Duke Energy’s reputation for hiring the brightest and best young professionals in the nuclear power industry is once again taking center stage.
Duke Energy's North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN) organization was recently awarded the "Best Chapter in the Carolinas Region" for the third consecutive year during the annual 2014 National Professional Development Conference. With 14 chapters comprising the Carolinas region, the award recognizes overall excellence in support of NAYGN's mission, members and industry service in 2013. In addition to the chapter win, 10 members were also recognized for their individual contributions to the Duke Energy chapter and national organization.
So how did Duke Energy manage to “snag” these top awards? Here are a few highlights from 2013 that contributed to the win:
- 10,000 participation hours.
- A strong desire to educate and engage the public resulted in over 35 classroom visits and a Public Information Award - a chapter first.
- Leadership in organizing regional efforts for the NRC.
- Organized a golf tournament which raised more than $10,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
- The creation of an intern peer mentoring program.
- The chapter’s simultaneous participation in seven community service events involving over 125 members.
- Creation of chapter initiatives, standards and site awards.
- Successful integration of members following the Duke Energy/Progress Energy merger and Crystal River decommissioning announcement.
“It is an honor for the Duke Energy chapter to be recognized for our 2013 efforts,” said Duke Energy YGN Fleet Communications Officer, Adam Reichenbach. “Our members logged more than 10,000 hours which is a tremendous accomplishment.”
The Duke Energy NAYGN chapter is one of more than 100 chapters involved in the national North American Young Generation in Nuclear organization. The Duke organization is run by a council consisting of four fleet officers and 21 site officers. There are more than 375 active members across the Duke Energy nuclear fleet: Brunswick Nuclear Plant, Catawba Nuclear Station, Harris Nuclear Plant, McGuire Nuclear Station, Oconee Nuclear Station, Robinson Nuclear Plant, Charlotte Corporate Office, Raleigh Corporate Office, and the Crystal River 3 Decommissioning Organization.