‘Sweat equity’ strengthens communities
Both Duke Energy and Progress Energy have a long history of employee involvement in our communities. As one company, now the largest investor-owned utility in the U.S., we are building on that commitment, to reflect the size and strength of the new Duke Energy.
Annual volunteer events have highlighted the importance of community involvement at both companies. At legacy Duke Energy, employees, retirees and their friends and families rolled up their sleeves to support hundreds of community projects during the company’s 2012 Global Service Event. At Progress Energy, individual departments selected and supported nonprofit agencies for an annual Day of Caring.
Of course, employees also volunteer in their communities year-round. We track their community involvement through our online volunteer system, which also allows employees to create, submit and sign up for projects, and apply for supporting grants.
The newly combined company is bringing together these best practices in volunteerism and looking at ways to better support employees’ hands-on involvement in their communities. For example, enhancements to the online volunteer system will make it easier for employees to select community service projects and form volunteer teams.
As our organization and systems continue to change, so will our communities’ needs. But one thing will not change.
Our longstanding tradition of encouraging employees to make a difference in people’s lives will remain part of our mission — to promote the health and success of our communities.