NiSource stresses focus on I&D in report

Date: 7/9/2014

GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Columbia Gas of Massachusetts parent company, NiSource Inc., recently released its second Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) Report, which highlights the progress toward advancing I&D as an essential part of the company’s strategic direction and operational identity. The report details the commitment, ongoing strategy and achievements of NiSource and its subsidiaries, including Columbia Gas of Massachusetts.

Locally, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts has aligned with the corporate-wide effort which focuses on four dimensions of I&D: employees, customers, communities and supplier diversity.

“Columbia Gas of Massachusetts is an active participant in the NiSource journey to build I&D as an essential part of our strategic direction and operational identity,” President Steve Bryant said. “Structuring a great organization through I&D requires an ongoing commitment to our employees, customers, communities and diverse suppliers.”

The full report is available online at www.nisource.com/diversity. Some of the highlights include:

• Building connections, strengthening teams: Nearly 2,000 employees across the organization are actively involved in I&D efforts through diversity councils, mentoring programs, community events and employee resource groups (ERGs).  NiSource currently has four ERGs, which are open to all employees:

• DAWN (Developing and Advancing Women at NiSource);

• GOLD (Generating Opportunities for Latinos and Diversity);

• LEAD (Leadership & Education for African American Development);

• NiVets (an employee group for military veterans and those who support them);

• Providing better customer service: In 2013 an internal team began reviewing the bill design for each NiSource utility to ensure they are easy to read and contain the information customers need and expect to make informed energy decisions – and pay their bill accurately.

• Touching lives, improving communities: Combined, the NiSource family of companies provided about $6.2 million in charitable donations in 2013 to hundreds of local, regional and national nonprofit organizations spanning the Gulf Coast to the Northeast.

• Building economic inclusion with diverse suppliers: Last year marked a record year for NiSource – exceeding $100 million in annual direct diverse supplier spending in 2013, supporting business objectives while benefiting local communities.