RICHMOND, Va., May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion (NYSE: D) today was honored with a Summit Award for the efforts by the company and its employees to strengthen the communities they serve. In 2010, Dominion was recognized with a Summit Award for Community Volunteerism.

Thomas F. Farrell II, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said:

"We are pleased that United Way once again is recognizing Dominion with the prestigious Summit Award. Dominion and our employees believe we should serve the communities where we live and work through volunteerism and supporting education, the environment, human services, the arts and other philanthropic endeavors – such as United Way."

In 2010 Dominion and its philanthropic arm, The Dominion Foundation, granted $24 million in 14 states, including support of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut's heating assistance program and food center. Dominion also provided $4.5 million in EnergyShare heating and cooling assistance.

Last year Dominion employees showed their focus on supporting their communities by volunteering 150,000 hours, a 20 percent increase over 2009. In addition, employees participating in the Speakers Bureau program spoke at 91 different schools and civic organizations in 2010; the company created STEM endowments for New England public schools, including "Worm World" outreach; and Dominion piloted a new higher education grants program in Virginia that focuses on work-force development. The program has been expanded to 10 states for 2011.

Dominion also is a leader and key sponsor of United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg's Women's Leadership Initiative, in which 75 Dominion employees are members who support childcare centers.

Dominion employees and retirees donated $2.2 million to United Way in 2010.

Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide, said:

"United Way applauds Dominion for its companywide commitment to supporting local communities. The company and its employees have put their energy and resources to good use and are improving lives."

The United Way Spirit of America® and Summit Awards program, now in its 24th year, is United Way's highest national honor for a corporation, recognizing the United Way Global Corporate Leadership company with the most comprehensive commitment to improving lives and strengthening communities. Applicants are evaluated by corporate peers, labor representatives and local United Ways.

Dominion (NYSE: D) is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 27,600 megawatts of generation, 11,000 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline and 6,200 miles of electric transmission lines.  Dominion operates the nation's largest natural gas storage system with 947 billion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves retail energy customers in 15 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com.

About United Way:

United Way is a worldwide network in 40 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health.  United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done.  LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit: LIVEUNITED.org. 

SOURCE Dominion