also in this issue · she replied in her sassy way, ”i may not have got here with you, but i made...

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FEATURE VECTREN.COM VECTRENLIVESMART.COM WORK SMART PAST ISSUES SUBMIT STORY | OCTOBER 2014 FRONT PAGE EMPLOYEE NEWS FEATURE also in this issue monthly profile Get to know your Vectren colleague: Brenda Huntsman 7 October Wellness Success Story 8 community Purdue, IU alumni clubs join together for Red and Black Give Back 9 Evansville colleagues volunteer at Special Kids’ Day 10 NE division colleagues participate in a Habitat build 11 Vectren employees volunteer their time to youth football program 11 Muncie colleagues participate in New Castle Day of Caring 12 Vectren colleagues partner with Evansville Fire Department for natural gas training 13 on the move New hires 14 Promotions 19 Retirees and service anniversaries 20 Retiree feature : Ray Graham 21 thank you Notes of gratitude from customers for outstanding service 22 FEATURE 1 In Memoriam: Desiree Sisney-Terry Vectren employee participates in presidential visit to the Evansville area MORE HEADLINES M:P:2014 wraps up; employees complete their mission CLICK HERE CLICK HERE CLICK HERE

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  • FEATURE

    VECTREN.COM VECTRENLIVESMART.COM WORK SMART PAST ISSUES SUBMIT STORY | OCTOBER 2014

    FRONT PAGE EMPLOYEE NEWSFEATURE

    also in this issuemonthly profileGet to know your Vectren colleague: Brenda Huntsman 7October Wellness Success Story 8

    communityPurdue, IU alumni clubs join together for Red and Black Give Back 9Evansville colleagues volunteer at Special Kids’ Day 10NE division colleagues participate in a Habitat build 11Vectren employees volunteer their time to youth football program 11Muncie colleagues participate in New Castle Day of Caring 12Vectren colleagues partner with Evansville Fire Department for natural gas training 13

    on the moveNew hires 14 Promotions 19Retirees and service anniversaries 20Retiree feature : Ray Graham 21 thank youNotes of gratitude from customers for outstanding service 22

    FEATURE

    1

    In Memoriam: Desiree Sisney-Terry

    Vectren employee participates in presidential visit to the Evansville area

    MORE HEADLINES

    M:P:2014 wraps up; employees complete their mission

    CLICK HERE

    CLICK HERE

    CLICK HERE

    http://www.vectren.comhttp://www.vectrenlivesmart.comhttp://iworksmart.vectren.com/web/landing/homeLanding.jsphttp://iworksmart.vectren.com/Departments/Corporate_Communications/Vision_and_eVision.jspmailto:aoshodi%40vectren.com?subject=Connect%20-%20Submit%20Story%20Idea

  • FRONT PAGE EMPLOYEE NEWSFEATURE

    2

    In Memoriam: Desiree Sisney-TerryFEATURE

    Desiree Sisney-Terry, at-home customer service agent, passed away on Monday, Oct. 6. She is survived by her husband, Ronald; son and daughter-in-law, D’Ron and Natalie Terry; daughter, Akyia Terry; grandchildren, Jeremiah, Jayla, and Avery Terry; and step-granddaughter, Alaina Palma.

    “Some people will come in your life and will make an impact that will last a lifetime, and that is the kind of person Desiree was. She was a wonderful friend that I feel so blessed to have known. We shared a job together for several years and had fun volunteering at several community events through Vectren. I miss her and will never forget the wonderful person she was.” - Joni Thomas, customer care specialist I

    “No matter how bad of a day you were having, Desiree always put a smile on your face. Her happiness was always contagious. ” - Hector Rivera Fuentes, customer care team leader

