PSO is more than a provider of electric service to more than 500,000 customers across Oklahoma. We are a partner with community leaders and our customers in the more than 230 Oklahoma cities and towns that we serve. Our employees live and work in the communities that we serve and we encourage our employees to become active through volunteerism, serving in a leadership capacity where possible on projects. And, our involvement has paid off.
Stuart Solomon, PSO president and chief operating officer, addresses a luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of Downtown Tulsa. He provided the audience of approximately 300 an overview of issues and activities at PSO that relate to the cost and quality of the electric service the company provides.
PSO's electric marquee sign at the Tulsa Power Station on the banks of the Arkansas River is a winner.
The Tulsa Preservation Commission recently recognized the sign at its inaugural TPC Preservation Awards to celebrate hard work in the community to protect and preserve Tulsa’s history. Since 1955, the landmark sign has illuminated the night sky with more than 3,200 red and clear lights that spell out “Electricity – Public Service Co. of Okla.”
Dozens of PSO employees and retirees who performed volunteer work for community organizations statewide qualified for special monetary grants to help local Boy Scout troops; feed the homeless efforts; museums across the state and social service agencies.
A group of PSO and AEP women belong to the Women's International Network of Utility Professionals (WINUP) and the organization has partnered with Tulsa Technology Center on its Project Hire. Project Hire stands for Helping Individuals Reach Employment, and includes young, single parents who take classes at TTC and prepare for their first jobs or to return to the workplace.
Tulsa Community Affairs Manager Carole Huff Hicks (standing, at right) addresses teachers and staff at Central High School during a special appreciation luncheon. Standing in the background to Hicks’ right is CHS Principal Jean Keeton and PSO President Stuart Solomon.
Jerry Wendland, Wendland Nursery and Landscape, waters one of the newly planted trees at Vining Park. PSO Forestry worked with Wendland to provide a half-dozen new trees for the park.
In another example of PSO and community involvement, development of the Wave Park at Tulsa Power Station continues to evolve. The path has been completed and the area sodded. Additional wood-rail fencing was built and benches installed along the path. The project is PSO's gift to Oklahoma’s Centennial celebration. It will provide recreation opportunities for white water enthusiasts, and it will represent the first significant effort in the community to promote west bank development along the Arkansas River.
Hundreds of Oklahoma organizations each year receive corporate contributions of at least $1,000 from PSO. This list is a sample of the kinds of organizations that receive PSO dollars. (PDF: 28 KB : get viewer) Grants provided under the AEP Connects Volunteer Grants effort totaled $5,100 in 2004. The awards were based on the volunteer hours provided by PSO employees and retirees. Community organizations that received 2004 grants included the Oologah Mustang Quarterback Club, Humane Society of Tulsa, Cache High School Class of 2005, Therapy Dogs International, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, Hobart Rotary Club, Grady County Crime Stoppers, Great Plains Tractor Club and the Kiowa County Museum.
PSO's Forester Richard Bewley (striped shirt) helps Bartlesville leaders celebrate the city's 23rd time being designated a Tree City USA. |
Monzella Cottrell accepts a Volunteer Star award from PSO president Stuart Solomon for her many volunteer activities, including participation in the Tulsa area's twice annual house pollutant collection event, Martin Luther King Day celebrations, and the United Way Day of Caring.
