Kenya Perkins, IT Compliance Analyst, spearheaded the coordination and implementation of the Changing Footprints shoe drive from July through August. The shoe drive was a part of a Diversity and Inclusion Committee Initiative, and this was the fifth year the committee partnered with the nonprofit organization. Kenya’s efforts also included organizing volunteer opportunities for two non-profit organizations, Changing Footprints and Westminster Pantry.

During September, a group of Citizens volunteers donated their time at Westminster Food Pantry. A Senior Citizens Day is held at the food pantry on Wednesdays, during which individuals aged 50 and over can select items from the pantry. As a result of their compassionate hearts, the volunteers generously extended their assistance to Westminster clients. They assisted them in choosing their items but also engaged in heartfelt conversations.

Citizens Energy Group Hosts Inaugural Health and Wellness Fair

The IUPUI University Library has honored John Trypus, Director Underground Engineering and Construction at Citizens Energy Group and IUPUI University Library board member, with the IUPUI Spirit of Philanthropy Award. John's contributions include connecting IUPUI students to work opportunities at Citizens and securing corporate sponsorship for the library's student-created atrium sculpture.

Tim Blagsvedt, Director Wastewater Collection, was recently honored with the 2023 IWEA Collection Systems Professional of the Year Award at the 2023 Indiana Water Environment Association Awards. This award recognizes individuals working in collection systems for going above and beyond to improve the collection system profession. Tim has worked at Citizens Energy Group since 2016, when he joined the team as Manager Wastewater Collection System.

Backlin Medrano joined Citizens Energy Group in 2014 as an Auxiliary LNG Operator and today is a Plant Operator for Chilled Water. “One thing I enjoy about my job is the constant change—from the weather to the changing demands of our customers. It’s great keeping our customers satisfied with their cooling needs and knowing we are able to provide a solid service,” he shared. This year, Backlin won our drawing to throw out the first pitch at an Indianapolis Indians game during our annual Employee Summer Celebration.

Citizens Energy Group is implementing a new field service management system that will benefit hundreds of employees, including those in Billing & Customer Service, Gas Operations, IT, Payroll, Procurement, Shared Field Services, and Water Operations, as well as Citizens customers.

Olivia Hawbaker joined Citizens in June 2013. As Manager of Planning & System Renewal in Underground Engineering & Construction, Olivia oversees master planning for Citizens’ water distribution and wastewater collection systems, working with Citizens’ modeling and operations teams to ensure that we are prioritizing the most needed capital projects to maintain system integrity. Olivia also oversees system renewal, which includes rehabilitation of sewers and manholes within the collection system.

According to research by the National Safety Council, most of the children who lose their lives in school bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old, and they're walking. They are hit by the bus, or by a motorist illegally passing a stopped bus. A few precautions go a long way toward keeping children safe:

Calling a professional for regular maintenance can keep your home’s heating and cooling equipment running efficiently. Here are a few other tips:

CLASS Belt Certifications

We're celebrating several new hires and service anniversaries! In this issue, we also mourn the recent loss of a retiree.