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Home > About > Community Involvement
American Public Power Association
At the APPA (American Public Power Association) National Conference on June 21, Ron Elks, General Manager/CEO and Board Vice-Chair Freeman Paylor did a presentation about how GUC has been going green since 1978. (6/10)
Environmental Advisory Committee
Tony Cannon, Assistant General Manager/COO, gave a presentation on June 17 to a member of the City of Greenville Environmental Advisory Committee about all the ways that GUC is a good steward of the environment. (6/10)
Fans Donation
During the summer, when the heat in Eastern North Carolina reaches the upper 90’s, GUC tries to help older adults and families cool off by donating fans. Fans are an economical way to help beat the heat, either alone or used with air conditioners. On June 24, fans were purchased and delivered to the Pitt County Council on Aging and the Department of Social Services to be distributed where they were needed most. This is the eighteenth year in a row GUC has donated fans. (6/10)
Homebuilders Association
Ron Elks, General Manager/CEO, gave a presentation entitled “Did You Know?” that highlighted interesting facts and figures about Greenville Utilities, on June 1 for the Homebuilders Association. (6/10)
University City Kiwanis Club
On May 24, Ron Elks, General Manager/CEO, made a presentation for the University City Kiwanis Club about GUC’s impact on the community. (5/10)
Business & Technology Academy
GUC hosted 17 students from Pitt County School's Business & Technology Academy. The students visited sites throughout GUC and participated in hands-on demonstrations. (4/10)
Relay For Life of Pitt County
GUC was an in-kind sponsor of the Relay For Life of Pitt County, which supports the American Cancer Society. Electric Department employees collaborated with South Central High School staff to re-route electricity to provide the event's featured entertainment, The Embers, with the needed voltage for their performance. In addition, several GUC employees served on the Planning Committee. (4/10)
Pitt Community College Job Fair
GUC participated in a Job Fair at Pitt Community college to meet with new graduates about career opportunities at Greenville Utilities. (4/10)
Pitt County Business Expo
Greenville Utilities participated in the 2010 Pitt County Business Expo at the Greenville Convention Center on April 1st. The Expo was put on by the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce to give area businesses a venue to share information about their companies. (4/10)
Career Day at G.R. Whitfield School
A group of employees participated in Career Day at G.R. Whitfield School in Grimesland. They shared information about their careers with groups of 6th, 7th and 8th graders throughout the day. This is the third year GUC has participated in this program. (3/10)
ECU Off-Campus Housing Fair
GUC participated in ECU's Off-Campus Housing Fair in March. This event provides an opportunity for students who will be moving off-campus to find our about housing options and services available to them. (3/10)
ECU Career Network Event
GUC participated in ECU’s first annual Career Networking Event for the College of Technology and Computer Science, which was held on March 24th at the Murphy Center, to help graduating students network with area business. (3/24)
Neighbor to Neighbor
Our Neighbor to Neighbor program is supported by donations from our customers to assist families with their heating bills during the winter. Click here to learn more about the program and how you can help.
