570c7b92-386e-4b9f-9552-82bede761c87.pdf PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Julie Maus

Director of Corporate Communications (417) 625-5101

jmaus@empiredistrict.com

ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION AND SEEDLING GIVEAWAY IN JOPLIN

JOPLIN, MO - April 26, 2016 - In recognition of Arbor Day, The Empire District Electric Company invites customers to receive a complimentary seedling on Friday, April 29, 2016. A variety of seedlings specifically selected for the Joplin area will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The City of Joplin and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will join Empire in recognizing the benefits trees provide our community with a short program at 12:00 noon in Landreth Park. Seedlings will be given away immediately following the program through 3:00 p.m., or while supplies last. Empire foresters, along with representatives of the MDC and the Joplin Tree Board, will be on hand to provide information about the importance of planting the right tree in the right place.

For the seventh consecutive year, the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Empire as a Tree Line USA Utility for demonstrating best practices in utility arboriculture. To receive this special designation, Empire follows quality tree care standards, provides annual worker training and participates in tree planting, public education and tree-based energy conservation efforts.

For more information about Empire's vegetation management program and tree planting tips, visit us on the Web atwww.empiredistrict.com/trees.

Based in Joplin, Missouri, The Empire District Electric Company (NYSE: EDE) is an investor-owned, regulated utility providing electric, natural gas (through its wholly owned subsidiary The Empire District Gas Company), and water service, with approximately 218,000 customers in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. A subsidiary of the Company also provides fiber optic services.

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THE EMPIRE DISTRICT ELECTRIC COMPANY 602 JOPLIN AVENUE JOPLIN, MISSOURI 64802 417- 625- 5100 FAX: 417- 625- 5169 www.empiredistrict.com

The Empire District Electric Company issued this content on 26 April 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 26 April 2016 14:02:48 UTC