    “I was Dezzie’s supervisor for a couple of years, and she was truly a remarkable lady. Her 9-year service anniversary with the company would have been this month. She loved working for Vectren, her Vectren family and loved customer service. Dezzie was always positive, always smiling and always willing to sign up for outage and overtime. Anytime she came in to the office, she was always dressed up from head to toe and had matching accessories. Red was her favorite color and she loved to throw punches of red in just about everything she wore. She also had an enormous shoe collection that she hid from her husband! She was just a wonderful person, always very thoughtful and always very appreciative of everything. She is truly missed.” - Kate Howe, contact center supervisor

    “I worked with Desiree at both American General and Vectren. In 2005, when she joined Vectren, I asked her what took her so long to get here. She replied in her sassy way, ”I may not have got here with you, but I made it here.” She was a gentle soul who will be missed.” - Gwen Kelly, gas dispatch scheduler

    “I had the pleasure of working with Desiree for a brief time in the Billing Department, where I assisted in her training. She was extremely kind, caring and friendly. No matter the responsibility, task or work volume, she was always happily willing to assist in whatever way she could. In difficult times, her great personality rubbed off on a lot of people (myself included), and that went a long way in making tough days more palatable. On a personal level, I did not know her well, but as a lively coworker, I have nothing but pleasant memories. I’m sure that her loss is felt very deeply by everyone who knew her well and was fortunate enough to consider her a friend.” - Jim LeMond, business system analyst I

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    M:P:2014 wraps up; employees complete their missionFEATURE

    In February, Energize Vectren introduced Mission Possible 2014. The purpose of the program was to promote year-round healthy living - not just when it was time to prepare for the annual wellness screenings. Taking a few ideas from the movie Mission Impossible, non-bargaining employees were challenged to complete 12 missions - wellness-related activities - by the end of the program on Aug. 31. Missions included Energize Vectren-sponsored events such as exercise classes, cooking classes and the annual Get Down challenge, as well as activites such as marathons and routine health exams. More than 100 employees completed at least 12 missions and received a $50 gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods.

    Employees made major improvements in their health as a result of M:P:2014. April Ford, gas tranportation coordinator, completed 21 missions - the most of any employee. Teresa Smith, quality management program engineer IV, and Mike Johnson, engineering gas distribution technician III, were both pleased with the improvement to their health as a result of participating in Mission Possible. Read about their experiences on the next page.

    continued on next page

    Energize Vectren and Concentra hosted wellness blitzes and secret missions throughout Mission Possible to help colleagues complete additional missions and build on their knowledge of maintaining healthy lifestyles.

  • FRONT PAGE EMPLOYEE NEWSFEATURE

    4

    M:P:2014 wraps up; employees complete their missionFEATURE

    I always enjoy the wellness challenges Energize Vectren and Concentra provide for employees. Participating in the Health Trails walking challenge with coworkers helped me to get started with my missions. As a non-Evansville employee, I worked with Chad Lawyer, Concentra health specialist, to determine viable missions.

    The mission with the most impact for me was the completion of a 30-day Purge the Pantry program, which involved a weekly meeting where we learned to cook Paleo-friendly foods while also learning the benefits of the Whole 30 lifestyle. The reason that I started the program was to improve my blood work and blood pressure numbers, and as a result, I hit the targets for this year’s screenings. Mixed with a strength training class two nights per week, I was also able to lose a few pounds as well as firm and tone muscle. Although Mission Possible is over, I continue to use my Polar Loop to exceed 10,000 steps most days and am completing a pre-holiday Whole 30 program. - Teresa Smith

    Teresa, far left, is pictured with the “Chain Gang” during the Artemis Gone Riding event to support the Artemis Center in Dayton.

    Participating in Mission Possible was a very exciting journey for me. In the beginning, I recall doubting if I could meet the 12 required missions. The Health Trails challenge was my most beneficial mission, and I was able to lead a team, motivate and challenge my colleagues on another level, not just intellectually but on a physical one. As a personal challenge, I overcame shin splints, which I was sure I wouldn’t get over.

    In the Energize Vectren exercise classes, I found motivation and support from the instructors and other colleagues to push myself to another fitness level. Despite my asthma, I conditioned my lungs and legs. I also found my confidence to get out in the community and participated in 5ks and 7ks.

