FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PITTSBURGH, PA (April 5, 2021) – On March 16, 2020, Peoples joined Aqua as part of the Essential Utilities family of companies, which created one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater, and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5 million people across 10 states. Both Aqua and Peoples are strongly committed to supporting the communities they serve. The Essential Foundation was created to support the companies’ charitable giving efforts.
One of the focus areas of The Essential Foundation is Diversity and Inclusion. Peoples proudly donated $155,000 through The Essential Foundation to support the vital work and programming of Community Forge, Riverside Center for Innovation, Urban League and Vibrant Pittsburgh. These organizations address racial injustice, structural inequity and economic disparity.
“We are honored to stand with these community leaders and organizations fighting for racial justice and equity,” said Mike Huwar, President of Peoples. “We are committed to advancing sustainable economic growth and financial opportunity for all. Peoples is dedicated to helping further meaningful change for our communities.”
“Community Forge is dedicated to being part of building a truly equitable economy for our region,” said Mike Skirpan, Executive Director of Community Forge. “For us, that starts with making sure that entrepreneurs, especially those who often receive the least resources, are offered an environment of access: access to a professional network, access to experts, access to space, and access to financial opportunities. Working with Peoples Gas, Community Forge will be able to expand some of our limited opportunities for business support services to more entrepreneurs and small businesses, which are in even greater need than we’ve seen in recent years. We’re excited about working with Peoples as they join us in making sure our local small business community receives the support and exposure they deserve.”
"Riverside Center for Innovation is honored to develop and build a lasting relationship with Peoples,” Juan Garrett, Executive Director. “We are honored that Peoples made an investment into RCI, as we continue our efforts to build the infrastructure and initiatives for an equitable and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in western Pennsylvania. This partnership is a great step in moving the region to a global economy that will include disadvantaged and underrepresented entrepreneurs and call our region home.”
“Peoples Natural Gas continues to demonstrate an understanding and commitment to the work of social justice and racial equity through their presenting sponsorship of the Ronald H. Brown Leadership Awards and their year-round support of critical Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh programs and service,” said Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh President & CEO Esther L. Bush.
“Vibrant Pittsburgh is excited to continue our partnership with Peoples. As a community pillar member, Peoples has made a clear commitment towards strengthening their culture of inclusion in the workplace. This investment also supports a larger effort to become a more welcoming and equitable region for all,” said Sabrina Saunders Mosby, President and Chief Executive Officer.