American Chestnut Foundation
In September 2006, Northeast Utilities began offering its shareholders a unique opportunity - a chance to benefit local forests, reduce environmental waste and make voting faster and easier - all by signing up for electronic delivery of its Annual Report and proxy materials.
For every shareholder who signed up, the company pledged to donate five dollars to the American Chestnut Foundation, an organization devoted to restoring the American Chestnut tree to local Connecticut forests. At a recent shareholder meeting, NU President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Shivery announced that investors have enthusiastically responded to this opportunity.
"I want to thank the nearly 2,000 shareholders who have signed up for electronic delivery of proxy materials thus far. We're excited about this opportunity to further recognize the importance of our natural habitats," said Shivery.
On behalf of the shareholders, Shivery presented a donation in the amount of $8,385 dollars to The American Chestnut Foundation - earmarked to support the American Chestnut Orchard at Great Mountain Forest in Norfolk, Connecticut.
Leila Pinchot, The American Chestnut Foundation's New England Regional Science Coordinator, was on hand to accept the donation. Ms. Pinchot is the great granddaughter of Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service who grew up near Simsbury.
NU's work with the American Chestnut Foundation is just one example of the work the company is doing to maintain and improve the environment throughout Connecticut.
In 2006, NU and Connecticut Light & Power gave more than $10 million back to local communities in the form of executive donations, clean-up programs and equipment replacement designed to help protect the environment.
CL&P's contributions to the state's environmental protection go beyond monetary donations. From stream clean-up to local wildlife festivals, CL&P employees have played an integral role in making sure that Connecticut's natural legacy is preserved.
"We take great pride in being not only an economic engine for the state, but also a driver of environmental protection as well," said Shivery. "Just as our shareholders have made an investment in Connecticut's natural future, our employees have helped us invest as a company as well."
Making sure that customers understand how energy and the environment come together is part of CL&P's initiative as well. Education programs like the workshop that the company created for the Farmington River Watershed Association help Connecticut residents better understand the delicate balance that keeps local watersheds beautiful.
And the environmental programs enjoy solid, bipartisan support in the state legislature. State leaders recently approved an Environmental Education Fund proposed by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters and wholeheartedly supported by NU and CL&P. Additionally, CL&P has started a campus environmental education project at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic.
"We are particularly excited about our campus work," said Shivery. "Our efforts on college campuses and at other schools are our links to future generations."