Pitt Community College Alumni Association Speaker Series
Energy Services Officer Andy Yakim spoke at Pitt Community College as part of their Alumni Associatin Speaker Series on October 6th. He shared information about how individuals can save money through energy and water conservation. (10/09)
Real World-Greenville
Greenville Utilities participated in “Real World-Greenville” on October 6th at the Cornerstone Baptist Church. This event put students through the process of getting a job and setting up housekeeping on a budget. This is the second time GUC has been involved in the event. (10/09)
GUC Visits Hope Middle School
Charles Buck, Engineering Coordinator in the Gas Department, visited Mrs. Cargiles' 8th grade science class on September 17th to explain how GUC uses GIS (Graphic Information Sytems) and GPS (Global Positioning Systems). (9/09)
Merchant Fair at ECU
GUC participated in East Carolina University's Merchants Fair on September 17th. The event give students an opportunity to learn more about local merchants and their services and was organized by the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce to (9/09)
Fans Donation
During the summer, when the heat in Eastern North Carolina reaches the upper 90’s, GUC tries to help older adults and families cool off by donating fans. Fans are an economical way to help beat the heat, either alone or used with air conditioners. On June 25, 100 fans were purchased and delivered to the Pitt County Council on Aging and the Department of Social Services to be distributed where they were needed most. This is the seventeenth year in a row GUC has donated fans. (6/09)
University City Kiwanis Club
Kevin Keyzer, GUC's Safety Officer, was recently elected to serve as President for the University City Kiwanis Club, beginning in October. (5/09)
Northeast Regional Science & Engineering Fair
Liz Ward, Engineer Intern in the Water Resources Department served as a judge for the Northeast Regional Science & Engineering Fair Competition on March 7th on ECU’s campus. She judged water industry related projects on behalf of the North Carolina American Water Works Association and the North Carolina Water Environment Association. (3/09)
Student Shadowing Program
Two students from North Pitt High School spent the day at GUC recently. Both students are interested in computer programming as future careers. They "shadowed" two employees in the IT department to find out more about jobs in the industry. (3/09)
Operation Santa Claus
GUC participated in Operation Santa Claus for the third time this year. Employees donated new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed by the Salvation Army and the Department of Social Services to children who otherwise might not have any presents under the tree. (12/08)
The Greenville Jaycee's Christmas Parade
Greenville Utilities participated in the 2008 Greenville Jaycee's Christmas Parade on December 6. As a service to the community, we provided bucket trucks for local Cable 7 to broadcast the parade. (12/08)
Caring Is Sharing Food Drive
GUC participated in the 2008 "Caring is Sharing" Food Drive. We have partnered with the City of Greenville to collect items for people in need since 2000. Non-perishable items were distributed to the following non-profit organizations: Greenville Community Shelter, JOY Soup Kitchen, New Directions, Pitt County Council on Aging, and the Salvation Army. (11/08)
Historically Black Colleges and Universities College Fair
Greenville Utilities participated in the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair recently. The event was held at Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church Family Life Center. Approximately 200 students attended. The HBCU Coalition of Pitt County is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the legacy of historically black colleges and universities. Students learned about careers at GUC and the education needed for those careers. (11/08)
Water Day at C.M. Eppes Middle School
Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and Wastewater Treatment (WWTP) staff shared their knowledge at C.M. Eppes Middle School’s “Water Day” at on November 6th. This event wraps up the eighth graders’ study of hydrology by giving them the opportunity to see how what they’ve learned is used in the real world. (11/08)
Real World-Greenville
Greenville Utilities participated in “Real World-Greenville” on October 22nd at the Greenville Convention Center. This event put students through the process of getting a job and setting up housekeeping on a budget. It was a collaborative effort by Pitt County Department of Social Services, Independent Living Resources, Easter Seals UCP and Nash County Social Services and attracted youth from eight counties. “Real World” has been held in Raleigh for the last 12 years; this is the first time the event was held in Greenville. (10/08)
Electric Department Visits W.H. Robinson Elementary School
The first graders at W.H. Robinson Elementary School in Winterville had special visitors on October 3rd. As part of their study of community workers in their social studies classes, Electric Department employees were invited to come to the school and share information about the work they do every day. (10/08)
United Way
GUC is committed to being a good corporate citizen. Each year, GUC supports the United Way of Pitt County by serving as a Pacesetter organization. Pacesetters run early campaigns and lead by example, building momentum for a strong county-wide campaign. GUC's 2008 Pacesetters Campaign was a huge success. Our goal was to raise $55,000. However, with the generous contributions of our employees, we were able to raise over $56,000. Ron Elks, General Manager/CEO, serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the United Way of Pitt County.(8/08)
Local Festivals
Greenville Utilities participates in several local festivals each year. In April, we had an information booth at the Farmville Dogwood Festival. In August, we were one of the sponsors of Winterville Watermelon Festival. (8/08)
Blood Drive
GUC employees demonstrate their willingness to help out the community by rolling up their sleeves and donating blood throughout the year at American Red Cross on-site blood drives.