    Through these efforts, I lost several inches and even a shoe size! I forgot how competitive I was. The program provided opportunity and challenges aligned with my goals to keep me moving forward. What seemed Mission Impossible in the beginning became Mission Possible in the end! - April Ford

    April Ford (left) and Vectren colleague Sherri Bittner after they finished the Run of Luck 7k.

    continued on next page

  • FRONT PAGE EMPLOYEE NEWSFEATURE

    5

    M:P:2014 wraps up; employees complete their missionFEATURE

    My effort to keep healthy is an important link to my life, and the education Energize Vectren and Concentra provides is always very informative. Getting my yearly health exams keeps my body in check. As part of completing my missions, walking helped to keep my body active and my mind clear. I take my commitment to staying fit seriously because of my family’s history of diabetes. I was also able to serve the community and complete a mission when I donated blood. Overall, keeping healthy and giving to my community and others is something I strive to accomplish every day of my life. - Mike Johnson

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    MONTHLY PROFILE

    Vectren employee participates in presidential visit to Evansville areaMax Haddan, gas distribution specialist I, received an email from a former engineering classmate on the morning of Sept. 30 informing him he had been selected to represent the University of Southern Indiana and the school’s Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing Club at Millennium Steel’s Manufacturing Day on Friday, Oct. 3 in Princeton, Ind., in which President Barack Obama was to attend.

    “During my time at USI, I had supported my classmate in forming the club. I was honored to have the opportunity to represent both my alma mater and the new organization,” said Haddan.

    USI has produced many technicians and engineers employed by the numerous manufacturing businesses in the Evansville area. The increased job growth in this sector has resulted in a new advanced manufacturing facility at USI and more courses directed towards manufacturing and industrial engineering. The newly-created Industrial Engineering/Manufacturing Club is a result of this increasing demand.

    In order to attend the event, Max had to submit his information for a standard background check. The evening before the event, he, along with other volunteers, attended a training session led by Olivia O’Neil, the advance associate of the White House, who is in charge of event planning and execution. Max was assigned the task of assisting guests to their seats as they arrived for the event and then holding the microphone for questions after President Obama finished his remarks.

    During the Oct. 3 event, President Obama spoke about the revitalization of the manufacturing sector, the continuing private sector job growth and the newly-released 6-year low jobless rate. A student from Indiana State University asked about environmental regulations on coal, to which the president noted that lower-priced, abundant natural gas is the chief threat to coal right now. Because Vectren generates most of its electricity from coal, but has a geographically-larger natural gas service area and customer base, these two energy sources are paramount to Vectren’s business.

    Top: President Obama speaks to guests at Millennium Steel in Princeton, Ind.

    Right: Max Haddan at Millennium Steel before the president arrived.

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    Five things you didn’t know about Vectren colleague Brenda HuntsmanMONTHLY PROFILE

    Brenda Huntsman, gas and electric operations assistant, Boonville

    1. I have been with the company since October 1990 when I was hired to work as a data entry clerk at the Hulman Building in downtown Evansville.

    2. My husband, Steve, is an appraiser and auctioneer. We’ve been married for 25 years.

    3. Steve and I have three children, Jeff, Angie and Shannon, and five grandkids.

    4. My favorite hobby is spending time with the grandkids and going to their ballgames. We have a family dinner every Sunday with the kids and grandkids, so I am guaranteed to see them all at least once a week.

    5. I love to travel. My favorite destinations are Florida and the Smoky Mountains.

    Brenda Huntsman

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    MONTHLY PROFILE

    October Wellness Success Story of the Month: Lori Brandt

    Goal:After reaching her highest weight two years ago, Lori set out to become healthier and reach the weight range of 150 to 160 pounds.

    Strategy:Lori switched to a mostly plant-based diet , though she does indulge in other palatable pleasures such as shrimp, eggs and dairy. However, she is working toward eliminating dairy from her diet. Also, she drinks water frequently and walks for exercise nearly every day.

