June 21, 2019

​It was a time of fellowship and memories as employees and retirees gathered at Penelec locations across northern and western Pennsylvania last week to celebrate the company’s 100^th anniversary.

Employees enjoyed a celebratory breakfast at all Penelec facilities on Monday, June 10. Attendees watched a video featuring congratulatory remarks by FirstEnergy President and CEO Chuck Jones and Penelec Regional President Nick Austin, as well as a look back at the company’s history and a few memories shared by retirees.

Retirees were invited to visit nine Penelec locations at various times throughout the week, including the Erie headquarters on June 10, Altoona Service Center on June 13 and Johnstown facility on June 14.  They renewed old acquaintances, reviewed memorabilia on display and reminisced about their careers “back in the day.”

In addition, the anniversary was officially recognized by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on June 11, with a proclamation that Nick accepted on behalf of the company (see photo).

Watch for an upcoming FE-TV story highlighting the festivities.

External Affairs’ Bev Green (c.) with retirees Mac McClellan and Kathy Rhodes.

Shown on the Pennsylvania House of Representatives floor with a resolution honoring Penelec’s 100th anniversary are (l. to r.): House Speaker Mike Turzai; Brian Paganie and Chuck Evanoff, regional External Affairs consultants; Marybeth Smialek, manager, Regional External Affairs; Scott Wyman, president, Pennsylvania Operations; Nick Austin; and State Rep. Parke Wentling (who sponsored the resolution).

Tom Granda (r.) shares a laugh with a fellow retiree.

Before ID badges, employees wore pins with their name and photo on them. Retiree Tom Sipes displays the pin worn by his grandfather – E.H. Sipes – who also worked for the company.

External Affairs’ Bev Green (c.) with retirees Mac McClellan and Kathy Rhodes.

Penelec retirees review tables of photo albums and other memorabilia at the 100th anniversary celebration.

Ed Brandau, manager, Customer Accounts, addresses attendees at the Johnstown event.

Penelec vehicles sport a special logo celebrating the 100th anniversary.