St. Cloud Chamber Names OUC Industry Of The Year

ST CLOUD – OUC—The Reliable One has been named 2003 Industry of the Year by the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce for its support of economic development and community activities in St. Cloud.

"OUC has emerged as an important player in our community," says David Lane, the Chamber's president and CEO. "They not only provide financial support, they also provide hands-on community service. OUC has a very cooperative spirit."

The award is given annually to companies with a proven track record of business leadership and involvement in community and chamber activities.

OUC is a signature partner with the Chamber in St. Cloud's Fourth of July Lakefront Celebration, which is the most well-attended event in St. Cloud, drawing nearly 30,000 people each year. The utility also supports a number of other events and programs in St. Cloud, including the Holiday Parade (scheduled for December 6 this year) and the Chamber's Business Center, which provides business start-up consulting and has helped establish more than half a dozen new businesses this year.

About OUC

OUC—The Reliable One lives up to its name by providing the best record of electric reliability in the state of Florida and delivering high-quality, great-tasting drinking water to its customers. Established in 1923, OUC is the state's second-largest municipal utility, serving more than 190,000 customers in Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of unincorporated Orange and Osceola counties.

About the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce

With more than 400 members, the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce represents the St. Cloud business community and works to manage the growth of the fast-expanding city while preserving its strong community values. The Chamber presents such major hometown events as the Fourth of July Lakefront Celebration, the fall Community Reunion Weekend, the annual Holiday Parade, and Southern Lifestyles Business Expo with its "Taste of St. Cloud" evening. In addition to its work fostering economic development, the Chamber serves as a Visitor's Center and houses and manages the St. Cloud Historical Museum, presenting and preserving St. Cloud's unique history.