Support for the United Way
Thank you to the 4,800 employees that contributed to the 2009 Xcel Energy United Way campaign!
Our 2009 United Way campaign celebrated how Xcel Energy employees and retirees "Live United" and raised over $2.6 million for 176 United Ways across our service territory. The Xcel Energy Foundation matched these gifts dollar-for-dollar, and contributed in-kind donations and grants for a total contribution of more than $5.2 million of critical community support.
The employees and retirees of Xcel Energy are recognized nationally as leaders in corporate citizenship. In May of 2007, United Way of America recognized Xcel Energy employees and retirees with the Spirit of America award, their highest national honor. We have also been recognized for excellence by regional United Way chapters including United Way of Amarillo/Canyon, which selected Xcel Energy as recipient of their Spirit of the High Plains award for the 2008 campaign. In 2009, Mile High United Way honored Xcel Energy with their Champion of Hope Award, their highest tribute. Congratulations to the employees and retirees that support this important effort.
Xcel Energy is a member of the United Way of America National Corporate Leadership Council.
Spirit of America Award from the United Way of America
United Way of America presented Xcel Energy with the agency’s national accolade- the 20th annual Spirit of America Award to recognize the Company’s commitment to community improvement. Dick Kelly, chairman, president and CEO, accepted the award at the 2007 United Way Staff Leaders Conference in Pittsburgh, PA.
''Xcel Energy exemplifies United Way’s Spirit of America principle of community engagement in every sense, from its efforts to engage young people through its Energy Classroom and Virtual Power Plant Tour initiatives, to its dollar-for-dollar match of employee contributions,'' said Brian Gallagher, president and CEO, United Way of America.
The Spirit of America Award is awarded annually to the company that outshines all others in four areas: corporate community investment, employee community investment, community leadership, and employee community engagement.
''I commend the company and its employees and retirees for their steadfast collaboration with their local United Ways. The leadership and volunteerism demonstrated throughout all aspects of the organization have energized the communities they serve to get involved, make a difference and achieve positive results.'' Gallagher said, adding that Xcel Energy is the first utility ever to receive the Spirit of America Award.
''Winning the Spirit of America Award is a real tribute to our employees and retirees, who are generous givers and enthusiastic volunteers,” Kelly responded. “The nature of our business literally connects us to the communities we serve, so we understand their needs and recognize that everyone benefits when those communities are safe and healthy. We’re fortunate to have strong partners in this effort, including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and, of course, United Way.''
Among Xcel Energy's community efforts have been the donation over the past two decades of more than 25,000 acres of riverfront property for the purpose of developing federal and state parks. Other notable initiatives include the Volunteer PTO and the Dollars for Doing programs.
Spirit of America and Summit Award recipients were evaluated on their strength in promoting, volunteering, investing in, connecting with, advocating for, and partnering within their communities. The Spirit of America Award winner demonstrates superior service within its communities in all areas, according to the United Way.
Related Link
United Way press release: 05/17/07. United Way of America Honors Xcel Energy .
