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South Dakota proclaims April 9 Otter Tail Power Company Pay-It-Forward Day

Sisseton, South Dakota, March 25, 2009 -

This morning Dusty Johnson, Chairman of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC), officially proclaimed April 9 as Otter Tail Power Company Pay-It-Forward Day on behalf of Governor Michael Rounds.

On April 9, 1909, Otter Tail Power Company provided electricity to its first customer. Today the company, two regional organizations, the PUC, and the State of South Dakota commemorated this historical event during a dedication of the company’s pay-it-forward gift to the Northeast South Dakota Community Action Program (NESDCAP) and Northeast South Dakota Economic Corporation (NESDEC).

“To pay it forward means that when you receive a thoughtful gift or gesture you return the kindness by giving to others,” said Cris Kling, Otter Tail Power Company’s director of public relations. “Part of our mission is to improve the quality of life in the areas in which we do business much as NESDCAP and NESDEC are improving the quality of life in our South Dakota service area and beyond through energy and weatherization assistance, public education, and economic development. We’re pleased to pay it forward while enhancing their ability to provide progressive services.”

Otter Tail Power Company contributed furnishings and technology for these organizations’ new community rooms. With these rooms equipped with everything from new tables, chairs, information credenzas, and computer carts to conference phones and video-conferencing technology, NESDCAP and NESDEC now are more prepared to serve the economic, environmental, and social needs of organizations in this region. As part of today’s dedication Otter Tail Power Company also offered complimentary energy-efficiency training in these community rooms for Sisseton area residents.

NESDCAP promotes community excellence through housing programs, energy assistance, energy-efficiency and conservation training, and other worthwhile programs. NESDEC stimulates economic opportunities through loans, technical assistance, and partnerships with individuals and businesses.

“The people and organizations that will use these rooms are those who are working for the good of our region,” said Marcia Erickson, Northeast South Dakota Community Action Program executive director. “Thanks to the gift from Otter Tail Power Company, we are able to make these meeting rooms more effective and more accommodating.”

This pay-it-forward dedication was the kickoff of Otter Tail Power Company’s 100th anniversary commemoration in its South Dakota service area. “These community rooms are one way we’re helping to pay it forward to the Sisseton area, the state of South Dakota, and future generations,” said Chuck MacFarlane, Otter Tail Power Company president. “I want to thank NESDCAP and NESDEC for their ongoing commitments to social, environmental, and economic stewardship—and for helping to commemorate Otter Tail Power Company’s 100 years of service.” The company also plans to mark its 100-year milestone with pay-it-forward events in North Dakota and Minnesota.

In addition to these events, Otter Tail Power Company will host open house celebrations at each of its customer service centers and is offering Ollie the Otter appearances, holding employee celebrations, and conducting book signings of its Ollie’s Otter Tail River Adventure children’s book. Dates, times, and locations of these and other events will be posted on the company’s anniversary web site www.otpco100.com.

Otter Tail Power Company, a division of Otter Tail Corporation, is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. It provides electricity and energy services to nearly a quarter million people in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. To learn more visit Otter Tail Power Company’s web site at www.otpco.com.

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