    Results:Thanks to her dedication and persistence to making simple lifestyle changes during the past two years, Lori has lost more than 100 pounds. She also passed all five risk factors for the first time during this year’s wellness screening after only meeting three the previous year.

    Lori Brandt, customer care specialist I

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    COMMUNITY

    Purdue, IU alumni clubs join together for Red and Black Give BackThe Purdue Alumni and the IU Alumni Clubs of Evansville are hosting their inaugural “Red and Black Give Back” competition. The winner of this year’s competition will be determined by which club can raise the most food to assist the Tri-State Food Bank of Evansville to meet their increasing demands. The winner is not only competing for a great cause, but for bragging rights and their own Old Oaken bucket. The winning alumni club will keep the Old Oaken bucket until the two clubs meet again for their next spirited competition.

    Established in 1982, the Tri-State Food Bank disburses approximately 7 million pounds of food each year to more than 250 feeding programs in 33 counties throughout the Tri-State.

    “This is an opportunity for the Purdue and IU alumni and fan community to utilize their competitive spirit and have a positive impact on those less fortunate,” said Kirk Williams, manager of corporate audit and Purdue Alumni Club of Evansville Chapter vice president.

    The competition is sponsored by Vectren and Nicholson, McNamara & Associates with Merrill Lynch and will run through Nov. 24. Each club will have a collection barrel at each of the following locations throughout the Evansville Tri-State area: Buehler’s IGA in Darmstadt, N. First Avenue and Morgan Avenue in Evansville, Price Less Foods in Newburgh, Posey’s Market in Boonville, Wesselman’s Supermarket on Weinbach Ave. in Evansville, YMCA Dunigan in Evansville and Old National Bank at the downtown Evansville location.

    “On behalf of the IU Alumni Association, we are proud to partner and battle with the Purdue Alumni Association to bring a greater awareness to the Tri-State Food Bank and to help our community members in need this holiday season,” said Kortney Blaylock, Indiana University Alumni Association Greater Evansville Chapter president.

    The winning club will be announced during the IU vs. Purdue football game on Nov. 29, where IU and Purdue alumni and fans will gather to watch the game at The Sports Book Bar & Grill in downtown Evansville. The time of the football game has not been announced yet. For questions about Red and Black Give Back or information on the alumni clubs, please contact Purdue Alumni Club of Evansville at [email protected] or the IU Alumni Club at [email protected].

    L to R: Holly Edmond, IU alum, and Kirk Williams, Purdue alum and president of the Purdue Alumni Club of Evansville pose with the barrels at OVS.

    mailto:pacevansville%40gmail.com?subject=mailto:iualumgreaterevansville%40gmail.com?subject=

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    Evansville colleagues, as well as a few retired employees, volunteered to help children with disabilities attend Special Kids’ Day at the annual West Side Nut Club Fall Festival. Volunteers helped the children play games, ride the carnival rides and assisted with their lunch. Participants included: Dave Byrley, Kasey Byrley, Brittany Townsend, Rob Lopez, Jeff Schultze, Aaron Farr, Vickie McClatchy, Aimee Jenkins, Greg Kaelin, Keith Ellis, Nancy Ellis, Erick Trice, Gary Gard, Rod Riney, Bob Folz, Sam Shaw, Jake Mortis, Katie Tieken, Donna Sisk, Shelley Fox, Jola Vanover, Jay Furlong, Steve Simmons, April Besse, Mohammad Mohtati, Georgina Hostettler, John Williams, Camilla Cobb, Bonnie Stuckey, Mary Martin, Shirley James, Bill Summers and Ann Wilson.

    10

    COMMUNITY

    Evansville employees volunteer at Special Kids’ Day at the Fall Festival

    L to R: Brittany Townsend and Kasey Byrley have lunch with the kids.

    Current and a few retired Vectren employees volunteered at Special Kids’ Day.

    Rob Lopez rides one of the carnival rides with one of the kids.

