WALL – New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG), the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources, is celebrating its 60th anniversary by awarding $60,000 in community grants of $1,000 to 60 nonprofit organizations throughout its service area.
The $60,000 in contributions are unencumbered, providing organizations the opportunity to allocate the funds where they are needed most.
“Throughout our history, corporate citizenship has been a cornerstone of our approach to business,” said Laurence M. Downes, chairman and CEO. “We believe helping to strengthen the communities we serve is the most appropriate way for us to commemorate our 60th anniversary. Today’s celebration is our way of honoring our customers, communities and employees, and say thank you for being a part of our story.”
Back in 1952, the owners of County Gas in Atlantic Highlands, James Abrams, Irving Koerner, Frank O’Neill and Kenneth Knoblock, placed the winning bid for Jersey Central Power & Light’s natural gas properties, and overnight went from 14,000 customers in Monmouth County to 87,000 in four counties. On June 3, 1952, the purchase became final and with it, New Jersey Natural Gas was born.
“The beginning of New Jersey Natural Gas is an incredible story of making the impossible possible,” Downes said. “Over the past 60 years, we have grown from a small, natural gas utility into one of the most respected energy companies in our industry. We have come a long way, but we have never forgotten the values of service, safety and reliability that are the foundation of our company.”
Downes said the company’s employees have played “an integral role in our performance and history. Our record of success is directly attributable to the dedication, talent and commitment of the more than 5,500 women and men who have been a part of our NJNG family since 1952. Their contributions and accomplishments are our legacy.”
NJNG continues to grow. With its network of more than 7,000 miles of transmission and distribution main – more than the other three natural gas utilities in the state combined – it now serves 499,535 customers throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties as well as parts of Morris, Sussex, Burlington and Middlesex counties. With its growing service territory, NJNG continues to add new customers and build on its six decades of people and resources dedicated to service.
