Demonstrating continued strong support for the communities it serves, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. was recognized by the United Way of Dutchess-Orange Region as holding the top employee campaign in 2020, presented at their annual Celebration of Service on June 8. The utility and its employees raised more than $262,000 for the Dutchess-Orange Region, and more than $364,000 in total contributions for all United Way regions within its Mid-Hudson Valley service area during the 2020 campaign.

“Our employees are dedicated to our region and hold an annual United Way campaign to raise needed funds for local community service organizations,” said Charles A. Freni, President and C.E.O. of Central Hudson. “We are grateful for their enthusiastic support each year, and Central Hudson matches all our employees’ contributions to the Community Fund,” he said. Freni added that their employee campaigns have raised more than $3.8 million since 2010.

“Each year United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region facilitates workplace campaigns at more than 200 organizations,” said Jeannie Montano, President and CEO, United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region. “This year, we recognize Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. for holding the Top Campaign within our region. Supported by their management team and the generosity of their employees, one of the keys to their success is the tremendous skill of their campaign team, which was led this year by Central Hudson employees Heather Welch and Andrew Salemo.”

“Their outstanding efforts were even more impressive considering their need to redesign the campaign’s traditional structure due to the pandemic. Thanks to every Central Hudson employee for their donations, as they are making an impact in the lives of members of our community each and every day,” Montano added.

Including contributions from its United Way campaign, Central Hudson and its employees provided nearly $760,000 in financial support for COVID-related missions and local causes and committed more than $1 million in economic development funding to assist local small businesses during 2020.

“Central Hudson and our employees have provided more than $7 million in local community and small business funding and nearly $8.4 million in economic development grants during the last decade,” said Freni. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to continue our support of the communities we serve.”

 For more information on Central Hudson’s community service initiatives and economic development programs, visit www.CentralHudson.com/About-Us/Community.