    Jeff Schultze and a West Side Nut Club member pose with their assigned kids.

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    COMMUNITY

    NE division colleagues participate in a Habitat buildVectren colleagues from the NE division worked on a Muncie Habitat house on Friday, Sept. 19. At least one representative from each of the operating centers in the division participated. Muncie is home to more than 5,000 abandoned homes and Habitat for Humanity is working to turn these structures into liveable homes. Colleagues volunteered to assist in the rehab of one of these efforts. Participants included: Lisa Ayers, Jason Cooper, Jon Eastham, Cody Harmon, Tom Ochoa, Frank Rice, Mike Johnson, Bob Matrejek, Keith Tucker, Steve Cheek, Dave Hagy, Josh Sargent, Mike Sullenberger and Scott Wilson.

    Vectren employees volunteer their time to youth football programThe Evansville Junior Football League (EJFL) is a non-profit organization located on the west side of Evansville that is dedicated to teaching young athletes the basics of football and cheerleading by coaching them in practice and competitive games. EJFL has 10 junior tackle (2nd grade – 4th grade) and 10 senior tackle football teams (5th grade – 7th grade), with cheer squads for both divisions. The regular season runs from August to September with playoff and championship games played through October. Teams practice three times a week for two hours at a time and games are on Saturdays.

    Vectren colleagues, Lisa Brickey, bare steel/cast iron analyst, and Rod Riney, service specialist, have volunteered for EJFL for many years. Lisa has volunteered as a team mom in both the junior and senior division for the last 4 years, and Rod has coached in the program for 14 years.

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    COMMUNITY

    Muncie colleagues participate in New Castle Day of CaringMuncie colleagues worked at NC Memorial Park cutting down dead trees in New Castle as a part of the city’s Day of Caring on Sept. 12. Approximately 600 people participated in the Day of Caring. Vectren colleagues who participated included: Ron Froderman, Jake Stonebraker, Scott Feaster, Matt Rich and Bob Matrejek (not pictured).

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    Conversations with the Evansville Fire Department (EFD) began last winter to see if there would be any value in Vectren providing natural gas training to the firefighters. The company has traditionally provided electric training through the live-line trailer. Many times, customers call 911 to report a gas odor and the EFD is dispatched and in many cases, arrive onsite before a Vectren first responder. Through this training, Vectren colleagues set out to provide the EFD with the same information Vectren techs have when responding to an emergency. If the firefighters are arriving first, they should be equipped to act in the best interests of the public, themselves and property.

    The first in-depth natural gas training the EFD received, colleagues worked with the EFD training staff to put together a program that would be beneficial and consistent to their learning environment. Training consisted of the basic characteristics of natural gas and addressing frequently asked questions from the firefighters. Before training began, trainers were asked to poll their companies so answers to general questions that they had could be answered. More than 200 firefighters were trained in the course of three days with five, 2-hour sessions each day at the EFD facility in downtown Evansville.

    During trainig, Vectren colleagues emphasized the importance of communication between EFD and Vectren. Three different scenarios were used to demonstrate how they would respond and what actions they should take. Each scenario was talked through in a table exercise, which included the firefighters and chief from a company unit, as well has a Vectren representative. The goal of these scenarios was that the firefighters would talk as if they were the ones responding and then the Vectren representative would provide instant feedback. After completing each scenario, an overall review was held.

    “We look forward to continue building the relationship with the EFD and look to provide this training again in a couple years, said Jason Williams, operations supervisor.

    Colleagues involved in training included: Gary Becker, Mike Brann, Andy Druin, Allen Hair, John O’Day and Jason Williams. Chief Ken Zuber and instructor Ray Goff were the trainers from the EFD.

    “The training solidified our strong working and professional relationship to collectively manage and respond to gas emergencies within our community,” said Mike Connelly, fire chief. “I would like to extend our utmost sincere appreciation to the Vectren team.”

