MERRILLVILLE – Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) has announced the recipients of the company’s third annual Luminary Awards – recognizing leaders and organizations for their outstanding commitment to strengthening local communities.

The Luminary awards were created in 2012 in celebration of the utility’s 100-year anniversary. Recipients have demonstrated outstanding commitment in five key areas: Education, Environmental Stewardship, Economic Development, Emergency Response and Community Leadership. The 2014 recipients are:

*Education Award – Michigan City Area Schools
*Environmental Stewardship Award – South Shore Clean Cities
*Economic Development Award – John Davies, Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana
*Emergency Response Award – The City of Kokomo’s Emergency Response Team
*Community Leadership Award – Mayor Jon Costas, City of Valparaiso, Ind.

“We are proud to recognize these inspiring leaders and their contributions throughout our region and the state,” said NIPSCO CEO Jim Stanley.  “This year’s recipients are a driving force behind the positive changes taking place each day, and we are fortunate to have them within our communities.”

NIPSCO is also making a $1,000 contribution to each award winner’s charity of choice. Winners were announced in conjunction with a community reception held Thursday evening.