device that reads

Real Stories

“This partnership benefits everyone,” said Jenny Short, a community relations leader with Wisconsin Public Service. “The libraries have a unique offering. Energy consumers have free access to good information. And we have an outlet for helping customers become more energy efficient.”

michigan gas utilities

Photo used by permission of the Curious Kids Museum, St. Joseph, Michigan



Real Stories

Riding Lessons That Are So Much More

At Stepping Stones Therapeutic Riding, in Monroe, Michigan, horses and horseback riding make real connections with children and adults who have physical, mental or emotional disabilities.

Volunteers at Stepping Stones — including Michigan Gas Utilities’ own P.J. Livernois, manager of external affairs — help teach riding skills. But it’s really about more than that.

The therapeutic benefits for riders include better balance, coordination and muscle tone. The benefits for everyone involved are the broad smiles on the faces of the riders.

P.J., who volunteers as a Kiwanis Club member, said, “When you work to make a difference in the lives of children, it can be very rewarding — and we have that opportunity every day. I’m glad to say that Kiwanis

is just one service club in which Michigan Gas Utilities employees participate. We are proud to help such a worthy organization as Stepping Stones.”

As a company, Michigan Gas Utilities contributed to Stepping Stones’ annual benefit auction and dinner, raising money to help maintain programs and facilities.

Photo used by permission of Stepping Stones Therapeutic Riding.


Bringing the Arts and Guests to Allegan County, Michigan

The Saugatuck Center for the Arts, in Allegan County, Michigan, has been working for seven years to transform a community eyesore into a community asset. And the effort is really paying off. A 32,000-square-foot abandoned pie factory now houses a flexible classroom space, an art studio, an acoustically engineered performance studio, an exhibition hall, a 400-seat theater, dressing rooms and

production areas, and a newly renovated lobby.

With a staff of four, nearly 150 volunteers and an in-house theater company, opportunities for high-quality arts experiences are growing in this lakeshore community.

And the Saugatuck Center for the Arts has become an economic engine for this economically challenged area. Year-round, guests who come

to the center for events also stay for a while, eating at area restaurants and shopping in local establishments.

Michigan Gas Utilities granted funding to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts because of the community energy it creates.

For more information about the center, visit www.sc4a.org/home.php.

Photo used by permission of the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.

Real Stories

www.sc4a.org/home.php

www.sc4a.org/home.php

minnesota energy resources

John Hines (left), radio personality with WCCO in Minneapolis, and Ann Carlon (right), senior external affairs manager with Minnesota Energy Resources, at the Minnesota State Fair.



Real Stories

Making a Real Difference for Firefighters

To make a difference and help the Park Rapids Fire Department respond to calls, Minnesota Energy Resources donated money for a combustible gas indicator (CGI) and calibration unit. A CGI detects and measures combustible gases and vapors in the air, and the calibration unit keeps the indicator working accurately.

Park Rapids’ 26-member volunteer fire department serves the north-central Minnesota city of Park Rapids and several surrounding townships. Since Minnesota laws went into effect in 2007 and 2008 requiring all homes to have carbon monoxide

(CO) detectors, the department has seen an increase in calls. CO detectors alert homeowners to the presence of the colorless, odorless, poisonous gas.

Local fire departments that respond to CO calls use a CGI to determine air quality in a home and pinpoint where any detected gas is coming from. But for a volunteer fire department, coming up with the funds to purchase this equipment can be difficult. That’s why Minnesota Energy Resources service technician and Park Rapids Fire Department safety officer Pat Mikesh requested the funding.

“This equipment provides peace of mind for homeowners and the fire department,” he said. “If the unit says there is no CO in the home, we can walk away confident that there is no CO and we won’t be reading in the newspaper the next day about something terrible happening at that home.”

Mikesh said the department acquired the CGI in early 2010 and has already used it more than 20 times.

Members of the Park Rapids Fire Department include (front row) Randy McFarren, Virg Eskola and Kyle Little, and (back row) Larry Kruft, Ritchie Ness, Minnesota Energy Resources’ Pat Mikesh, Jim Wright, Fire Chief Donn Hoffman, Todd Sandquist and Logan Hanish.


