Recent Press Release

Alliant Energy employees and retirees earn over $116,000 for non-profits

Foundation applauds their commitment during National Volunteer Week (April 27 – May 3)

MADISON, WI – April 28, 2008 – Anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Alliant Energy employees and retirees certainly take Margaret Mead’s advice to heart every day when they work to change their communities for the better by giving their time and talents to those around them. Recognizing their leadership is what National Volunteer Week, taking place April 27 through May 3, is all about.

Throughout the year, Alliant Energy employees and retirees illustrate how a small group of caring and committed individuals can put their energy to work in changing the world in a variety of ways: mentoring and tutoring children; providing companionship to the elderly; running community theaters and arts programs; serving on boards and committees; cleaning highways and parks; responding to fires and medical emergencies; staffing essential community organizations; and offering aid to the hungry and homeless.

To recognize and support the volunteer efforts of its employees and retirees, the Alliant Energy Foundation provides grants of up to $400 each year to nonprofit organizations in the volunteer’s name through its Volunteer Program. In 2007, over 400 Alliant Energy employees and retirees participated in the program, logging 81,660 volunteer hours. When compared to 2006, the overall participation rate in the Foundation’s Volunteer Program increased by 58 percent.

In appreciation, the Alliant Energy Foundation directed $116,050 in their names to non-profit organizations, including: Habitat for Humanity, March of Dimes, Junior Achievement, American Heart Association and Big Brothers/Big Sisters and many other groups. The total dollar commitment from the Foundation to the Volunteer Program in 2007 was a new record, eclipsing the $104,300 in grants given out in 2006. In addition, the Foundation provided grants under its Power Team Volunteer Program, where 212 employees participated in teams on 12 volunteer projects during 2007. The Teams received grants for the non-profit groups of their choosing.

“We’re proud to salute our employees and retirees that generously support groups in the communities where they live and work with their valuable time and energy,” said Marty Fox, Executive Director of the Alliant Energy Foundation. “We are pleased to reward their personal dedication to worthy non-profit organizations with a financial contribution to enhance their commitment. National Volunteer Week allows us to say “thank you” to those that give back.”

To further encourage partnerships between Alliant Energy employees and non-profit agencies, the company holds volunteer promotion days at its two largest facilities. Last week, a Volunteer Fair was held at the Alliant Energy headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin, and on May 22, a similar fair will be held at the company’s Cedar Rapids, Iowa office. These events provide a chance for employees to talk to groups about future volunteer opportunities.

National Volunteer Week was created in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order to establish the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Every year since that time, each U.S. President, along with many governors, mayors and other elected officials, has signed a proclamation honoring National Volunteer Week. The Points of Light Foundation & Hands On Network promotes the annual week-long event. This year's National Volunteer Week theme is, "Volunteer to Change the World”. According to the Points of Light Foundation, the current rate for volunteer time in our nation is valued at $18.77 an hour.

“It’s impressive that our company volunteers dedicated time equivalent to more than $1.5 million in 2007 as they helped to build and strengthen their communities,” added Fox. “They truly do embrace the theme and spirit of National Volunteer Week.”

Media Contact: Scott Reigstad (608) 458-3145