Minnesota Power
FOUNDATION
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
Total: $1,148,985
United Way: $270,000 Education: $279,369 Community Enrichment: $400,375 Health & Human Services: $36,200 Sponsorships: $105,291 In-kind: $17,500 Arts & Culture: $40,250
Al Hodnik shakes hands with a community member at the Winton Hydro Station rededication event, which was part of the Hometown Hydropower celebrations.
Home is where our heart is
It has been a busy and rewarding year, filled with heartwarming examples of how ALLETE company employees make a difference in the region where we all live and work. There are so many ways in which our people demonstrate ALLETE’s corporate value of community engagement that it is impossible to showcase them all. This 2014-2015 Community Investment Report is just a sampling. Our employees are on the front lines in good times and bad, rolling up their sleeves to help friends and neighbors, sharing their knowledge and insights with a new generation, and using their time and talents in proactive ways. I am continually impressed by the positive impact the Minnesota Power Foundation has on the lives of people in our region. Each year, it distributes nearly $1 million to organizations and individuals across territories we serve to advance education, promote community enrichment and provide human services. Its scholarships and grants truly make a difference.
Al Hodnik ALLETE Chairman, President and CEO
This has been a year of milestones and celebrations. We completed repairs to Thomson Hydro Station after the great flood of 2012 and rededicated our entire hydroelectric system through a series of Hometown Hydropower events. It was a time to reflect on our corporate commitment to renewable energy and to look toward an even brighter future in clean, reliable energy. Please take the time to read this report and join me in thanking those whose good work is shared in its pages. There is an old saying that “home is where the heart is.” Our heart is right here with you. Sincerely,
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
1
2
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
Employee volunteers sandbag homes near International Falls Hauling sandbags is backbreaking work, but employee volunteers from Minnesota Power and ALLETE stepped up to help as International Falls and other border communities braced for spring floods. The blue-shirted brigade worked side-by-side with borderland residents, stacking heavy sandbags three deep and three high to keep the swollen Rainy River from damaging homes and businesses. Minnesota Power lineworkers delivered sandbags to where they were needed most. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw all of you coming to help,” said Tara Tomczak, a Ranier resident whose home was threatened by flooding. “I can’t thank you enough.” Tomczak’s husband, Chris, works at Boise White Paper, LLC., a large industrial customer of Minnesota Power. Their home was one of six properties where the crew went to work. Natural disasters can devastate families and communities. The Minnesota Power Foundation provided a $10,000 grant to the American Red Cross for emergency relief in the region and beyond—helping life return to normal.
Powerful response to storm damage Minnesota Power is on the front line, providing security, comfort and quality of life to customers. When the flow of electricity is disrupted, restoring it is a top priority. In July 2014, fierce winds uprooted trees, downed power lines and knocked out electric service in much of Northeast Minnesota. Line crews responded quickly, repairing the system and assisting with cleanup. For these dedicated employees, it is all in a day’s work!
Employee volunteers help homeowner Chris Tomczak sandbag his home June 18, 2014, near International Falls. (From left) Arik Forsman, Jess Forsman, Tomczak, Adam Erkkila, Tonya Loken and Sarah Six.
Crews restore electric service to customers in Eveleth, Gilbert, Nisswa and other communities after a powerful summer storm. 2014-2015 Community Investment Report
3
Shippar Award honors community leadership Brenda Ruzic is a tireless volunteer who loves to raise money for good causes. Over the years, her efforts helped establish the Matthew I. Pionk Memorial Park in Oliver, Wis., to honor a fallen local soldier. She also is a legendary organizer of charitable meat raffles and benefits. The Minnesota Power Foundation recognized Ruzic’s outstanding community service by presenting her with the 2014 Don Shippar Community Leadership Award.
“It is an honor, but I believe this belongs to everyone that volunteers.”
The award included a $2,500 grant to the nonprofit of her choice. Ruzic, a planner-scheduler for tech services at Herbert Service Center, chose the National Kidney Foundation. Life House and Kids Café at Damiano Center received $1,000 grants on behalf of runners-up Kelley Eldien and Karen Greenwell, respectively.
