Southern Nevada Div is ion and Corporate Newslet ter July I August 2011 I Volume 11 I Issue 4

Southwest Showcases

Natural Gas Commercial Food Service Equipmentby Lorri Davidson, senior service planner/Service Planning

inside 2 Celebrating Teacher

Appreciation Day

Tonopah Community Garden

3 NCC Keeps Southwest Gas Virus Free

4-5 Save Money with a Delta Dental PPO Dentist

6-7 Graduates

8 Announcements

Promotions

Calendar of Events

The 12th Annual Las Vegas Culinary Challenge at the Catersource Show was

held March at the Las Vegas Convention Center and it featured everything from menu ideas to natural gas equipment, of course!

Thanks to Customer Service Specialist Jack Hendrickson, this year’s Las Vegas Culinary Challenge featured six newly refurbished natural gas ranges, which were originally donated by the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) to the ACF Chefs Las Vegas chapter. Although the ranges were “well

used by the CSN culinary students,” Jack was able to make them competition ready.

Catersource gave Southwest Gas booth space to showcase two pieces of natural gas commercial food service equipment from our Food Service Demonstration Center — the Market Forge steamer and Lang convection oven, both of which are eligible for our commercial food service rebate program. During the two-day show we distributed our rebate literature and were able to increase the visibility of our rebate program to a great number of “foodies.”

Our attendance at the Catersource Show also allowed us to attend the International Pizza Expo where we were able to network with many commercial equipment vendors, as well as sample great pizza. As a result of this interaction, we now have two different pizza ovens on loan for use in our Food Service Demonstration Center at the North Operations Center.

This Culinary Challenge competitor puts the finishing touches on his chocolate piano sculpture.

Lorri Davidson at the Catersource Show

page 2GasWorks

In response to Southwesters who asked for more family friendly volunteer activities,

our Blue—Building Lives Up Everywhere Team selected the “Tonopah Community Garden (TCG)” project, which is scheduled for Make A Difference Day on October 22.

TCG, which is the City of Las Vegas’ first public garden, was created in 2010 by former teacher Rosalind Brooks, who wanted to provide an educational environment where the area’s children could learn about nutrition from the ground up. According to Sonya Headen, the chair of

this Blue event, TCG provides children a firsthand experience in how food is grown and how it needs to be nurtured along the way. “Along with the active involvement of planting and watching things grow,” Headen said, “children also learn about responsibility and results.” In addition to the variety of fruits and vegetables currently being cultivated, the garden also has egg-laying hens and goats that provide milk.

Located on five acres of donated land at

the corner of Tonopah and Bonanza, the garden includes 30 cultivated plots, 14 of

which are maintained by people who have purchased the right to grow there.

Currently in the planning stages, you can be sure that our Make A Difference Day event will include volunteer opportunities for Southwesters and their children. Stay tuned for more information in the months ahead!

Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Dayby Risa Miller, management assistant/Division Operations

Tonopah Community Garden Selected for Make A Difference Dayby Risa Miller, management assistant/Division Operations

Teachers plant seeds of knowledge that grow forever.”

(Author unknown)

On May 6, members of Southwest’s Blue—Building Lives Up Everywhere Committee provided lunch for the teachers and staff of our focus school, Vegas Verdes Elementary School, in celebration of “Teacher Appreciation Day.”

We have been involved with a number of events and projects at our adopted

school and have had the pleasure and opportunity of seeing these teachers in action. The dedication, pride and interest they’ve shown for their students’ education and well being is evident in the continued improvement of the school’s scholastic achievement in reading and math. We are proud to partner with Vegas Verdes Elementary School.

Although still in the early stages, this garden has plenty of opportunity for growth.

Where hopes are planted and dreams

are fed.

page 3 GasWorks

NCC Keeps Southwest Gas Virus Freeby Danielle Sapien, analyst I/CAP & Billing Control

While we may not be able to control what goes on in cyberspace, Southwest’s Network Control Center (NCC) works 24/7 to protect our business environment from these external influences.

The NCC, which is part of Southwest’s Network Services Department, monitors the status of 15,000 network connections, prevents bottlenecks, repairs security breaches, and resolves network issues caused by outages, equipment failures or computer viruses.

So, how do Network Services and the NCC protect our network? Well, they utilize several layers of protection that guard the physical network connection and data transmitted to and from the Internet. Every business process, between employees or an employee and external customers, is processed through anti-virus software several times before it reaches the receiver and returns to the sender. Southwest Gas also utilizes a firewall and anti-virus software to prevent security breaches. According to Raymond Nail, lead telecommunications technician, “The anti-virus software is updated numerous times a day and the firewall is updated when a new version is released.”

Another layer of protection is encryption. Every transaction with our business partners is encrypted to protect sensitive information. A fourth layer of protection includes backups for each major network connection. If a major connection goes down, it’s automatically rerouted to the backup. The final layer of protection falls to the NCC staff — Nail, Tony Burnett, and Craig Durst — who rotate after-hours on-call duty so that they can monitor. When a problem occurs, the NCC team uses step-by-step procedures to identify, repair, and resolve network issues.

Without the continual monitoring of the Southwest Gas network, our everyday business operations could slow down or stop. The NCC team works hard to ensure that your work computer system continues to function seamlessly and without any disruptions. But you can also help by being more aware of your Internet activity and deleting e-mails from unknown senders.

Left to Right - Tony Burnett, Craig Durst and Raymond Nail help monitor Southwest’s computer network 24/7.

