As members of the community, EPB employees care about the welfare of those around them. Throughout the year, our employees constantly came up with new ways to give back, support the less fortunate, and raise spirits throughout our community. Our people took initiative, pushed each other to do more, and found their own ways to contribute. We’re proud of the people that make this company hum, and we’re proud that their actions are what define EPB as a company.
In 2008, EPB took its first steps toward pursuing the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED EBOM (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Existing Building Operations and Maintenance) certification for our downtown office. Our employees organized a “Green Team,” organizing recycling contests, and committing to purchase sustainable office supply products like rechargeable batteries and Forestry Steward Council-certified paper. Our project team installed energy-saving devices, implemented energy-saving practices, and coordinated with 69 people at 26 different organizations.
EPB officially applied for EBOM certification on February 1, 2012, and we received that certification on May 30, 2013. In addition to being good for the environment, our efforts have been good for our bottom line. Energy savings from the project will repay the total program investment in under a year. More than anything, LEED’s EBOM standard required our employees cultivate our internal culture from within. This certification isn’t just about a smarter, more efficient building—it’s about all of our smarter, dedicated employees.
EPB employees have always believed in supporting our community. That means more than just creating innovation for our customers: we especially want to help the less fortunate among us. For years we have worked closely with the United Way of Chattanooga, and our goal for this year’s annual campaign was to raise $185,000. Our employees and retirees easily beat that number, contributing $207,311. That will go toward strengthening local families and assisting those in need.
EPB employees find a variety of ways to express their charitable side. Every quarter, employees help save lives via a blood drive. In December, employees donated money and non-perishable food items Feed-A-Family program, creating care packages for families in the community. And through the Salvation Army Angel Trees, employees generously contributed gifts for more than 130 children who otherwise might not have experienced any holiday joy.
Every year, EPB collects money for its Fan Fund, a program that purchases electric fans to help low-income local residents stay cool during the warmer months. In 2012, we collected a new program record that allowed us to buy and distribute 500 fans to the less fortunate in the community.
How the dog made it atop a ledge on EPB’s Systems Control Building is anyone’s guess, but thanks to a handful of EPB employees and contractors, he came back down via a bucket truck. After learning that “Little Bit” had escaped from a nearby shelter, EPB employee Kurtis Gearhart and his wife made the dog part of their family.
EPB employees were able to help students in a one-on-one manner during company participation the Urban League Shadow Program. This program gave local high school-aged youths the opportunity to get a closer look at a variety of EPB employees and careers in roles like engineering, customer service, and field work. In the spring, ETSU grad students visited EPB to study how our company has used new technology. And EPB’s Harold DePriest and Jim Ingraham spoke to tomorrow’s business leaders in Harvard’s MBA program, speaking to their “Reimagining Capitalism” class about the importance of mutual respect in achieving business success.
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