Newberry receives statewide community service award

The Florida Municipal Electric Association has presented its 2018 Building Strong Communities Award to the City of Newberry for the utility’s strong commitment to addressing community needs during the past year. Newberry was one of 13 utilities honored statewide. This is the third year in a row that Newberry has earned the award.

FMEA executive director Amy Zubaly presented the award to Newberry during ceremonies held Oct. 24 at the association’s Energy Connections Conference and Trade Show in Kissimmee.

The award is presented annually to utilities that enhance the quality of life in their communities through activities that address community needs and improve the area’s social, cultural, educational and economic environment.

“Being a part of the community is about more than making sure the lights are on,” said Zubaly. “The recipients of the 2018 FMEA Building Strong Communities Awards excel in not only taking an interest in seeing their communities succeed, but also actively working toward making them better places to live and building strong communities.”

In the past year, Newberry supported a variety of community organizations and activities that impacted almost all of our residents. Notable projects included:

• The City of Newberry provides support for the Newberry Watermelon Festival – the longest running festival in Florida.
• WestFest Music Festival Sponsorship and support
• The City of Newberry hangs holiday lights at Christmas in the City
• Support local volunteer organizations with fee waivers and reductions, and assistance in utility processes.
• Supports charitable events through the community by sponsoring Relay for Life, UnitedWay contributions, conducting an employee donated food drive at Thanksgiving, and a children’s gift/toy drive at Christmas.
• Sponsorship of the Energy Whiz Expo at Oak View Middle
• The City of Newberry provides our customers with a free do-it-yourself online energy auditing tool (found here).
• In addition, the City of Newberry offers free yearly energy and water audits and energy efficiency kits to help customers save money as well as other energy saving educational items

“Community is a core value of our organization,” said Newberry City Manager Mike New. “I am thrilled that Newberry has again received statewide recognition for its work in our community.”