Empire District Electric : 04-26-2017 - Arbor Day Celebration in Galena Kansas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JOPLIN, MO - April 26, 2017 - The Empire District Electric Company and the Galena Route 66 Lions Club will recognize Arbor Day at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 28, 2017, with tree plantings and demonstrations in Schermerhorn Park. Local students will assist with tree plantings and the public is invited to take advantage of demonstrations on proper planting, mulching, and selecting the right tree for the right place. Additional tree plantings will also take place at Galena City Park beginning at 1 p.m.

Also, customers who registered for Empire's Energy Saving Trees program, received a confirmation, and selected Galena as their delivery point, will be able to pick up their complimentary tree between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Schermerhorn Park. This is the second year Empire has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to offer the Energy-Saving Trees program to customers. The program is an online, research- based tool intended to help homeowners and utility companies save energy and money by strategically planting trees.

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 tree- related programs and planting tips, visit us on the web at www.empiredistrict.com/vegetation.

Based in Joplin, Missouri, The Empire District Electric Company is a subsidiary of Liberty Utilities Co. and headquarters for the Liberty Utilities Central Region, providing electric, natural gas, water, and wastewater service to nearly 340,000 customers across seven states. A subsidiary of the company provides fiber optic services. For more information regarding Empire, visit www.empiredistrict.com. For more information about Liberty Utilities, visitwww.libertyutilities.com.

Julie Maus

Director of Corporate Communications (417) 625-5101

jmaus@empiredistrict.com

###

602 S. JOPLIN AVENUE JOPLIN, MISSOURI 64802 417- 625- 5100 FAX: 417-625- 5169 www.empiredistrict.com