"Supporting the communities we serve is one of Ameren's corporate values, and this sponsorship fits well with our company's priorities," said Martin, a Decatur native. "Decatur is the headquarters city for AmerenIP, and it's important for Ameren to take an active role in the life of this community. In addition, this new partnership with the Decatur Park Singers gives us an opportunity to bring family entertainment to so many of the communities Ameren serves across Illinois."
The Decatur Park Singers will officially begin their 2005 season with an opening concert Friday, June 3, at 7 p.m. in the Kirkland Fine Arts Center at Millikin University. Riley also announced that, through the partnership with Ameren, the Singers are exploring new performance venues in Southern Illinois and other markets where they have not previously performed.
"The Park District is excited about this opportunity to team up with Ameren," said Riley. "Through Ameren's support, the Park District can continue to showcase our award-winning Park Singers to our community and to communities throughout the state."
Performing music styles that range from pop to jazz-country to patriotic, the Decatur Park Singers thrill audiences of all ages with their lively sounds and energetic action. This nationally renowned 12-member ensemble, backed by a nine- piece instrumental combo, provides a sharp production with personality and style that entertains thousands of people each year.
Ameren Corporation's charitable and civic contributions in 2004 exceeded $5 million, with giving divided among its utility companies that serve more than three million customers across Missouri and Illinois. When Ameren announced its intention to purchase Illinois Power, it contributed $300,000 to United Ways across IP's service area - one of the largest aggregate gifts to those organizations. Ameren also promised that its contributions to civic, charitable and social service organizations in AmerenIP - formerly Illinois Power - service territory would total at least $1.5 million annually.
St. Louis-based Ameren Corp. is the parent company of AmerenIP, headquartered in Decatur, Ill. AmerenIP serves electricity and natural gas to more than 650,000 customers across northern, central and southern Illinois.