Employees and community members joined forces to make a positive impact during Xcel Energy’s annual Day of Service. With nearly 2,500 volunteers participating, the event aimed to support nonprofit organizations and give back to the communities served by Xcel Energy.
Volunteers dedicated over 7,200 hours of their time to support more than 100 organizations. The projects ranged from packing meals and repairing homes for families to cleaning up nature trails and planting trees. These efforts had a significant economic impact of $230,000 in the communities served by Xcel Energy in states such as Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin.
“Volunteering is in our DNA; it allows us to change lives, deepen our roots in the community, and address the things that matter most to our families, friends, and neighbors,” said Bob Frenzel, chairman, president, and CEO of Xcel Energy. Frenzel himself took part in the event, joining the Minnesota nonprofit Hearts & Hammers in landscaping and painting the home of a local veteran. The participation of Xcel Energy employees and community members in events like these demonstrates their commitment to supporting local nonprofits and making a difference in their communities.
The Day of Service has become a tradition since 2010, created as a tribute to the victims, survivors, and first responders of the 9/11 attacks. It is also a way to honor all those who work to keep communities and the country safe. This annual volunteer event provides an opportunity for Xcel Energy and members of the community to come together and contribute to projects that benefit local nonprofits.
In addition to the Day of Service, Xcel Energy also gives back through community programs and initiatives throughout the year. Their commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement is evident in their continued efforts to make a positive impact and support those in need.
Switching gears, another event making waves in the local community is the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s 2023 Southwest Dairy Day. This year, the event will take place at Del Rio Dairy near Bovina on October 18. The field day will showcase cutting-edge technologies such as an anaerobic digester and a rotary parlor with automated teat sanitation.
The event, which is free to attend, will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1098 State Highway 86, Bovina. Bus tours to the Del Rio Dairy will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue until noon, with lunch provided by the Texas Beef Council, Southwest Cheese, and Hi-Pro Feeds.
The tours will include stops at the anaerobic digester, Saudi barns, and the rotary milking parlor. The event aims to highlight the most current topics of interest in the dairy community, including automation and precision technologies that can increase efficiency and address labor scarcity issues. Additionally, the anaerobic digester system discussed during the event can decrease greenhouse gas emissions and provide dairy farmers with an additional revenue source.
With speakers and experts covering various aspects of dairy farming, attendees will receive valuable insights and knowledge about the industry. For more information, interested individuals can reach out to Juan Piñeiro at juan.pineiro@ag.tamu.edu or Jennifer Spencer at jennifer.spencer@ag.tamu.edu.
Lastly, the Canyon Economic Development Corporation (Canyon EDC) has unveiled its innovative Business Coach Program in collaboration with Leading Edg. The program is provided free of charge and aims to support local entrepreneurs and foster economic growth in the community.
The Business Coach Program offers expert guidance, strategic insights, and personalized advice to entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners. Through this program, participants gain access to a team of experienced business coaches who can provide expertise across various aspects of business development, including planning, strategy, marketing, finance, operations, and sales.
Stephanie Tucker, Executive Director of the Canyon Economic Development Corporation, expressed her excitement about the partnership with Leading Edg and the value the Business Coach Program brings to local businesses. The goal is to empower entrepreneurs and equip them with the necessary tools for success. Interested individuals are encouraged to attend the Lunch and Learn event to explore the program’s possibilities.
For more information about the Canyon EDC Business Coach Program or other available services and opportunities, individuals can contact 806-656-6835.
Overall, these community-focused initiatives and events demonstrate the commitment and dedication of individuals and organizations to make a positive impact and support the growth and well-being of their communities. Through volunteering, knowledge sharing, and resource programs, these efforts contribute to building stronger, more vibrant communities for all.