Recipient, 2014 Don Shippar Community Leadership Award
Award winner Brenda Ruzic (center) with runners-up Kelley Eldien (left), senior communications specialist, and Karen Greenwell (right), administrative coordinator at Rowe Energy Control Center. 4
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
Brenda Ruzic
Mentoring Day looks to the future
Cleanup brightens Earth Day
Spuds are a’peeling
Passion is important when choosing your
Dressed in fluorescent yellow safety vests and
Peeling 1,500 pounds of potatoes is a daunting
life’s work. Minnesota Power volunteers
armed with sturdy trash bags, employees of
task, but many hands make light work.
stressed that relationship during Mentoring
ALLETE Clean Energy (ACE) cleaned their “Adopt-a-
Volunteers from ALLETE and Minnesota Power
Day at ALLETE, held at Herbert Service
Highway” roadway near Lake Benton, Minn., where
joined the Spud Crew, preparing potatoes for
Center in Duluth. They visited with students
the company has a wind farm. The spring cleanup
The College of St. Scholastica’s Thanksgiving
from Lincoln Park Middle School and shared
coincided with Earth Day.
Dinner at the Duluth Entertainment
how interests and favorite classes can lead
Convention Center. Minnesota Power Senior
to rewarding career decisions.
Communications Specialist Kelley Eldien co-chaired the event.
Duluth, MN
Middle school students identified their interests, played team-building games and networked with Minnesota Power employees during Mentoring Day at ALLETE.
Lake Benton, MN
Employee volunteers regularly participate in roadside cleanups like this Adopt-a-Highway event in Southwest Minnesota as well as beach sweeps to beautify area waterfronts.
Duluth, MN
Brad Rockwood and Blake Hewitt demonstrate their potato peeling prowess. 2014-2015 Community Investment Report
5
Operation Warm provides bundles of coats Every child living in the Northland needs warm winter clothing. Minnesota Power and ALLETE employees helped purchase coats for more than 140 local children by raising money for Operation Warm. Members of Duluth Firefighters Local 101 coordinated the fundraising campaign, which included a weeklong campout on the Minnesota Power Plaza in October to raise awareness of children without appropriate winter wear. Minnesota Power was a major sponsor, and employees raised $4,848 for the cause, including a match from the Minnesota Power Foundation.
A young recipient is all smiles after receiving her new winter coat. Minnesota Power volunteers helped distribute the much-needed coats at Duluth elementary schools. 6
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
Employees helped purchase coats for more than 140 local children by raising $4,848 for the cause.
Students wear sweatshirts with pride
Programs take chill out of winter
Team braves Polar Bear Plunge
New school sweatshirts are not just pieces of
Staying warm in winter can break household
Watts Frozen? That was the team name chosen
clothing for students at South Central High
budgets. Minnesota Power offers income-eligible
by employee volunteers who participated in the
School in Bismarck, N.D.—they are symbols
customers discounted rates through its Customer
Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge in Grand
of pride and belonging. The hoodies feature
Affordability of Residential Electricity (CARE)
Rapids, Minn. The plunge was held in March
the first logo the school has had in its 30-year
program. It also supports the Salvation Army’s
2014 at Sugar Lake Lodge. It challenged brave
history. South Central High School serves many
HeatShare heating assistance program for seniors
souls to jump into icy water for a good cause.
low-income households. Thanks to Minnesota
and low-income residents.
Minnesota Power donated shirts and $500 to the Special Olympics.
Power and other donors, the school surprised every student with a free sweatshirt.
Bismarck, ND
South Central High School students take pride in their new sweatshirts.
Duluth, MN
The Minnesota Power Foundation donated $25,000 to help HeatShare weather a record-breaking winter. Our customers contributed an additional $8,600 through donations on their monthly bills.
Grand Rapids, MN
Company volunteers joined friends and family for a chilly dip in Sugar Lake to raise money for the Special Olympics. 2014-2015 Community Investment Report
7
8
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
Power Volunteering brings smiles Minnesota Power Plaza turned into an assembly line September 4 as blue-shirted volunteers packed dental kits, snack bags, weekend meals and packets of laundry detergent to help four local nonprofits. Participants began their day of Power Volunteering by assembling 1,000 oral health kits for kids. Each packet contained a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and pencils. Just Kids Dental, a Two Harbors-based nonprofit, distributes 12,000 kits per year to children at 40 schools in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.
“All this (volunteering) is just so nice to see because it helps the kids. It is great.� Paul Anderson, Just Kids Dental They followed with 600 snack bags for children at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland, 600 healthy weekend meals for youth at Life House, and 2,000 pounds of laundry soap split into packets for families at CHUM. This Power Volunteering event kicked off the 2014 United Way campaign for Minnesota Power and ALLETE employees in Duluth.
