CPL Retail Energy Donates $15,000 To City Of Corpus Christi For Relocation Of The World War Ii Veterans Memorial

Corpus Christi, TX (3/3/2011) - CPL Retail Energy, the City of Corpus Christi and the Mayor's Committee for Veterans Affairs, Inc. broke ground on the new placement for the World War II Veterans Memorial which was located on the façade of the Memorial Coliseum up until 2004.

With the generous donation of $15,000 from CPL Retail Energy, the City of Corpus Christi will construct a new concrete pad site and brick pedestal in Sherrill Park to house the 600-pound bronze plaque. Members of the Corpus Christi City Council and Mayor's Committee for Veterans Affairs, Inc. along with representatives from CPL Retail Energy were on-hand for the groundbreaking which signified the beginning of construction for the new monument.

"This new memorial represents another step in honoring and recognizing the sacrifices of our veterans," said Mayor Joe Adame. "We're very proud of all our veterans and are glad to see the World War II plaque back on the bayfront for all to see."

The memorial plaque was made possible by the fundraising efforts of the Corpus Christi Chapter of the Gold Star Mothers in 1954 to honor the soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. For 50 years, the bronze plaque was moved and housed in different areas of the coliseum. In 2004, the plaque was removed from outside the coliseum and ultimately displayed at City Hall in the rotunda. The new pad site and plaque pedestal fabricated of bricks saved from Memorial Coliseum, were designed by Chuck Anastos Associates, Inc. and will be constructed by Alpha Construction.

"It's a wonderful thing that's long overdue," says Al Cantu, Chairman of the Corpus Christi Mayor's Committee for Veterans Affairs. "This is a manner in which to honor World War II veterans that's great for the community and for the city. It's great to once again honor their sacrifice for our great country."

The structure, made possible by CPL Retail Energy, is designated as a placement for the Veterans Memorial in hopes that it and all other monuments at Sherrill Park will be incorporated into the Destination Bayfront planning and development. "Sherrill Park and the memorials that reside there are beloved to this community," said Trey McCampbell, Destination Bayfront spokesperson. "Destination Bayfront planning and development is progressing and we hope to include a permanent residence to pay tribute to and honor the fallen heroes and veterans that served and lost their lives for our country."

"As part of our ongoing commitment to engage in communities we serve, we wanted to do our part in helping keep a piece of history alive," says Jim Steffes, vice president and general manager, CPL Retail Energy. "By preserving this memorial we are ensuring that our children and future generations know about the bravery and courage of those that have served in the military."

About CPL Retail Energy

CPL Retail Energy is part of the Centrica group of companies, one of the largest multi-state providers of retail energy services in North America. The North American operations have grown to more than 6 million residential and commercial customer relationships. Through its Direct Energy, CPL and WTU brands, the company is the third largest retail energy provider in Texas, and owns three natural gas-fired power generation facilities and a series of energy-related services companies. Globally, the Centrica group of companies is a leading provider of energy and other essential services with approximately 32 million customer relationships. For more information, visit www.cplretailenergy.com. Discover Our Energy on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CPLenergy or Twitter at www.twitter.com/CPLenergy.

For additional information, contact:

Carol Scott
Kailo Communications Studio
1-316-884-8890

Lisa Dornan
CPL Retail Energy
1-713-877-3925

Kim Womack
City of Corpus Christi
1-316-828-3211