Summer Significance Academy
Students participating in the Summer Significance Academy visited the Wastewater Treatment Plant for a tour lead by WWTP Operator Quentin Corey. The Academy provides academic and enrichment opportunities for 80 of Pitt County's rising sixth-graders. GUC is one of the sponsors of the program, which is a collaborative effort between Pitt County Schools, the United Way of Pitt County and other sponsors. (8/08)
Greenville Community Shelter
GUC employees spoke with a group of participants in the Greenville Community Shelter's Transitional Housing Program on June 17th. They shared information on energy-efficiency and establishing a utility account. (6/08)
Delta Sigma Theta Service Sorority Spring Fest
GUC participated in the Delta Sigma Theta Service Sorority Spring Fest on June 1st at the Thomas Foreman Center. The goal of the Fest was to provide information for community members about Education, Economic Development, Physical and Mental Health, Political Involvement and Awareness as well as International Involvement and Awareness. (6/08)
Painted Pirate Program
Greenville Utilities is participating in the "Painted Pirate Project," a public art endeavor sponsored by ECU's Alumni Association and the Pitt-Greenville Chamber of Commerce. Organizations throughout the community sponsored 6-foot tall pirate statues that have been painted with different themes by area artists. GUC's Pirate, named "Connecting with GUC," depicts all the various aspects of the services we provide. Roger Kammerer, local artis and historian, created our design and painted our pirate. The GUC Pirate is at the entrance of GUC's Main Office at 401 S. Greene Street. Click here to check out all the painted pirates. (4/08)
Clinical Teacher's Conference
GUC participated in the 6th annual Clinical Teacher's Conference on April 1st. We had a booth with information about Kids' Corner on our website and educational opportunities avaiable at Greenville Utiliites. The event was hosted by the Office of Professional Development & Student Outreach in the College of Education East Carolina University. The goal of the conference is to provide professional development opportunities for clinical teachers who mentor teaching interns from the university. (4/08)
Student Shadowing Program
GUC hosted 18 juniors from North Pitt, DH Conley and Farmville Central High Schools on March 11th. The students spent a day with GUC employees who work in area the students are considering for careers. Employees from the Customer Relations, Energy Services, Electric Department, Finance, Information Technology and the Garage worked with the students. (3/08)
Drought Presentations
GUC employees have made several presentations recently about the drought and other topics for local community groups, including the Golden K Kiwanis Club, ECU Honors Biology Club, Evening Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce Power Luncheon and the Home Builders Association and the Pitt County Board of Realtors. If you'd like to have a speaker for your group, please call 551-1522. (3/08)
ECU AITP Students Visit GUC
GUC hosted the East Carolina University student chapter Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) on February 21st. AITP offers opportunities for Information Technology leadership and education through partnerships with industry, government and academia. During their visit, the students toured Station One and the 230 Kv Substation across from the Operations Center. (2/08)
MATHCOUNTS
Greenville Utilities was one of the sponsors of Twenty-Fourth Annual Eastern Regional MATHCOUNTS Competition, on February 9th at South Central High School. MATHCOUNTS is a national math coaching and competition program designed to improve math skills among U.S. students. During the competition, the student "mathletes" were challenged individually and as a team to solve complex mathematical problems, both written and oral. Over 250 7th and 8th graders from over thirty schools throughout eastern North Carolina participated in this annual event. The top teams advance to the state competition to be held in Durham and from there to the National Finals in Arlington, Virginia. The event is sponsored and coordinated by the Eastern Carolina Chapter of the Professional Engineers of North Carolina. (2/08)
Business & Technology Academy
GUC participated in Pitt County Schools' Business and Technology Academy on November 14 and 15. The mission of the Academy is to prepare students to enter the business, finance and information technology workforce. Eighty-seven 9th and 10th grade students from the six Pitt County high schools visited our facilities and learned about how we use technology and what kind of careers they may find at GUC in the future. (11/07)
Educators Visit Wastewater Treatment Plant
Twenty-five ECU Professors and local secondary high school teachers toured the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) on November 2nd. Their tour focused on how math and science concepts can be explored with students at the facility. So far this year, 545 individuals have toured the WWTP. Click here to find out how to set up a tour for your group. Tour are also available of the Water Treatment Plant. Click here to learn more. (11/07)
St. Peter’s School Kindergarteners Visit GUC
Sixty kindergarteners from St. Peter’s School visited Greenville Utilities October 29th. Employees from various departments shared information about the services GUC provides and how to stay safe around utilities. The students also got an up-close look at a bucket truck. (10/07)
Partnership with North Pitt High School
GUC is continuing a partnership with Pitt County Schools that began in 2001. We provide “internships” for North Pitt High School students who are participating in the Occupational Course of Study program. The program, which is part of the State’s Department of Public Instruction’s Exceptional Child Division, focuses on providing learning opportunities that help prepare students for post-school employment. Students in the program are required to complete 300 hours of school-based vocational training, 240 hours of community-based vocational training and 360 hours of paid employment. GUC is providing an opportunity for them to get their community-based training hours. Other businesses in our area that participate in the program include Pitt County Memorial Hospital, ECVC, McDonald’s, JC Penney, Big Lots, Pitt County Animal Shelter, and several grocery store chains. (9/07)
Energy Services Presentations
Dan Oglesby, Energy Services Officer, represented GUC at the Greenville Area Green Building and Energy Efficiency Tour on October 13th. Dan shared information about our energy surveys, the E300 program, fuel cost recovery, and appliance energy efficiency. The tour is sponsored by the NC Sustainable Energy Association, a non-profit organization that promotes renewable energy and energy efficiency. Over 50 communities across the state are participating in the tours this year.