Women build a home An Itasca County woman is building a new life as a homeowner, thanks in part to women from Minnesota Power. A group of female employees participated in a Women Build project for Itasca County Habitat for Humanity. They learned construction skills and applied them to framing the house.
Amanda Oja (left), Tricia Pilon, Deb Knoll and Rachel Cincoski pack snack bags for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland as part of Power Volunteering. The event made it easy and convenient for employees to support several worthy nonprofit organizations while also getting to know each other better.
Women Build engages women from all walks of life to gain skills and address poverty by building homes and communities. 2014-2015 Community Investment Report
9
10
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
We ‘Live United’ What do an ugly duckling, rolls of duct tape and pineapple upside-down pancakes have in common? They all helped employees of ALLETE companies raise money for the United Way in 2014. Folks at ALLETE, Minnesota Power, BNI Coal, ALLETE Clean Energy and Superior Water, Light & Power (SWL&P) truly “Live United.” They support the United Way year-round through payroll deductions, leadership support, volunteering and by hosting campaign fundraisers. Employees came up with several creative ways to raise money. They included duct taping volunteers to the walls for pledges at Boswell Energy Center and SWL&P and a traveling ugly duckling that demanded ransom before it would leave employees’ office spaces in downtown Duluth. Other activities included a lumberjack pancake feed, Pi Day pie toss, chili cook-offs, a golf tournament, dinners, luncheons and raffles. Retirees also participated in the campaign. Total contributions in 2014, including a $270,000 match from the Minnesota Power Foundation, raised more than $570,000 for eight United Way locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. These gifts support local health and human services programs that benefit individuals, families and communities.
Day of Caring benefits Life House Nearly two-dozen new employees witnessed ALLETE’s community engagement value in action as part of their orientation. The group visited Duluth’s Life House, where Minnesota Power and ALLETE volunteers were cleaning, painting and building furniture as part of the United Way of Greater Duluth’s Day of Caring. Life House provides emergency housing, education, health and employment services for homeless, abused and at-risk youth.
SWL& P President Bethany Owen (center) and Supervisor Jamie Mehle (right) joined ALLETE Chairman, President and CEO Al Hodnik (left) in a Duct Tape Challenge. (Bottom left) Angie Tholen served up flapjacks in Grand Rapids. (Bottom right) An ugly duckling urged Debbie Bulloch and Marcia Opien to pledge.
Mary Peterson and coworkers Jennifer Johnson, Amanda Trueblood and LouAnn Kresal assemble a file cabinet at Life House. 2014-2015 Community Investment Report
11
Food drive teams go for the gold Heroic efforts took home the gold in ALLETE’s “Go for the Gold” Food Drive. Fresh off the 2014 Winter Olympics, ALLETE launched a company-wide competition for March Food Share Month. Organizers challenged affiliates, departments and facilities to fight hunger by competing for the title of Food Drive Gold Medal Champions. Employees leapt to the challenge. For three weeks, they collected soup, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, dried pasta, sauces, tuna, peanut butter and loads of other nutritious, nonperishable food items to stock local food shelves.
The Facility Management Group of Chad Fort, Al Pettingill and Mike Polzin showed its muscle in collecting food, as did employees of Superior Water, Light & Power. 12
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
Two teams of Gold Medal Champions emerged: Superior Water, Light & Power (SWL&P) employees and the Facility Management Group, headquartered in downtown Duluth. Duluth-area employees collected more than 5,000 pounds of food for the emergency food shelf at CHUM. The SWL&P team donated to a different food shelf in Superior, Wis., each week, benefiting the Salvation Army, Solid Rock and St. Francis food shelves. The Minnesota Power Foundation donates more than $20,000 to food shelves in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota each year, helping customers and communities across its service territory.
Runners trek through tunnels
Shooters aim to help
Racing for a cure
Hundreds of runners raced through Duluth’s
Sport shooters set their sights on a good cause
Runners and walkers of all ages enjoy the
I-35 tunnels during the second annual
during the 2014 Shoot for Fun. The annual event
Fred Five 5K Walk/Run in Washburn, N.D. BNI
Minnesota Power Tunnel 10K. The race was
benefits Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and
Coal President and General Manager Wade
part of the NorthShore Inline Marathon and
draws close to 500 sporting clay enthusiasts each
Boeshans and his wife, Stacy, coordinate the
raised money for the American Red Cross.
year. Minnesota Power employee Randi Nyholm
annual event to raise money for neonatal
Minnesota Power sponsors many area races
served on the 2014 planning committee. Money
hemochromatosis, a disease that claimed
for good causes, along with large competitive
raised helps people with injuries or disabilities
their son Fred. Minnesota Power supports
events like the annual Grandma’s Marathon.
achieve health, wellness and independence.
the walk/run, which raised $10,000 in 2014.
