[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 65 (Monday, May 20, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4564-S4565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO UNITIL CORPORATION

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, today I pay tribute 
to Unitil Corporation of Hampton, which has been named the Business 
Services Business of the Year 2002 by the New Hampshire Chamber of 
Commerce and Business NH Magazine.
  I applaud Unitil's unique and innovative approach to business and 
their customers. By taking a fresh approach to the utility industry, 
Unitil has proven that quantity does not necessarily reflect quality. 
Unitil was established after a union between Concord Electric Company 
and Exeter & Hampton Electric Company in 1984. The company now employs 
333 people as well as servicing 110,000 customers.
  Unitil was among the frontrunners of the industry with the creation 
of their program, USource, which matches buyers on the Internet with 
pre-qualified energy suppliers. Unitil's approach to business has 
resulted in the lowest electric rates available in New England as well 
as excellent performance ratings from the majority of their clients.
  Aside from Unitil's low rates and high quality of service, the real 
treasure of the company lies within its employees and their dedication 
to community service. By operating with an emphasis on giving and 
volunteering in their local communities, Unitil has encouraged 
employees to volunteer their time and make a positive impact. Led by 
example, Unitil's CEO Bob Schoenberger is President of the Board of the 
United Way of the Greater Seacoast. Employees are each granted eight 
hours of paid leave for volunteering. Last year, Unitil's employees 
volunteered 1,000 hours of community service and raised more than 
$8,000 in a matched contribution program. Unitil also donated $90,000 
to 200 local non-profit organizations in 2001.

[[Page S4565]]

  Unitil serves as a positive example for all Granite Staters, and I 
applaud their dedication to improving their community, both in the 
personal and the business arena. I commend their leadership as well as 
their employees and wish them continued success in the coming years. It 
is an honor to represent you in the United States Senate.

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