    13

    COMMUNITY

    Colleagues partner with Evansville Fire Department for natural gas training

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    new hiresON THE MOVE

    Andrea BackesAndrea has been hired as a strategic sourcing coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies from the University of Southern Indiana. Prior to joining Vectren, she was employed by GAF in Mt. Vernon, Ind. In her spare time, Andrea enjoys playing recreational softball and volleyball.

    Samuel BurkeSamuel has been hired as a gas specialist apprentice. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by FedEx in Jeffersonville, Ind. In his spare time, he enjoys playing softball, reading and spending time with family and two dogs, Sid and Lacie.

    Brad CanterBrad has been hired as a maintenance supervisor. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Education and Technology from Murray State University. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by Alcoa. In his spare time, Brad enjoys spending time with his family and fishing.

    Fauna ComerFauna has been hired as a GIS technician II. She holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Drafting and Design from ITT Technical Institute. Prior to joining Vectren, she was employed by Kelly Engineering. In her spare time, Fauna enjoys reading, crocheting, cooking and spending time with her three children, husband and many pets.

    Dylan ConradDylan has been hired as a gas specialist apprentice. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by Miller Pipeline in Indianapolis. In his spare time, Dylan enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with friends and family.

    Casey CraftonCasey has been hired as a gas specialist apprentice. He holds a degree in Construction Management from Purdue University, as well as a degree in Manufacturing Technology from the University of Cincinnati. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by Flutes, Inc. in Indianapolis, Ind.

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    new hiresON THE MOVE

    Michael FischerMichael has been hired as a senior external reporting analyst. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Accounting and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting, both from Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, Calif. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by P&I Supply Co. in Evansville. In his spare time, Michael is currently enjoying renovating his house.

    Rayshaun HarrisRayshaun has been hired as a gas specialist apprentice. He holds an Associate of Science Degree in Major Industrial Science from Ivy Tech. Rayshaun is also an active member of the Masonic Lodge.

    Jesse HettenbachJesse has been hired as an electrician apprentice. He holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electronics from Ivy Tech. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by Capital Electric in Evansville. In his spare time, Jesse enjoys hunting and sports.

    Jeff HigdonJeff has been hired as a gas specialist apprentice. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners in Port Richey, Fla. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys outdoor activities, golf and sports.

    Shaun HintonShaun has been hired as a gas specialist apprentice. He holds an Associate Degree in Architectural Drafting and Design from Lincoln Technical Institute in Indianapolis. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by Partners-N-Concrete in Anderson, Ind. In his spare time, Shaun enjoys 3D Archery, fishing, camping and hunting. He is also a certified archery and pistol instructor for the Indiana 4H Association.

    Michael HopwoodMichael has been hired as a gas specialist apprentice. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by MAC Construction and Excavating in New Albany, Ind. In his spare time, Michael enjoys hunting and watching football and basketball.

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    new hiresON THE MOVE

    Andy HurstAndy has been hired as a repair mechanic apprentice. He holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree from Ivy Tech. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by Sterling Boiler Mechanical, Inc. In his spare time, Andy enjoys running and spending time with his family.

    Kaleb JacksonKaleb has been hired as a gas specialist apprentice. He holds an Associate of Science Degree in Construction Technology from Indiana State University. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by Process Development and Fabrication, Inc. In his spare time, Kaleb enjoys hunting and fishing.

    Tye KirkTye has been hired as a gas specialist apprentice. He holds a technical certificate in Energy Technology and Industrial from Ivy Tech and is currently pursuing Associate of Applied Science Degrees in both majors. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by River View Farms, Inc. in Orleans, Ind. In his spare time, Tye enjoys sports, hiking, woodworking and spending time with family.

    Geoffrey KrielGeoffrey has been hired as a gas specialist apprentice. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by Owen’s Repair Service, Inc. in Jeffersonville, Ind. In his spare time, Geoffrey enjoys fishing, golf and coaching baseball.

