Central Hudson Billing Promotion Plants Trees through Arbor Day Foundation

Utility also partnering with Chambers of Commerce to promote Community Tree Plantings

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. is providing an opportunity for its customers to once again have a tree planted on their behalf when they sign up for paperless, electronic billing and payments now through May 15, 2009. “Customers who enroll in our eBills program not only save time and money, but also help to preserve the environment by reducing paper use,” said Denise D. VanBuren, Vice President of Public Affairs and Energy Efficiency. “Through this special promotion, Central Hudson will also have a tree planted on their behalf through the Arbor Day Foundation, to help further protect our natural resources,” she said.

“This offer was held last year with resounding success, as more than 1,000 trees were planted thanks to those who enrolled in this fast, easy and secure billing option,” said VanBuren. “We’re very pleased to make this offer once again.” To learn more about Central Hudson’s eBills program, log onto www.CentralHudson.com/eBills.

Community Tree Planting

In recognition of Arbor Day and Earth Day, Central Hudson is also partnering with the region’s Chambers of Commerce to plant trees at the sites of local community agencies. “We are sponsoring this Community Tree Planting with our region’s business communities to help beautify and support our local not-for-profit agencies, and to support these two national days of environmental protection,” said VanBuren. Central Hudson will purchase each of the trees to be planted at the site of a local not-for-profit agency selected by the various Chambers from among their membership, and underwrite the cost of their planting by Chamber-member landscaping or nursery firms.

The Community Tree Plantings will take place:

• Tuesday, April 21 at 1:00 p.m.: The Children’s Annex, 70 Kukuk Lane, Kingston, sponsored by the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce. Planting by Simi Brothers Landscaping.

• Wednesday, April 22 at 9:15 a.m.: Anderson Center for Autism, 4885 Route 9, Staatsburg, sponsored by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Planting by X-Scape Landscaping.

• Wednesday, April 22 at 2:00 p.m.: Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, the Kaplan Family Hospice Residence, 1 Sunrise Lane, Newburgh, sponsored by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. Planting services donated by Expert Lawn Care & Landscaping, Inc.

• Thursday, April 23 at noon: The Children’s Home, 10 Children’s Way, Poughkeepsie, sponsored by the Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce. Planting services donated by Red Cedar Arborists and Landscapers.

• Thursday, April 23 at 3:00 p.m.: Town of New Paltz Community Center, behind Town Hall at 1 Veterans Drive, off of Route 32, sponsored by the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce. Planting by Masseo Landscape, Inc.

• Friday, April 24 at 9:30 a.m.: The Astor Home for Children, 6339 Mill Street, Rhinebeck, sponsored by the Rhinebeck Area Chamber of Commerce. Planting by Adams Fairacre Farms.

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