Creating a better tomorrow through community involvement
Arizona Public Service has been in Arizona for longer than it's been a state, taking great pride in serving our residents, business and schools.
For the past 125 years, we've always understood that the health of APS is inextricably tied to the health of the communities we serve. That shared history makes us partners with the communities we serve and gives us a blueprint for the next 125 years.
As we begin a new year, we want to thank and acknowledge all of the people and organizations who truly make the Yuma region a great place to live and work. We feel privileged to serve a region whose people are generous, caring and who understand the power of community.
APS offers support because it's the right thing to do, but it's also an investment in the future. By investing in the community, we don't mean simply writing checks to charitable causes, although we do sponsor many community projects, we provide in-kind services and volunteer support to several organizations throughout the year.
In 2012, more than two thirds of APS' Yuma district, Yucca Power Plant and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) employees distinguished themselves, working with many Yuma County organizations and volunteering on projects and events:
Energy information booths and presentations
APS employees staffed information booths at the MCAS Air Show, AWC Sustainability Fair and the recent Home and Garden Show, as well as gave informational presentations to numerous youth, parent and community groups.
Backpack and school supply donation
Annually, the APS employee volunteers adopt a school and donate backpacks filled with school supplies to students who would otherwise not have access to the materials they need for a successful start to the school year.
The perfect game
With support from retired professional baseball players, APS put on two baseball and character-building clinics for students from Orange Grove Elementary at the APS and Diamondbacks Reynoso Field in Somerton.
The Children's Festival of the Arts at historic downtown Yuma
APS encourages artistic creativity among children through hosting a booth where youths can design and decorate light switch plate covers at this community event.
United Way community services fund
Our employees, combined with a matching contribution from APS, pledged more than $45,000 to United Way of Yuma County and the agencies it supports.
Yuma Community Food Bank
Twice annually, APS volunteers fill food boxes, sort food and help pack baskets for food bank patrons.
Light parades
APS employees, the IBEW and their families partnered with the community to support holiday parades in San Luis and Yuma.
CPLC Angeles del Barrio
Our employees hosted an APS booth at a recent event and participated in a gift-wrapping event, wrapping approximately 3,000 donated gifts for youths in San Luis.
Yuma Visitors Bureau Christmas Village
More than 20 APS volunteers ran this event with the Yuma Visitors Bureau, providing a Christmas wonderland experience for Yuma County families, including a sledding hill with real snow! Many APS groups participated, including forestry, business offices, energy delivery and customer service.
APS employees helping in New York
APS employees Cesar Gutierrez and Richard Ruiz spent two weeks in New York assisting with power restoration efforts after Superstorm Sandy.
Caring for our customers and community is ingrained in our business model and is a driving force in everything we do. As we move into 2013, APS renews its commitment to fostering an environment that will make a difference in our state and in the lives of our residents.
Andrea Bereznak is the business and community relations manager for Arizona Public Service. She can be reached at andrea.bereznak@aps.com.
