Trenton,
NJ - South Jersey Industries (SJI) on
Friday presented a contribution of $10,000 to Isles, Inc.
of Trenton, in support of an initiative promoted through
its YouthBuild Institute, which provides at-risk youth, ages
16-24, an opportunity to earn a high school diploma, learn
life skills and obtain hands-on job training. South Jersey
Industries’ vice president, Michael J. Renna was on
hand for the check presentation and a tour of the Isles YouthBuild
Institute’s Tucker Street facility, a former paint
warehouse undergoing renovation in Trenton.
“Energy efficiency and ‘green’ jobs
technologies are emerging as a cornerstone of the infrastructure
that will secure our future economic viability as a state
and as a nation,” said Renna. “Partnerships between
organizations like Isles and corporations like South Jersey
Industries must be forged to ensure that we have a skilled
and trained workforce to embrace the jobs that will advance
our energy efficiency goals.”
Isles, Inc. is a Trenton based non-profit
organization committed to fostering more self-reliant families
in healthy, sustainable communities. Their mission is implemented
through six different areas of community involvement, including
the YouthBuild Institute, Community Planning & Research,
Environment & Community Health, Financial Self-Reliance,
Center for Energy and Environmental Training, and Real Estate
Development.
"Imagine a future when utility and energy
companies are focused on saving energy, creating renewable
energy sources, and training underserved populations to be
apart of that process. That future is today!” said
Isles founder and CEO Marty Johnson. “Isles is developing
the unique capacity to build a ladder for youth and adults
to work in green careers and build new business opportunities.
Isles appreciates SJI's investment - it will bring many beneficial
returns to the future."
South Jersey Industries (NYSE: SJI) is an energy
services holding company. A member of the KLD Global Climate
100 Index, SJI offers solutions to global warming through
renewable energy, clean technology and efficiency. South
Jersey Gas, one of the fastest growing natural gas utilities
in the nation strongly advocates energy efficiency while
safely and reliably delivering natural gas in southern New
Jersey. South Jersey Energy Solutions, the parent of SJI’s
non-regulated businesses, provides innovative, environmentally
friendly energy solutions that help customers control energy
costs. South Jersey Energy acquires and markets natural gas
and electricity for retail customers and offers energy-related
services. Marina Energy develops and operates on-site energy
projects. South Jersey Resources Group provides wholesale
commodity marketing and risk management services. South Jersey
Energy Service Plus installs, maintains and services residential
and commercial heating, air conditioning and water heating
systems, services appliances, installs solar systems, provides
plumbing services and performs energy audits. For more information
about SJI and its subsidiaries, visit www.sjindustries.com.