GLENROCK, Wyo. — The town of Glenrock is making preparations to restore its historic Commerce Block Building, and Pacific Power is assisting efforts to turn the aging downtown facility into an economic boon for Glenrock residents. Pacific Power representatives presented a $5,000 grant from the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning, the utility’s charitable arm, to Mayor Steve Cielinski at a ceremony on Thursday, March 24.

According to Leslie Blythe, regional community manager, "Pacific Power is very pleased to be able to partner with the Town of Glenrock to support the development of this outstanding project, which will enhance the downtown area by providing additional professional office space.  This contribution continues our rich tradition of supporting economic development in our communities, because when they do well, we all do well.” Joining Blythe for the presentation was Ken Heron, the company’s local district lineman.

In 2002, the Town of Glenrock participated in the Wyoming Rural Development Council’s Community Assessment, where three aging facilities were identified as blighted areas: The Old Glenrock Refinery, the Old Paint Plant and the Commerce Block Building. The Glenrock Town Council made a commitment to improve the facilities, and officials are in the process of working with community, government and business partners to clean and repair damage and secure the funds necessary for restoration.

The offices to be housed in the renovated Commerce Block Building will provide new space for businesses interested in relocating to Glenrock. A Community Development Block Grant from the Wyoming Business Council will provide for many of the improvements, but additional funding sources are still needed. Contributions from the PacifiCorp Foundation’s Pacific Power Fund and other organizations will help provide capital with which to enhance and expand the project.

About the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning

The PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning  was created and incorporated as a corporate foundation in 1988 in order to become the major channel of philanthropy for PacifiCorp, Pacific Power and Utah Power. PacifiCorp and its employees have a long tradition of active involvement in the communities served by Pacific Power, including charitable contributions, sponsorships of community events and in-kind donations.
Media inquiries: newsdesk@pacificorp.com