April 22, 2005

CASPER, Wyo. — PacifiCorp employees and the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning, the company’s charitable arm, combined to give $1.2 million to employee giving campaigns throughout the electric utility’s six-state service area. PacifiCorp operates as Pacific Power in Wyoming, Oregon, Washington and California; and as Utah Power in Utah and Idaho.

Locally, United Way agencies in Natrona and Converse Counties received a combined contribution of more than $58,000. The United Way of Natrona County received more than $38,000 thanks to donations from Pacific Power employees in Casper and at the Dave Johnston Power Plant, in Glenrock – as well as a match from the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning’s Pacific Power Fund. Employees at the Dave Johnston Plant also combined with the PacifiCorp Foundation to give more than $20,000 to the United Way of Converse County.

“United Way supports a variety of agencies in our communities that are helping to make a difference for people in need,” said Leslie Blythe, Pacific Power regional community manager. “Pacific Power employees have always been very generous in supporting United Way’s efforts, but this past fund-raising drive was particularly successful. The PacifiCorp Foundation matches employee contributions dollar for dollar, so the money we were able to raise was automatically doubled.”

Pacific Power employees at the Dave Johnston Plant pledged 22% more to the United Way of Natrona County’s 2004 giving campaign than they did in 2003.  They also donated almost $3,000 more than they had the previous year to the United Way of Converse County. Gary Slanina, Gary Harris and Brian Beckstead headed the Dave Johnston Plant’s fund-raising drive. 

“It’s nice to know our contributions will be used to help people right here in the communities we live and work in,” said Harris. “Employees at the Dave Johnston Plant donated more than $25,000 to help provide services in both counties. Combined with the matching grant and other employee donations, that money will make a big difference for friends and neighbors who need a little extra help right now.”

Pacific Power employees were recognized for their increased efforts, on December 14, 2004, when the United Way of Natrona County awarded the employees at the Dave Johnston Power Plant with the Don Andrus Traveling Trophy.  The award is presented annually to the company that conducts the most successful fund-raising campaign in Natrona County.  

“Our employees have done an impressive job of stepping up to support the United Way’s efforts to assist the less fortunate,” said Bob Tarantola, Pacific Power vice president. “Many of our neighbors face significant struggles, and our employees understand the need to pitch in and help one another.”

In addition to matching employee’s United Way donations, the PacifiCorp Foundation also recently contributed $20,000 to key Wyoming safety, health and learning programs for children.  The Wyoming Medical Center Foundation, in Casper, was one of six agencies throughout the state to receive a grant; part of one of four cycles of grants awarded by the Foundation annually. Funding will assist with the Center’s SAFE KIDS Day event.

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