Duluth, MN
Runners emerged from the Minnesota Power Tunnel 10K smiling and energized.
Duluth, MN
Minnesota Power sponsored two teams of shooters in the 2014 Shoot for Fun.
Washburn, ND
Participants in the Fred Five raise money for research and honor the memory of Fred Boeshans, who died of an infant liver disease. 2014-2015 Community Investment Report
13
14
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
Hometown Hydropower—generating enthusiasm Bursting with pride. That described Minnesota Power officials, employees, retirees and contractors as the Thomson Hydro Station in Jay Cooke State Park roared back to life November 13, 2014, resuming generation of clean, renewable hydroelectricity. Just over one month earlier, nearly 200 people gathered at Thomson for a Hometown Hydropower celebration—the same day water began flowing into its forebay for the first time in 28 months. Thomson is the largest hydropower station in Minnesota and the flagship of Minnesota Power’s expansive hydroelectric system. It was swept offline in June 2012 by devastating floodwaters on the St. Louis River and reopened following $90 million in reconstruction and improvements that position it for the future. Minnesota Power has been harnessing waterpower for more than a century with a hydroelectric system that spans three river systems and includes 11 hydro stations and 17 reservoir lakes. We share Minnesota’s great rivers with others and operate our hydroelectric system in full fidelity with the communities and precious environment that surround it. In 2014, we rededicated these powerful assets, recognized the employees who keep them running, and honored the communities in which they are located with a series of Hometown Hydropower events. Creative staff members designed commemorative copper medallions, symbolizing these strong relationships and the clean energy being produced in hometowns across the region.
(Top left) Brad Oachs and Tom Donofrio watch water filling the Thomson forebay. (Top right) Commemorative copper medallions were sought-after mementos at the Hometown Hydro celebrations. (Bottom) Hometown Hydro wrapped up in December with a major donation to the Ely Baseball Association.
Copper was chosen because wind energy, solar power and even electric cars require minerals such as copper, nickel and iron. Minnesota is leading the nation in clean energy transformation. Here at Minnesota Power, we believe it also can lead in clean mineral production. These community celebrations highlighted milestones and significant investments that Minnesota Power has made in its hydroelectric system over the past few years. In addition to the Thomson project, this includes reconstruction of the Prairie River Hydro Plant, which was destroyed by a 2008 fire; upgrades to Fond du Lac, Winton and Little Falls hydro facilities; and improvements to recreational sites at Island Lake and other reservoirs, making them more attractive and accessible to the public. The Minnesota Power Foundation joined in this yearlong celebration, presenting grants for special projects and organizations in communities that surround the hydroelectric facilities. Among projects funded were a new park and playground where four state bike trails intersect in Carlton; restoration of flood-damaged basketball and tennis courts in Duluth’s Fond du Lac neighborhood; a community park and playground project in Little Falls; and ballpark enhancements in Ely. The Foundation also presented a check to the Coleraine Township Fire Department, thanking these first responders for their service in battling the fire Prairie River Hydro.
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
15
Solar energy has bright future Photovoltaic (PV) arrays on the Government Services Building in downtown Duluth could shed light on how well solar energy technology performs in this cold-climate region. Minnesota Power is partnering with St. Louis County and the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Natural Resources Research Institute to monitor and study three different PV systems, two of which are made in Minnesota. Meanwhile, Minnesota Power and the Minnesota National Guard are planning to build a $25 million, 10-megawatt, utility-scale solar energy project at Camp Ripley, near Little Falls. Beyond building the largest solar array in the state to date, the two are examining other ways to reduce energy consumption while helping the military training facility achieve energy self-sufficiency.
