PJM Interconnection, operator of the nation's largest power grid, received the Main Line Gives Back Award in the large corporation category from the Main Line Chamber of Commerce. The award honors companies' efforts to enhance the community, through support for nonprofits and other community-focused endeavors including donations and volunteer efforts. Also winning the Main Line Gives Back Award for small and medium corporations are the TechWise Group and Hartford Funds.

At the awards presentation today, PJM President and CEO Andy Ott spoke on a panel about corporate social responsibility and the importance of having a culture of giving in the workplace.

"Giving back is a central focus for PJM employees," said Ott. "PJM employees devoted nearly 2,000 hours of their time this year to civic, educational, environmental and health-related outreach projects in their communities."

Nora Swimm, PJM senior vice president of Corporate Client Services, accepted the award on behalf of PJM. 

"PJM's commitment to community is woven into what we do," Swimm said. "We are proud to promote a culture of caring that encourages employees to give back to the community."

Bernard Dagenais, president and CEO of the Main Line Chamber of Commerce, said, "For the eighth year in a row, the Main Line Gives Back Awards honor chamber members who give back to their communities through cash and in-kind donations, as well as employee volunteer time. Employers who support their communities enjoy an advantage in attracting and retaining top employees. PJM Interconnection is a leader for its programs, providing an example for other companies to follow."

PJM employees volunteered for nearly 2,000 hours at area nonprofits through United Way and other charities, serving breakfasts at homeless shelters, providing holiday gifts for local families, raising money for health-related organizations and inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. 

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