From The Sault Evening News, January 4, 2005:
SAULT STE. MARIE - The Board of Directors of Edison Sault Electric Company (ESEC) have responded favorably to a request from the Soo Theatre Project group for a monetary contribution towards the Theatre redevelopment by allocating a grant of $35,000, according to a ESEC release.
"It is a pleasure for me to make this announcement as our board feels strongly that these types of citizen initiatives need the support of the local business community," said Donald Sawruk, president of Edison Sault.
"The Edison Sault Board was also pleased to see that city residents felt strongly enough about downtown development to pass a recent ballot proposal supporting the construction of a new parking facility. The parent company of Edison Sault Electric, WE Energies, is committed to recognizing citizen initiatives within the service area of Edison Sault. Over the past several years, Edison Sault and WE Energies has also contributed to other various public facilities construction in St. Ignace, Hessel and on Mackinac Island."
Sawruk also noted that these types of contributions come from the shareholder profits of Edison Sault and WE Energies and act as a reduction to net income.
"This generous contribution from Edison Sault Electric has given us a bright start to the new year," said Soo Theatre Project President Dianna George. "The project is taking on a life of its own and the growing community support is most encouraging."
"This donation gives us a major piece of the matching funds required for the Cool Cities Grant and also provides seed money for future grants," added Project Vice President Colleen Arbic.