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December 18, 2006
NAPERVILLE — Today Nicor announced the launch of its annual Energy by Design (EBD) poster contest; a visual arts contest designed to bring students, teachers and families together to become more aware of how to use energy efficiently and learn the effects of conservation on the environment. Students in kindergarten through grade 8 who attend schools within Nicor’s service area are eligible to participate.
“Nicor is committed to supporting educational initiatives that help build stronger communities. This contest is an extension of our long-standing energy educational materials program, which benefits hundreds of classrooms annually, bringing safety and energy efficiency information to students,” said Margi Schiemann, director of community relations for Nicor Gas.
Last year Nicor received nearly 200 entries from 39 schools within its service territory. There were 15 contest winners – 12 students and 3 teachers. “We were very pleased with last year’s entries and we hope to have even more student participation for our second annual contest. We encourage students to utilize their holiday breaks from school to work on their posters,” said Schiemann.
To implement Energy by Design, Nicor partnered with the National Energy Foundation (NEF), which provides curriculum, training and materials that promote a better understanding of energy, natural resources, and the environment. The contest challenges young students to create a poster that educates others on how to be energy efficient. The contest materials encourage students to think about how they use energy and what they can do to save energy at home and school. The Energy by Design contest is a fun way for Nicor to demonstrate its support of educational initiatives, while helping consumers of all ages learn more about energy efficiency.
This year’s prizes include home energy makeovers valued at up to $3,000, savings bonds, EBD fun packs, pizza parties and plaques. To garner student participation, contest materials were sent (via email) to teachers within Nicor’s service territory. Contest information packets and registration materials can also be downloaded at EnergybyDesign.org.
Once the entries are received they will be divided into three age-appropriate categories, grades K-2, 3-5 and 6-8. There are four student winners in each grade category – Grand Prize, First Place Finalist, Second Place Finalist and Third Place Finalist.
First place winners in each category will receive:
- A Nicor Home Energy Makeover (up to a $3,000 value)
- $500 savings bonds
- Pizza party for their classroom
- Prize pack filled with fun, age appropriate prizes.
- Congratulatory plaque (to be displayed within their school)
The top three finalists in each category will win:
- $250 savings bond
- Prize pack filled with fun, age-appropriate prizes.
- Congratulatory plaque (to be displayed within their school)
A teacher in each category whose students participate in the contest will win a $1,000 classroom grant. Teacher winners will be based on the quality and quantity of their students’ entries. Contest winners will be announced in April 2007.
Nicor Inc. (NYSE: GAS) is a holding company and is a member of the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index. Its principal businesses are Nicor Gas, one of the nation’s largest natural gas distribution companies, and Tropical Shipping, a containerized shipping business serving the Caribbean region and the Bahamas. Nicor also owns and has an equity interest in several energy-related businesses. For more information, visit the Nicor Web site at www.nicor.com. | 
