FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Oct. 15, 2020 – Each year, Black Hills Energy recognizes an employee volunteer of the year.  Employees are asked to nominate a fellow team member who demonstrates the company’s values and volunteers their time to make a difference in their community.

Phil Keplinger, of Mountain Home was selected as the 2020 Black Hills Energy Arkansas employee volunteer of the year. Phil is a senior maintenance technician and has worked for Black Hills Energy for over 30 years.

In addition to his responsibilities as a maintenance technician, Phil finds time to volunteer with the Boy Scouts in Mountain Home. He also participates with his coworkers in the United Methodist Church weekly backpack food program, packing food to be distributed to local children and delivering holiday meals. Phil can always be counted on to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, from helping friends move, build a fence, or other home improvement projects, he’s ready and willing to chip in.

“Giving back to our communities is so important, and our employees are always willing to lend a helping hand,”

“Giving back to our communities is so important, and our employees are always willing to lend a helping hand,” said Jim Blackwell, senior gas operations manager for Black Hills energy. “Last year, our Arkansas team members reported volunteering more than 6,400 hours to 115 different organizations in the state.  We’re proud to serve our region by providing energy that meets the essential needs of residents and businesses, and by giving of our time in service to the many organizations supporting those in need.”

Black Hills Energy would like to congratulate Phil for his efforts to represent the company and give back, and the company has donated $250 to the backpack food program in Phil’s honor. For more information on the ways Black Hills Energy is supporting local communities visit blackhillsenergy.com/community.