Letter from the President - Year-In-Review 2021

Determination. Grit. Resilience. Unity 

 

Simon 2021 headshot

As we close out the year, I was trying to find the words to describe 2021 and those came to mind. I think it describes how most of us have approached this past year, and I know for myself and the ITC team, it’s how we’ve tackled both the challenges and the positive events that we’ve faced. I’m sure it also describes how you, your organizations and your communities have handled the last couple of years. 

I’m very proud of the work ITC has accomplished this past year with our steadfast focus to build and maintain a resilient grid that’s prepared to handle the changing energy landscape, and I want to take a moment to express my thanks and gratitude to you for your partnership and support of our efforts. Just as we are committed to providing safe, reliable power, we are equally committed to supporting our communities where possible. I’m pleased to report that ITC has been able to provide grants and sponsorships to dozens of organizations within our footprint this past year. While the mission of these organizations varies, we are humbled by the work they do and their dedication to serving the community. A few of these organizations are highlighted below.

Although this time of year can be hectic, I am making a conscious effort to stop and reflect on what’s important – and that’s health and well-being, family, friends and colleagues. I am also grateful for the partnerships we have with you, and for the important work we will do – together.

While we are likely to see new challenges in the New Year, I remain optimistic that we will also see new opportunities. I hope that you can take the time you need to focus on what’s important to you and begin 2022 with a renewed perspective. One that will likely need determination, grit, resilience and unity.

Happy Holidays and a prosperous new year to you! Thank you for supporting ITC.

Sincerely,

Simon Whitelocke
Vice President, ITC Holding Corp., and President, ITC Michigan
 

COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

Great Need In Our Communities 

There is great need in our communities and we are proud to support dozens of Michigan charitable organizations through our corporate giving and monthly employee giving program, which gives employees the opportunity to select a monthly charity to support through employee donations. Highlighted below are a few of the programs we supported this year.

Tibbits Opera House Foundation

Opera HouseITC provided the Tibbits Opera House Foundation with a charitable giving grant to support sound technology and lighting feature upgrades as part of a restoration campaign for the 140-year-old Tibbits Opera House. The donation also helped draw matching funds from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA). The restoration campaign is the first significant sound and lighting upgrade since the 1970s, modernizing the historic venue to the state-of-the-art standards required by touring professionals.

"We were overjoyed with receiving ITC’s grant this fall. It was timely in that it allowed us to complete our MCACA matching campaign and resulted in us installing state-of-the-art sound to our theatre," said Tibbits Development Director, Andrew French.

Tibbits Executive Director, Christine Delaney added, "We appreciate ITC’s support as we continue to improve this historic theatre. Their gift acknowledges the importance of the arts and what Tibbits provides for this community."

Michigan Women Forward

zoom callAs part of our commitment to supporting small business success, strengthening the local economy and promoting financial independence and equity for women, we proudly sponsored important programming at Michigan Women Forward (MFW). MWF is a nonprofit organization that helps hundreds of Michigan small business owners access financial and technical assistance each year to start and grow a business in our state.

“ITC stepped up this year as a sponsor of Michigan Women Forward’s WomanUp & Celebrate Kalamazoo event during a time where this support felt more important than ever. We’re so grateful for our 5-year partnership with ITC, which has helped to create financial literacy programs and summer camps for girls and entrepreneurship opportunities for women and people of color across the state. Michigan Women Forward is committed to women’s equity and racial justice and we’re proud to call ITC a partner in this work,” said Program Reporting & Events Manager Elly Drain.

Community Foundation of Monroe County

monroe countyThe Community Foundation of Monroe County’s vision is for Monroe County to be a place where everyone has an opportunity to thrive. To support this vision, the Foundation provides funds to nonprofit organizations for work in education, health and well-being as well as community enrichment. In partnership with the Foundation, ITC provided a grant to support the initiatives of the Coalition for Racial Equality, Equity and Diversity (CREED) whose mission is to dismantle racism and promote healing.

"With all the challenges this year has brought to our community, it is a pleasure to work with ITC who understands the needs and supports them. It is always the bright side of some dark days. We know we can depend on ITC to assist in projects for our community, not just financially, but with their valuable insight on solutions," said Executive Director Kathy Russeau.

Food Gatherers

food gatherersAs Washtenaw County’s lead agency for hunger relief, Food Gatherers supports a network of 170 community partners with free and low-cost food, deliveries and training. ITC supported its mission to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes within our community. Additionally, the organization directs food assistance in the form of emergency groceries, hot meals and nutritious snacks to low-income adults, children, seniors and veterans. Food Gatherers also provides free customized food safety training, technical assistance, resources and other training opportunities to provide healthy food to beneficiaries and ensure accessible enrollment for eligible individuals in federal food assistance programs (SNAP, WIC, etc.).