President Clinton's summit on volunteerism this week in Philadelphia is focusing the nation's attention on community service, an ideal long supported by Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. and its employees
"PP&L encourages employees to get involved in the community and to make a difference in the lives of children — two themes being addressed repeatedly in the president's summit," said Luis A. Ramos, PP&L manager of Community Affairs.
More than 1,000 employees from across PP&L's 29-county service area in eastern and central Pennsylvania are engaged in volunteer activities, Ramos noted. They serve nearly 150,000 hours a year in community activities ranging from civic organizations to youth groups to cultural activities and the arts.
The company coordinates employee volunteerism activities through its Community of Volunteers program, which provides corporate support for employee initiatives to get involved in projects that build stronger communities.
PP&L has a special interest in education. Five years ago it established the PP&L 2000 program, a partnership with several school districts in the company's service area to improve the quality of education for our children.
PP&L employees go into schools. They spend time with children as tutors, mentors and pen pals, helping them with learning issues and life issues.
"When a company and its employees are involved in the community, the payoffs are positive and practical," Ramos said. "The end result is a healthier company and a healthier community."
While the president's Philadelphia summit is the first national program of its kind, PP&L will be holding its fifth annual volunteer conference Wednesday (4/30) at the Pocono Manor Inn.
About 250 PP&L employees who volunteer their time in the community have been invited, as well as guests from partnership schools and nonprofit agencies that benefit from the work done by PP&L volunteers.
"We have the conference to thank PP&L employees for their willingness to get involved in the community, and to energize them so they remain involved," Ramos explained.
"Our conference theme is 'Touch the Sky,' and with the national attention being focused on volunteerism this week, we have an even stronger message to motivate people and expand interest in volunteerism among PP&L employees," he added.
Speakers at the conference include Bill Hecht, chairman, president and chief executive officer of PP&L; Karen Fleisher, executive director of the governor's PennSERVE program; Ed Castor, employee excellence development with General Motors' Delco Remy Division; Peter Carpino, president of the Greater Lehigh Valley United Way; Deborah Fries, executive director of the Girls' Club of Allentown; and John Kauffman, retired chairman, president and chief executive officer of PP&L.
Note to editors: PP&L's fifth annual Volunteer Conference is Wednesday (4/30) from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pocono Manor Inn. You are welcome to cover the conference to provide a local angle on the volunteerism story. If you plan to attend, please call PP&L's Tina Christ at (610) 774-5453.