Starring Energy Efficiency in a Leading RoleMinnesota Energy Resources was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with a 2010 ENERGY STAR Leadership in Housing Award. This award recognizes the utilitys’ efforts to make a real difference by promoting energy-efficient construction and environmental protection through an ENERGY STAR for New Homes program in its service area.

To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict EPA guidelines for energy efficiency. These homes are at least 15% more energy-efficient than homes built to local code, and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20% to 30% more efficient than standard homes. The EPA introduced the ENERGY STAR program in 1992 as a voluntary partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. More than 17,000 organizations are ENERGY

Real Stories

STAR partners, committed to improving energy efficiency.

ENERGY STAR-qualified homes offer homebuyers all the features they want in a new home, plus energy-saving features such as effective insulation, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts, properly-sized and installed efficient heating and cooling equipment, efficient products, and third-party verification. More than 1 million ENERGY STAR homes have been built in the U.S. since the program began in 1995. Families living in ENERGY STAR-qualified homes will save more than $270 million this year on their utility bills, while avoiding

greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 370,000 vehicles.

“EPA is privileged to work with a diverse group of utilities, state programs and home builder associations who support ENERGY STAR- Qualified Homes,” said Sam Rashkin, national director of ENERGY STAR for Homes. “Thanks to the leadership of these sponsors, home buyers across the country have greater access to ENERGY STAR-Qualified Homes that cost less to own while improving comfort, indoor air quality, durability, and our environment.”

north shore gas

Mark Ehmen (left), general supervisor of operations for North Shore Gas, and his daughter were part of Team H.E.A.T. in October, weatherizing homes for elderly and low-income residents.



Taking ElderCARE

ElderCARE is a community outreach program in northern Lake County, Illinois. It’s committed to caring for homebound elders, age 65 and above, who have limited financial resources. The organization provides a range of free and low-cost community services, helping to reduce isolation, promote independence and offer encouragement and hope.

Real Stories

Trained, caring volunteers provide a friendly face during visits, go grocery shopping to help elders shop for sufficient nutritious food of their own choosing and escort elders on trips to medical appointments to ensure they have access to appropriate medical follow-up.

Support from North Shore Gas enables this organization to

continue helping older adults remain healthy, independent and living in their real homes for as long as possible.

For more information about ElderCARE, visit www.christchurchwaukegan.com/eldercare.html.

Photo used by permission of ElderCARE.

www.christchurchwaukegan.com/eldercare.html




Reading Power

of reading and writing. The organization believes that giving these children the academic attention they need at the earliest opportunity will maximize the impact of the help provided and can drastically change the path of their lives.

North Shore Gas proudly supports Reading Power, a literacy tutoring program serving elementary-school children in North Chicago who haven’t achieved the reading level for their age. Reading Power’s goal is to accelerate their literacy learning and develop in them a real love

Real Stories

In addition to providing tutoring, Reading Power advocates for its students, distributes books for children to own, keeps in contact with parents and works closely with school officials.

For more information about Reading Power, visit www.readingpowerinc.com.

www.readingpowerinc.com

www.readingpowerinc.com

upper pennisula power company

Scott Roehl (right), customer service coordinator for Upper Peninsula Power Company, took part in the company’s annual sale of wood duck houses. The sale is in partnership with Ducks Unlimited and also promotes Ducks Unlimited Greenwing memberships for kids.



Real Stories

Forging the Iron Ore Heritage Trail

When completed, the Iron Ore Heritage Trail — a 48-mile, multi-use, year-round trail — will stretch through much of the area Upper Peninsula Power Company serves in Upper Michigan. In support of the trail and its benefit to the area, the electric utility made a three-year financial commitment to its completion. In 2008 and 2009, donations of $5,000 were made each year to get the project started. A third and final gift of $2,000 was made in 2010.

The Iron Ore Heritage Trail will be a permanent trail system

across Marquette County. In many areas there will be dual trails: one for use by motorized vehicles and one for non-motorized vehicles. Along the way, hikers, bikers, trail runners, inline skaters, equestrians, nature lovers, bird watchers, historians, ATV riders and snowmobilers will find connections to the area’s iron mining heritage. The trail will take them through areas of the Marquette Iron Range, from places where iron mines were located to facilities that once shipped ore to steel mills.

