Fund fuels revitalization in gas supplier’s service area

Dawson, PA – 2/21/2003 – Dominion Peoples doesn’t just warm 350,000 homes in southwestern Pennsylvania. Every year, the Pittsburgh-based company lights a fire under scores of organizations that strive for economic and social revitalization, by seeking nominations for its Dominion Peoples Community Impact Awards. The Progress Fund is honored to be one of the 2002 award recipients.

“We’re thrilled to be among a handful of organizations Dominion Peoples has chosen to generously support with this award,” said David Kahley, President and CEO of The Progress Fund. “This caps an amazing year.”

“The Progress Fund exemplifies the type of community revitalization initiative the Community Impact Award seeks to honor,” said Jim Mesloh, Executive Director of the Dominion Foundation.

For 2002, Dominion Peoples received 51 nominations of nonprofit organizations and programs working toward the economic and social revitalization of communities in its 16-county service area. The organizations and programs were evaluated based on their contributions to communities; generation of positive change; number of people impacted;

promotion of future growth; and impact on jobs, spending and taxes. Eight were chosen for awards. The Progress Fund was among four recipients of the top grant amount of $10,000.

The Progress Fund provides capital and expertise to small businesses in rural communities. In 2002, the Fund closed 17 loans, bringing its total to 112 loans totaling more than $7 million; expanded economically into the manufacturing sector and geographically into West Virginia; and preserved the artifacts associated with the Quecreek Mine rescue through its Windber Coal Heritage Center.

“We are extremely grateful for the financial support, recognition and spirit of partnership that Dominion Peoples has provided to us,” said Kahley.