    Kyle KuntzKyle has been hired as a gas specialist apprentice. He holds an Associate of Science Degree in Applied Agricultural Sciences from Ivy Tech. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by Cummins, Inc. in Columbus, Ind. In his spare time, Kyle enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking and spending time with his wife.

    Joshua McGeheeJoshua has been hired as a material specialist helper. He is currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Building Construction Management from Ivy Tech. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by Industrial Contractors Skanska. In his spare time, Joshua enjoys hunting and fishing.

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    new hiresON THE MOVE

    Cody McKnightCody has been hired as a gas specialist apprentice. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by Cadle Concrete Construction in Georgetown, Ind. Cody has had a busy 2014 as a newlywed, with a newly-built house and new job!

    Eric MyersEric has been hired as a material specialist helper. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by Quality Automotive Distributing Co. In his spare time, Eric enjoys coaching sports.

    Jarrod RandolphJarrod has been hired as a gas specialist apprentice. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by Miller Pipeline in Indianapolis. In his spare time, Jarrod enjoys sports and spending time with his family.

    Thomas RuegerThomas has been hired as a security coordinator. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from St. John’s University in New York and a Master of Science Degree in Public Service Administration from the University of Evansville. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by the Mt. Vernon Police Department. In his spare time, Thomas enjoys golfing and traveling.

    Shawn ShepherdShawn has been hired as a gas specialist apprentice. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by I&S Furrer Farms, Inc. in Wolcott, Ind.

    Jeff SmithJeff has been hired as a gas specialist apprentice. He holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Energy Technology from Ivy Tech. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by MPI Solar, Inc. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys fishing, woodworking, jogging and outdoor activities.

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    new hiresON THE MOVE

    John StapletonJohn has been hired as a gas specialist apprentice. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by Milestone Contractors in Lafayette. In his spare time, John enjoys hunting, fishing, baseball, watching Colts football and spending time with his three kids.

    John SwiftJohn has been hired as a gas specialist apprentice. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office in Frankfort, Ind. In his spare time, John enjoys sports (Notre Dame, Colts and Pacers), traveling, volunteering and spending time with his family.

    Staci TyrrellStaci has been hired as a billing specialist. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from the University of Southern Indiana. Prior to joining Vectren, she was employed by Heritage Federal Credit Union in Evansville. In her spare time, Stacie enjoys spending time with her daughters. She also has a love for math.

    Josh WatsonJosh has been hired as a gas specialist apprentice. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sports and Recreation Management from Franklin College in Franklin, Ind. Prior to joining Vectren, he was employed by Calumet Civil Contractors in Whitestown, Ind. In his spare time, Josh enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

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    Travis BradtmillerTravis has been promoted to lead utility accounting analyst. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Ball State University and is also a CPA. He was formerly a senior utility accounting analyst.

    Tassin RaleighTassin has been promoted to corporate auditor II. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management from the University of Southern Indiana and is also a certified PHR. She was formerly a technical training analyst.

    Brittney RustonBrittney has been promoted to credit and collections specialist II. She is currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Office Administration. She was formerly a customer care specialist III.

    J.D. StreetJ.D. has been promoted to director of corporate safety at Vectren. He holds an Associate of Science Degree in Manufacturing Technology and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology, both from Western Kentucky University, and a Master of Science Degree in Management from Brescia University. He was formerly a resource planning and project performance manager.

    Brittany TownsendBrittany has been promoted to tax analyst. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Professional Services from the University of Southern Indiana. She was formerly a corporate auditor I.

    promotions ON THE MOVE

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    ON THE MOVE

    Anthony Folz, 30 yearsMike Neal, 19 years

    retireesservice anniversaries1 yearNick DusNicole Dwanyen MhangoNatalie EllisonJavier Flores MaldonadoScott GambillLan LandDelroy OxfordStephanie Rivera

    5 yearsAdam GillesJustin HallCody HarmonJoe LouthanRyan MalottRyan MitchellJeff ShoreJames StewartJohn Stratton

