Union Gas supports leadership development in Windsor-Essex

$7,500 grant helps local community leaders develop skills, create positive lasting change

WINDSOR, ON, June 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Union Gas is helping Leadership Windsor/Essex (LWE) promote and encourage outstanding community leadership, courtesy of a $7,500 grant awarded today.

Mark Emmanuel, Union Gas district manager for Windsor/Sarnia, presented the cheque to LWE executive director Becky Parent at the closing retreat for the current leadership training class, held today at Mackenzie Hall. The closing retreat is the culmination of 10 months of experiential learning for a diverse group of community leaders. The program is designed to expand the number of individuals who accept leadership roles in business, government, labour and not-for-profit organizations and equip them with the skills to meet the future challenges in the community. 

"At Union Gas, we believe in investing today to ensure a bright tomorrow," said Emmanuel.  "That means supporting important educational programs in the communities we serve. We are very pleased to help Leadership Windsor/Essex, which has an important role in building a stronger, more vibrant community."

"Union Gas has been a stalwart community partner to LWE, providing funds that have assisted dozens of participants, particularly from the not-for-profit sector, participate in our core program," said Parent. "Together with the voices of their private- and public-sector counterparts, these community agencies bring a unique lens to the issues facing our community. The support of Union Gas ensures that lens continues to be reflected in creating a shared community vision."

Over the past 100 years, Union Gas has been privileged to work in more than 400 Ontario communities. In addition to natural gas delivery services for homes and businesses, Union Gas has contributed to the province through significant economic investments, hundreds of jobs, millions in municipal taxes, energy efficiency programs, thousands of volunteer hours for community organizations, major charitable giving and sponsorships. Last year alone, Union Gas contributed $3 million to charitable organizations across Ontario, including more than $900,000 to United Way. For more information visit uniongas.com/community.

About Leadership Windsor/Essex
Leadership Windsor/Essex is one of 22 community leadership programs across Canada.  Community Leadership programs promote and encourage outstanding community leadership by developing the leadership capabilities of citizens who care about the community - those who understand its strengths and weaknesses and are willing to make a personal investment to improve their community's quality of life. Leadership Windsor/Essex celebrates more than 250 alumni who have graduated since 2001.

About Union Gas
Union Gas Limited is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with 100 years of experience and service to customers. The distribution business serves about 1.4 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across northern, southwestern and eastern Ontario. Union Gas, one of Canada's Top 100 Employers and one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2012, is a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company with assets of $5.8 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. For more information, visit uniongas.com.

Leadership Windsor/Essex
Melissa Johnson
Communication and Project Assistant
Ph:  519-258-3033 ext. 1153
Fax:  [phone]
[email protected]

Union Gas Limited 
Andrea Stass
Manager, External Communications and Media Relations
Ph: 519 436-5490 or 1-800-571-8446 ext. 5490
Cell: 519 365-1010
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]