Mississippi Power receives local service award

Mississippi Power was recognized as the 2015 Business Volunteer of the Year at the city of Biloxi’s annual volunteer of the year reception in April.

Approximately 200 people attended the event including the acting mayor, city council members, city administration, local business leaders, students and families.

“Mississippi Power employees have always been involved in the communities where we live and serve,” said Stephen Schruff, Biloxi district manager. “In Biloxi, we have employees from many areas of our company providing local leadership and lending a helping hand.”

Since last fall, the company’s Community Connection team and other volunteers have organized or participated in 15 different civic and community outreach events in Biloxi, including the Biloxi Seafood Festival, the Special Olympics held at Keesler Air Force Base, and at the local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club. Mississippi Power also led the annual Renew Our Rivers cleanup of Biloxi’s Back Bay and pitched in more than 200 volunteer hours in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day service project.

“It’s rewarding for Mississippi Power to be recognized by the city of Biloxi, but the employees don’t expect it,” Schruff added. “In fact, most feel it’s their responsibility to be engaged locally.”

The company also participates on multiple boards serving the Biloxi area including Excel by 5, the Biloxi Boys and Girls Club, the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, Biloxi Main Street, and Biloxi Main Street’s Tailgate Committee.

“It’s an honor to receive this award and we, as employees of Mississippi Power, truly believe in giving back to the communities we serve,” said Kris Williams, engineering team leader. “Our employees volunteer by choice and it is something we love to do.”