    15 yearsKelly Maddox

    20 yearsJeff BrownMike StierwaltJoseph Wyatt

    25 yearsJohn BauerChris JohnsonDavid Wade

    30 yearsRonald MacmunnMark Riggs

    35 yearsMark KingPhil Pate

    40 yearsJan Rust

    45 yearsJames EbertJohn Spinks

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    Ray Graham, 20 yearsRay has been in the safety business since 1978, when he began working as a safety supervisor at a surface coal mine for Peabody Coal. He held several different positions in the safety department at Peabody before coming to work for SIGECO as manager of safety in 1994. After the merger, Ray took on the responsibility for labor relations in addition to safety. After six years, he was transitioned out of labor relations to devote all of his time to safety.

    Ray is very active and has completed nine marathons, including two Boston Marathons. He has also completed triathlons and qualified for the national championship, based on top finishers in his age group, in qualifying events in 1991. Ray, also active in church, leads an adult Sunday school class and sings in the choir. Ray enjoys backpacking and makes an annual trek out West. He has backpacked in nearly every western state and just completed a repeat trip to the state of Washington this past August. As the President of the Sir Brit British Car Club, Ray owns a 1966 MGB, a British sports car. He plans to show the MGB at the national MG car show in June in French Lick, which is sponsored by the local club. His next project will be to restore a 1960 Austin Healey Sprite, which he says will absorb many of his post retirement hours.

    After retirement, Ray plans to spend more time with his family. He resides in Newburgh with his wife of 44 years, Teresa. Ray and Teresa have two daughters, Keri and Brooke, and six grandchildren. They are all Colts fans and enjoy watching the games together.

    ON THE MOVE

    retiree feature

    Ray is pictured with his wife, Teresa (far left, front row), daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren.

  • FRONT PAGE EMPLOYEE NEWSFEATURE

    22

    customer compliments THANK YOU

    Customer David Cooper of Xenia, Ohio, complimented customer care specialist II Dorothy Arrick after she took his call recently. He has been in the hospital and has had to call often. He reported that he always receives great customer service and appreciates it. Dorothy was particularly kind and made him feel as if she’d known him for years.

    Misty Halstead, customer care specialist I, received a compliment from Ellen Davidson, property manager of Germantown I, LLC. Ms. Davidson said Misty was very efficient in getting their properties set up correctly on Vectren.com and she appreciated her great customer service.

    Ricky Robinson, customer in Dayton, Ohio, called to report the good service he received from Randy Freed, senior URD construction technician, when he responded to his gas leak call. Randy’s response was quick and he had the issue resolved in no time. He kept Mr. Robinson informed throughout the process and acted in a very professional manner.

    Julie Steimel, customer care specialist I, received a compliment from Rev. Joan Smoke of Trinity Episcopal Church in Troy, Ohio, after she called to inquire about a customer’s account that the church had pledged toward. Rev. Smoke said that Julie was very kind and went out of her way to contact her back and confirm that everything was in order.

    Andrea Middleton, customer in Mulberry, Ind., wrote in to express her appreciation for service specialist Dennis Welch after he responded to her gas leak call. She said Dennis quickly determined that her furnace had issues. He thoroughly explained everything to her and gave her valuable information on how to keep her family safe until repairs could be made. He was obviously concerned about the safety of her family.

    Service specialist Kevin Vanslyke received a compliment from customer Cathy Fairall of Martinsville, Ind., after he responded to her gas leak call. Ms. Fairall was very pleased with Kevin’s service and said he did a “wonderful job.”

    Matthew Diggs, Jr., of Dayton, wrote a letter commending senior URD construction technician Steve Duell and senior operations supervisor Rob Weethee for successfully handling a potentially dangerous situation while he was out of the country. A neighbor reported a gas leak, which resulted in the discovery of a gas leak between Mr. Diggs’ meter and the street. He was thankful that all the correct decisions were made in his absence. Also, within hours of his return, the situation was remedied and cleaned up.