(Left) Employees Paul Helstrom and Katie Gascoigne on the Government Services Building. (Right) Utility representatives, military officials and local dignitaries were on hand as Minnesota Power and the Minnesota National Guard announced a planned solar farm development at Camp Ripley. 16
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
“The Minnesota National Guard is committed to working with local partners … like Minnesota Power, to assist us in our pursuit of sustainable infrastructure.” Maj. Gen. Rick Nash Minnesota National Guard
Renewable workshops energize teachers
Bioenergy is powerful Biomass is the largest source of renewable energy in Minnesota and supports
Teachers built simple generators, constructed wind turbines, adjusted mini photovoltaic panels, attended classes and toured Minnesota Power’s renewable energy facilities during two summer renewable energy workshops. The sessions examined the science and economics of renewable energy and provided hands-on exercises that teachers can use in their classrooms.
the region’s sustainable forestry and papermaking industries. Minnesota Power sponsored displays and educational presentations during a National Bioenergy Day event at Clyde Iron Works October 21.
“Minnesota Power is a great partner in energy education. They are giving teachers access and helping them understand both the opportunities and challenges of renewable energy in the real world.” John Geissler, Program Director, Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center
Ecolibrium3 Energy Efficiency Program Specialist Brian Bluhm helps area educators Katie Cannons, Mark Wolhart and Heidi Ojibway build a simple generator.
National Bioenergy Day participants toured the Hibbard Renewable Center following the program at Clyde Iron Works. 2014-2015 Community Investment Report
17
18
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
Kids learn value of forests Healthy, productive forests are important to the region’s economy, natural beauty and quality of life. Minnesota Power supports programs that demonstrate the value of forest stewardship to area schoolchildren. Young naturalists from 15 public, private and charter schools attended Fifth Grade Forestry Day, presented by the Society of American Foresters, Lake Superior Chapter. Events held at four Duluth parks taught 700 students about forest ecology, soils, tree identification, hydrology and wildlife. There also was a sawmill demonstration to showcase how forests benefit the economy. Another event was Log-a-Load for Kids, hosted by Minnesota Power at the Boulder Lake Management Area. Around 200 fourth-graders from four Duluth-area schools learned about logging, sustainable forestry and how wood is used in a variety of products. Volunteer timber industry partners harvested 130 cords of wood. Proceeds went to Log-a-Load for Kids, a nonprofit that supports Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, including Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul and its Duluth Clinic location. Minnesota Power Renewable Fuels Coordinator Matt Radzak is a Log-a-Load for Kids board member and helped coordinate the event. Leftover treetops and branches were transported to Minnesota Power’s Hibbard Renewable Energy Center as biofuel to generate electricity.
Hiking trail reopens A portion of flood-damaged hiking trail in Jay Cooke State Park is now open to hikers. The Superior Hiking Trail Association restored the Gill Creek Trail thanks to a grant from the Minnesota Power Foundation and hundreds of volunteer hours. The group plans to reopen the Superior Hiking Trail from the Jay Cooke State
Meanwhile, students at Little Falls Community High School are bucking up pine limbs for prescribed burning, thinning trees, identifying invasive species, cutting and stacking deadfall and cultivating native wildflowers and grasses in Belle Prairie Park. The activities are part of a forestry class being taught in partnership with Great River Greening. The Minnesota Power Foundation and the Initiative Foundation are funding the program to promote stewardship and civic engagement while encouraging students to explore careers in natural resources.
Park Visitor Center to the Grand Portage Trail
Students at the 2014 Log-a-Load event watch as John Geissler, program director of the Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center, demonstrates a tool used to determine the age of trees.
Twenty volunteers donated nearly 300 hours to restore the Gill Creek Trail, which was washed out by the June 2012 flood.
in 2015.
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
19
20
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
Science rules at Mind Trekkers Hair-raising activities and jaw-dropping demonstrations wowed students at the Iron Range Mind Trekkers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Showcase in Virginia, Minn. The two-day event drew more than 1,700 area fifth- and sixth-graders plus 800 members of the public, eager to explore the wonders of science. Both days were free of charge thanks to sponsors, including the Minnesota Power Foundation. Mind Trekkers is a nationally acclaimed science and engineering road show, designed to inspire interest in STEM-related careers and fields of study. The Iron Range event featured dozens of hands-on Mind Trekkers stations hosted by students from Michigan Technological University and student volunteers from Iron Range Engineering and Itasca Community College. Several mining companies, contractors and other regional colleges led activities and staffed exhibits, as well, along with organizations such as the Science Museum of Minnesota, Soudan Underground Physics Lab, Great Lakes Aquarium, Laurentian Environmental Learning Center and more. STEM-focused student programs, including FIRST Robotics and FIRST Lego League, were invited to host tables and recruit participants. Students and visitors learned to levitate objects with magnets, turn common fruit into musical instruments, “burn money” without charring it, and implode cans using air pressure. They were introduced to laser engravers, robotic replicators, remote control planes and many other marvels. Organizers hope this hands-on exposure to STEM activities and exhibits will encourage a new generation of scientists, technology professionals, engineers and mathematicians to fill and create high-tech jobs in the region—including those in the energy industry!