Dan also participated in a free workshop in Greenville on October 8th that was offered by the State Energy Office along with the Cooperative Extension Service Office as part of “Energy Awareness Month.” Dan worked the GUC booth at the event to share energy-saving tips and information and also gave a presentation to the residential section of the workshop. Click here to find out more about GUC's Energy Services programs. (10/07)
Career Day Visit
Charles Buck spoke with Ms. Wingler’s 1st Grade class at Wintergreen Primary School on October 17th. He shared information about his job as a Gas Engineering Coordinator at GUC. (10/07)
ECU Merchants Fair
GUC participated in East Carolina University's Merchants Fair on September 12th. The event was organized by the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce to give students an opportunity to learn more about local merchants and their services. (9/07)
Come Visit Us!
Ever wonder where your drinking water comes from? We offer tours of the Water Treatment Plant (WTP), which treats an average of 10 million gallons of water each day. In 2008, 465 people toured the WTP. To set up a tour or get more information, call 551-1562.
When you’re done with the water, it travels to the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) where it is cleaned up and returned to the Tar River. An average of 9.5 million gallons of wastewater is treated at the WWTP each day. 449 people have visited the WWTP last year. Call 551-1546 to find out more. (3/2/07)
Our employees are also available to visit schools, civic groups, and clubs to share information about what we do. Call 551-5122 for more information.
Presentation for Presbyterian Women
Scott Mullis, Credit Supervisor in the Customer Relations Department, recently attended the Presbyterian Women Gathering Luncheon at First Presbyterian Church. Scott shared information about GUC’s Neighbor to Neighbor program, which assists families in need with their heating bills with funds donated by customers. To find out more about the program, click here. (10/06)
Safety Presentation for WEBELOS
Charles Buck, Engineering Coordinator in the Gas Department, conducted a meeting with WEBELOS II Cub Scout Pack 46 at Winterville Baptist Church. He demonstrated an electric safety model and demonstrated the working circuit of a flash light with alligator clips and a toggle switch. He got great reviews from the children and parents as well. (10/06)
NC GreenPower
Greenville Utilities is pleased to offer our customers the opportunity to participate in NC GreenPower, a voluntary environmental program. Customers can purchase blocks of “green” power, which is cleaner energy generated through renewable energy resources such as wind, solar and organic matter. A customer’s tax-deductible contribution adds that much more green power to North Carolina’s electric power supply resulting in a healthier environment. Through NC GreenPower, all renewable energy resources used are located in our state. Click here to learn more.
GUC Participates in Public Forum
Staff from Greenville Utilities participated in a public forum on February 17th at the Eppes Recreation Center. Andy Yakim, Energy Services Supervisor, shared information about reducing energy consumption to lower utility bills. He also explained services available to our customers through the Energy Services office. Credit Supervisor Scott Mullis provided information about community resources to assist residents with their utility bills, including GUC’s Neighbor to Neighbor program. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions following the presentation. Organized by a new community group called Citizens for Justice, the forum was designed to allow officials to share information about services available for residents. In addition to GUC, participants included City of Greenville, Public Works, Greenville Police Department, and representatives from the City Council.
Hurricane Katrina Response
Our GUC family also responds to disasters. Following Hurricane Katrina, employees donated food and clothing items, along with a cash donation to assist families after the devastation of that storm.
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