Signs, brochures, artwork, websites, iPod downloads and

other methods will tell the story of the immigrants who mined the ore.

The Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority will manage and maintain the trail system. It estimates that the dream of a 48-mile trail will become a full reality in five years as additional funding is secured. Five miles of paved trail, connecting Ishpeming to Negaunee, is already enjoyed by users.

For more information about the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, visit www.ironoreheritage.com.

www.ironoreheritage.com


Real Stories

Learning on Real EquipmentLike any business, UPPCO sometimes has equipment it no longer needs. Rather than selling it for scrap, the utility recently gave new life to some old equipment and made a real difference in the education of college students — by donating it to Northern Michigan University (NMU) in Marquette.

The donation was essentially a mock substation, including a single-phase transformer, circuit breaker, voltage regulators, recloser and bus connections, along with some additional hardware and substation structural components. The estimated market value is about $35,000.

Mike Rudisill, NMU Engineering Technology department head, said this mock substation provides a hands-on laboratory for students going though NMU’s power technology program, which is relatively new to the school.

In 2011, eight students will receive an associate degree

in electrical technology with a concentration in power technology. An additional 14 students are in their first year of this two-year program, which was launched in fall 2009.

The power technology program was developed because members of the electric power industry saw a growing need for graduates to fill critical positions building and maintaining today’s power grid and moving the country to the smart grid that will be required for the future. Bill Nelson, manager of substation operations for UPPCO, said the donated equipment helps prepare students for those jobs.

“The de-energized substation is basically a model,”

Nelson said. “But it will give students a feel for how it is physically assembled, how it all interconnects. They will be able to run tests on it and perform maintenance.”

Rudisill said he has been contacted not only by local utilities, but also by people from outside the area wanting to hire graduates from the power technology program.

“There is also a Department of Energy Grant to support the program, which means scholarships are available, too,” he added.

For more information about Northern Michigan University and its programs, visit www.nmu.edu.

www.nmu.edu

integrys energy services



Real Stories

Moving GED Students to the Real World

The Green Bay Area Public Schools’ GED Option 2 Program centers on 12th-grade students who don’t’ have enough credits to graduate with their classmates. It prepares them to pass GED (general equivalency diploma) tests in math, reading, writing, social studies and science. The program bypasses the traditional idea of earning credits and allows the students to demonstrate their competency through testing and other measures.

One requirement is that each student creates a portfolio of projects related to the world

of work. And one part of that is preparing for real-world job interviews.

Employees from Integrys Energy Services volunteered to interview the students. Sometimes it was the student’s first interview experience; for others, feedback from our volunteers helped them improve their interviewing skills.

Nancy Beduhn, instructor for the GED Option 2 program at Green Bay West High School, said she appreciated “a very critical life-skill training opportunity for students who really need it.”

Laurie Douglas, a senior operational excellence process analyst at Integrys Energy Services, coordinated the volunteer schedule. She said, “I think everyone who participated felt good about the experience, knowing they had an impact on some young adults who really need some positive adult guidance.”

For more information about the GED Option 2 program from the Wisconsin Department of Instruction, visit http://dpi.state.wi.us/alternativeed/pdf/gedo2faq.pdf.

http://dpi.state.wi.us/alternativeed/pdf/gedo2faq.pdf



If you have questions about Integrys Energy Group and its activities in

our communities, please e-mail us at [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]

Printed on paper that contains 30% recycled post-consumer fiber.

integrysgroup.com

Integrys Energy Group130 East Randolph StreetChicago, IL 60601

Supporting Our Communities – It’s Worth the Energy.

Community Involvement Report . 2010

real differences

www.integrysgroup.com

Community Involvement Report . 2010 - SNL · ii Integrys Community Involvement Report . 2010 Our...

Documents

Transcript of Community Involvement Report . 2010 - SNL · ii Integrys Community Involvement Report . 2010 Our...