Students learned cool science, such as how to make ice cream in 60 seconds with liquid nitrogen, during the Mind Trekkers STEM Showcase.
Bright young minds at work Turning off lights, unplugging appliances and switching to energy-efficient light bulbs are a few ways to conserve energy in homes and schools. Students learn conservation tips, promote energy efficiency and raise money for environmental education through Minnesota Power’s Power of One® Learn & Earn program.
Employee Chad Trebilcock poses with students at St. James Catholic School, who participated in Learn & Earn. 2014-2015 Community Investment Report
21
Scholarships benefit students and region Involved, well-educated young adults strengthen communities. The Minnesota Power Foundation helps students pay for college and achieve their potential with two competitive scholarship programs. In 2014, 20 graduating high school seniors received $2,500 Community Involvement Scholarships for outstanding volunteerism and academic success. Twenty-three current college students were awarded New Generation Scholarships of $1,000–$2,500 for pursuing two- or four-year degrees in fields that align with the region’s workforce needs. Developing a strong, qualified workforce is important for the region and for individual companies like Minnesota Power and ALLETE. Scholarship recipients who attended the awards banquet learned about ALLETE’s corporate environment, which offers big company careers while maintaining a personal, small company feel.
An awards banquet was held at Northland Country Club, in Duluth, to honor recipients of Minnesota Power Community Involvement and New Generation scholarships as well as other company-sponsored scholarships. 22
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
“Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, and we remain committed to assisting the students of our region in furthering their education.” Aimee Curtis Administrator, Community Relations and Minnesota Power Foundation
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ fills the house
Sporting complex is superior
“Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match…” and other familiar tunes rang out during a production of “Fiddler on the Roof” at Two Harbors High School in April 2014. A grant from the Minnesota Power Foundation helped Lake Superior Community Theatre cover production costs and promotions.
Superior Spartans took the field in a brand-new multiuse sporting facility in fall 2014. The $4 million NBC Spartan Sports Complex was built to accommodate high school football, soccer, baseball and track and field, plus other regional events. It was funded entirely by community donations, including $25,000 from Superior Water, Light & Power through the Minnesota Power Foundation.
Two Harbors, MN
Minnesota Power is a strong supporter of the arts, celebrating music, theater, dance and other forms of creative expression.
Superior, WI
The Superior Spartans’ offensive line includes Sam Urban (#72), whose father, Jack Urban, works at Superior Water Light & Power. 2014-2015 Community Investment Report
23
24
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
Hometown parades on a roll Dozens of smiling, waving lightning bugs brightened Duluth’s annual Christmas City of the North Parade November 21, 2014. Families of Minnesota Power, SWL&P and ALLETE employees joined Louie the Lightning Bug on a festive company float, reminding kids to play it safe around electricity. The parade and lighting of Duluth’s Community Christmas Tree on the Minnesota Power Plaza with thousands of twinkling LED lights kicked off the holidays for many area residents. It also wrapped up a busy year of parade appearances for Louie and friends— including more than a dozen parades in three states. ALLETE Clean Energy opened the parade season with a float in the Emmetsburg, Iowa, St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It featured decorated wind turbines, banners and children with sweatshirts promoting the company’s wind facility in Storm Lake, Iowa. This was followed by a procession of summer celebrations in Minnesota and North Dakota, from the Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival to the Land of the Loon Festival in Virginia, Tall Timber Days in Grand Rapids, the Cow Town Hoe Down in New Salem, N.D., and many more. Customers and employees of ALLETE companies live and work in communities across the region. It strengthens personal connections and reflects our core value of community engagement to participate in hometown parades, support local festivals and meet with folks face-to-face as friends and neighbors.
Smiles like this one from employee Amy DeCaigny’s daughter Morgan help brighten Duluth’s annual Christmas City of the North Parade.
