There’s something special about getting together with old friends, and for New York retirees of National Fuel, May Day provided a welcome opportunity to celebrate the unofficial beginning of summer by reuniting with colleagues and former co-workers.
On May 1, approximately 365 retirees of National Fuel’s New York operation gathered to reminisce, share a meal and learn more about their former employer’s latest projects at the first New York Retiree Luncheon since the COVID-19 pandemic.
National Fuel began hosting annual company-sponsored luncheons for its New York and Pennsylvania retirees in 2014. After being suspended in 2020, it was brought back this year largely based on feedback from retirees.
Not only were retirees able to reunite with former teammates and share personal news and updates, but the luncheon also served as an opportunity for National Fuel to provide a firsthand briefing from the company’s president and CEO, David Bauer.
Bauer informed attendees about the state’s energy transition and explained changes to climate laws and applicable legislation that had been passed—or that was currently under consideration—by the New York State Legislature.
The luncheon also provided Bauer a chance to share information about the company’s performance and lay out a vision for the future.
According to Karen Merkel, general manager of corporate communications, the feedback following the event was positive. Retirees reported that they appreciated the company’s continued investment in keeping them aware of its progress and growth.
In turn, Merkel said the luncheon provided an excellent opportunity for company leadership to interact directly with an invaluable asset for the first time since the pandemic.
“Our retirees are great company ambassadors throughout our communities, and we like to keep them engaged, informed and aware,” Merkel told American Gas. —Eric Johnson