LOS ANGELES, Sept. 27, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Hollenbeck Youth Center and Inner-City Games Los Angeles will honor Edwin A. Guiles, chairman and chief executive officer of Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company), with the organization's "Man of the Year" award for Guiles' professional accomplishments and commitment to the community.
The Hollenbeck Youth Center, celebrating its 25th anniversary, will present the award to Guiles at its annual gala at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood September 28, 2006.
"I am proud to receive this prestigious award," said Guiles. "We take seriously our responsibility of being a good corporate citizen and supporting the communities in which we operate."
Under the leadership of Guiles, The Gas Company has formed a growing number of alliances with organizations, business associations and community leaders to meet local needs.
The Gas Company invests in programs and projects, like the Hollenbeck Youth Center and Inner-City Games Los Angeles, which address important community issues and favor specific programs and projects that reach ethnically diverse communities with important benefits and services.
Since 1972, the Hollenbeck Police Business Council, (the Hollenbeck Youth Center) and the Inner-City Games Los Angeles have provided safe and quality after-school recreational, educational and entrepreneurial programs. The partnership has given thousands of at-risk youth an opportunity to become productive members of society. Through its partnership with the Los Angeles Police Department's Hollenbeck Division, Inner-City Games is an example of how community involvement can deter at-risk kids from gangs and violence.
In addition to supporting many community organizations and programs in the greater Los Angeles region, The Gas Company also encourages its employees to give back to the communities where they live and work through a range of company-sponsored programs.
Guiles currently serves on the California Chamber of Commerce Board and is a member of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council. His past affiliations include member of the San Diego County YMCA board, planning commissioner for the City of Chula Vista, director of the Arthritis Foundation, board member of the Wellness Communities and San Diego Development Council boards as well as several fund-raising positions for the United Way and Boy Scout organizations.
Guiles holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Arizona and is a graduate of the executive programs at the University of Southern California and the Edison Electric Institute.
The Gas Company is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 19.8 million consumers through 5.6 million meters. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles in most of central and Southern California. The Gas Company strives to provide exceptional customer service to enhance the quality of life in the community. The Gas Company is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE). Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company.