(Top) An employee prepares to hand out candy at Land of the Loon Festival in Virginia, Minn. (Bottom) Spirit Valley Days in Duluth. 2014-2015 Community Investment Report
25
Exhibit will honor women in military
Veteran anglers enjoy day on the lake
VFW post gets money for new TV
The Minnesota Military Museum is developing
Fishing guides on Lake Vermilion thanked dozens
Military veterans in Hoyt Lakes got a
a new permanent exhibit honoring women
of military veterans with a special day of fishing.
holiday surprise from the Minnesota Power
who served and sacrificed. The Women in the
A grant from the Minnesota Power Foundation
Foundation—money to purchase a new flat
Military exhibit will house a historical display
helped the Vermilion Guides League host its first
screen television for the local Veterans of
of women’s uniforms representing all branches
“Take a Wounded or Senior Veteran Fishing Day.”
Foreign Wars (VFW) Post. Their service has
of service from World War I to present day,
The day started with a presentation of colors,
earned them the right to relax.
along with interpretive information on women’s
invocation and national anthem, followed by
military roles. The Minnesota Power Foundation
guided fishing, a walleye lunch and awards for the
provided a grant to tell this important story.
largest catch.
Little Falls, MN
Employee Carl Thesing presents Minnesota Military Museum Director Sandy Erickson with $1,500 for the Women in the Military exhibit. 26
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
Lake Vermillion
Senior and wounded veterans caught fish and made memories on Lake Vermilion.
Hoyt Lakes, MN
The Minnesota Power Foundation saluted veterans with a check for a new TV.
Revved and ready to roll
Wrestling club pins down funding
Backpacks carry good will
Members of the University of Minnesota
Talk about going to the mat. The Minnesota
Youth in Ecuador are sporting backpacks
Duluth’s Formula SAE club are revved about
Power Foundation funded a new mat for the
with the Minnesota Power logo. The company
their new racing car. Students designed and
North Shore Wrestling Club, an organization
donated the packs to the Interact Club at
built the formula style car—collaborating
that promotes the sport of wrestling in Proctor,
Grand Rapids High School, which distributed
through numerous adjustments and redesigns.
Hermantown and Duluth. The donation will
them to Ecuadorian children during a service
They hope to enter it in a 2015 competition
improve safety and help the club accommodate
trip to the South American country.
in Lincoln, Neb. Minnesota Power is a team
growing interest in wrestling.
sponsor.
Duluth, MN
Designing and building a racing car taught UMD students valuable lessons in planning and engineering.
Duluth-Hermantown-Proctor, MN
Members of the North Shore Wrestling Club pose with their new mat.
Grand Rapids, MN
Ecuadorian students received new backpacks with the Minnesota Power logo. 2014-2015 Community Investment Report
27
A heartfelt thank you The pride and gratitude I feel in looking back at 2014 are difficult to express. Every day I am touched by the passion and positive energy of my colleagues at Minnesota Power and its affiliated ALLETE companies. They truly are making a difference in their communities and beyond, identifying needs and finding real, tangible solutions. The Minnesota Power Foundation is committed to empowering communities. In 2014, we provided nearly $1.15 million to 400 organizations in 74 cities across the territories we serve. Employees largely direct our community investments. Regional advisory committees made up of employees review grant proposals, assign priorities and help decide how the dollars we have available are invested in the region. Aimee Curtis Administrator, Community Relations and Minnesota Power Foundation
Community investment goes well beyond financial contributions. The people of ALLETE companies take giving to heart. They serve on boards and committees; volunteer in local schools, churches and nonprofits; raise awareness of important community issues; share their skills and knowledge; and continually work to improve the region’s quality of life. Thank you to all who live our corporate value of community engagement. I look forward to working with you along with new partners and friends as we continue to advance the health and vitality of communities we serve. Sincerely,
(Right) Employees gather for a group shot while volunteering at Duluth’s Life House during United Way’s Day of Caring. 28
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
In 2014, we provided nearly $1.15 million to 400 organizations in 74 cities.
2014-2015 Community Investment Report
29
For more information, please contact: Aimee Curtis, Community Relations & Minnesota Power Foundation Administrator 218 355 3169 | acurtis@mnpower.com www.mnpower.com/Company/MPFoundation Sterling Premium paper manufactured by Verso Corporation was used for the Minnesota Power Foundation 2014-2015 Community Investment Report. Minnesota Power is proud to use the high quality product of a valued customer in this report. 10% post-consumer recycled fiber content