Columbia Gas of Ohio Makes $25,000 Contribution to the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund
Dan Creekmur, left, president of Columbia Gas of Ohio, presents a $25,000 contribution for the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund at the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance’s November 13 board meeting. Joining Creekmur for the presentation were Evelyn Hileman, a Fund committee representative, Holly Shelton, Vice President of Donor Services at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, and Jim Schoch, executive director of EODA.
Contribution Honors the Community & Economic Development Legacy of Dale Hileman to the Region
Cambridge, OH – Columbia Gas of Ohio announced a $25,000 contribution to the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) during the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance’s (EODA) November 13 board meeting. The contribution recognized Mr. Hileman’s 40-year career with Columbia Gas of Ohio in Carrolton, Jackson, and, finally, Cambridge. Upon his retirement from Columbia Gas of Ohio, Mr. Hileman and his wife, Evelyn, remained in Cambridge where Mr. Hileman co-founded EODA with Dr. Sam Speck and later served the organization as its executive director.
“By making this contribution, we celebrate Dale’s passionate commitment to eastern Ohio and his 40 years of service to our company,” said Dan Creekmur, president of Columbia Gas of Ohio. “We share Dale’s commitment to this region, and we’re excited that the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund will carry on his work.”
The $25,000 contribution will help the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund promote the same cause Mr. Hileman championed throughout his life, economic development and growth. The Dale Hileman Legacy Fund will support organizations working to promote economic growth within the 16 counties served by EODA, comprising Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Tuscarawas, and Washington counties.
“So many of us were touched by Dale’s work at EODA and Columbia Gas, which is why EODA established the Fund in his memory at our July 17 meeting,” said Executive Director of EODA, Jim Schoch. “We are so grateful for Columbia Gas’ investment in this Fund so that the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund can truly pay tribute to and carry on the spirit of Dale’s work.”
With its focus and commitment to community and economic development, the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund is a fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, whose mission is to create opportunities for Appalachian Ohio’s citizens and communities by inspiring and supporting philanthropy. A central part of this work is to support communities across five areas essential to community and regional quality of life. Called the Pillars of Prosperity, these areas include arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services.
Gifts to the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund are tax deductible and can be made in many ways, including cash, bequests, and life insurance. To mail your donation, please designate the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund and mail to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, PO Box 456, Nelsonville, OH 45764. Gifts can also be made online at www.AppalachianOhio.org by selecting the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund when donating.
For more information about the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and ways you can honor the legacy of others making a difference in our region, please visit www.AppalachianOhio.org or call 740.753.1111.
About Columbia Gas of Ohio
Columbia Gas of Ohio delivers clean, affordable and efficient natural gas to approximately 1.4 million customers across the state. With headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, it is the largest natural gas utility in Ohio and one of NiSource’s seven regulated utility companies. NiSource (NYSE: NI) is one of the largest fully-regulated utility companies in the United States, serving approximately 3.5 million natural gas customers and 500,000 electric customers across seven states through its local Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands. More information about Columbia Gas of Ohio and NiSource is available at www.ColumbiaGasOhio.com and www.nisource.com. For information about natural gas safety and what to do if you suspect a gas leak, go to: www.safegasohio.org.
About the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance (EODA)
The Eastern Ohio Development Alliance (EODA) was established in 1990 and is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2015. EODA is an independent, nonprofit organization consisting of sixteen counties in Eastern and Southeastern Ohio. The mission of EODA is to stimulate the economic growth of the region through the initiation, coordination, and promotion of sound development programs resulting in the steady improvement of the quality of life for people in Eastern Ohio. EODA is regarded as the leading organization for economic development in Eastern Ohio. Its membership represents a broad spectrum of influences from economic development, government, business, industry, education and non-profit sectors. For more information about EODA, please visit www.eoda.org, email eodadirector@gmail.com, or call (740) 432-7902.
About the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Foundation creates opportunities for Appalachian Ohio’s citizens and communities by inspiring and supporting philanthropy. For more information about FAO, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org.
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