Did you know that Southwest Gas receives in excess of 36 million e-mails a year and more than 10% of those

e-mails are infected with a virus? E-mails, along with Internet searches, document retrieval, or using an application like GroupWise are just some of many business interactions that can increase our network’s vulnerability.

page 4GasWorks

Save Money with a Delta Dental PPO Dentistby Rosa Cisneros, administrative representative/Human Resources

Your greatest potential savings is with a Delta Dental PPO dentist

· Delta Dental PPO dentists agree to accept Delta Dental PPO contracted fees as full payment.

· You’ll usually pay less when you visit a Delta Dental PPO dentist.

· Claim forms will be completed and submitted for you at no charge.

Your next best option for savings is a Delta Dental Premier dentist

· Premier dentists’ contracted fees are usually slightly higher than PPO dentists’ contracted fees.

· Claim forms will be completed and submitted for you at no charge.

· Premier dentists will not bill you above their contracted fees, so you still receive some cost protections not available with a non-Delta Dental dentist.

There is absolutely no savings with a non-Delta Dental dentist

· Non-Delta Dental dentists have no fee agreements with Delta Dental, so you will usually have the highest out-of-pocket costs when you visit a non-Delta Dental dentist.

· You are responsible for the difference between what Delta Dental pays and the dentist’s fee.

· You may have to complete and submit your own claim forms or pay a service fee.

· You may have to pay the entire amount in advance and wait for reimbursement.

The Southwest Gas Enhanced Dental Plan and Core Dental Plan are both Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) dental plans. Under these plans, you have the freedom

to see any licensed dentist. If your dentist participates in Delta Dental’s PPO or Premier provider network, you’ll generally save more on your out-of-pocket costs. Before you make an appointment, you should inquire whether the dentist is a Delta PPO or Delta Premier dentist to ensure the highest level of savings.

SAMPLE CROWN CLAIM SAVINGS

Delta PPO Dentist Delta Premier Dentist Non Delta Dentist

Billed charge $800 $800 $800

Allowable $533 $710 $710

Network savings $267 $90 $0

50% Delta payment $267 $355 $355

Patient out-of-pocket* $266 $355 $445

*The difference between the allowable amount and the Delta payment.

page 5 GasWorks

Have you visited Delta Dental’s Web site? You’re just a click away!

Log in to:

· deltadentalins.com

· Enter your user name and password in the designated boxes and click “Login”.

· If you don’t already have a username or password, click the “Register Today” link to complete the quick registration process.

Once you log in you can:

· Check eligibility, benefits and claim status

· Print your Explanation of Benefit (EOB) statements

· Print an ID card

· Find a PPO or Premier dentist

· Find the average cost of a dental procedure in your area

· Choose your statements delivery preference

· Find enrollee materials and much more!

Remember: You and your dependents’ Delta Dental ID number is your 5-digit employee number, not a Social Security number. Delta Dental recently conducted a system upgrade and assigned a 12-digit number to each enrollee. Although you may see this 12-digit number online or on your EOB, this is not your Delta Dental ID number and it should not be used on claims.

If you have any questions regarding your coverage, please call Delta Dental at 1-800-510-9915.

page 6GasWorks

Breanna Egge, daughter of Renee Egge, management assistant/Technical Services, graduated in May from Dixie State College of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in integrated studies with an emphasis in psychology and communications.  Breanna, who earned an academic scholarship as well as an athletic scholarship in softball, was voted MVP in 2011 and 1st Team All Conference catcher for the PacWest Conference in 2010 & 2011.

Erin Soo Gallagher, daughter of Susan Parker, route specialist/Meter Reading, graduated from Shadow Ridge High School. She plans to attend CSN in the fall to study art and theater. Erin hopes to pursue a career in acting or design.

Thomas Baines Garvey, nephew of Carollynn Garvey, field technician/Customer Service, graduated from Centennial High School. He was in the ROTC program in high school and plans to join the military.

Gina Gualtieri, daughter of Camille Gualtieri, management assistant/BOATS, graduated from Spring Valley High School in June. Gina, who will attend UNLV, is considering a degree in hotel management. She received a $1,000 grant from the university.

Andrea Marie Huff, daughter of Cindy Huff, administrator/BOATS, graduated from Palo Verde High School and will attend Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff this fall. The last three years, Andrea held several JROTC leadership positions and is currently exploring a career path in either psychology or the military.

Chandler Paul Langland, grandson of Judith and Terry Shattuck, staff supervisor/Engineering Staff, and nephew of Monica Speer, administrative assistant/Division operations, graduated from Coronado High School in Henderson. Chandler plans to attend CSN in the fall.

Brianna Marino, daughter of Dara and Bill Marino, supervisor/Customer Service, graduated from Palo Verde High School. She will attend UNLV and is considering a career in child psychology.

Blake Matthias, son of Tim and Cathie Matthias, support coordinator/Help Desk, and grandson of retired Vice President Blake Down, graduated from Faith Lutheran High School. Blake received an academic and baseball scholarship to attend Westmont University in Santa Barbara.

Vanessa Mitchell, daughter of Kate Mitchell, senior manager/BOATS, graduated from Coronado High School and will attend Paul Mitchell Hair School in Provo, Utah.

Elijah Montoya, son of Yvonne Montoya, customer specialist/Construction/BHC, graduated from River Valley High School in Mohave Valley, Ariz. Elijah plans to serve our country in some capacity of Special Forces and study computer science and engineering. 

Graduates

page 7 GasWorks

Luanna Nesby, daughter of Annie Wong, senior coordinator/Accounts Payable, has earned a master of science degree in nursing from San Diego State University.

Kyle Phillips, son of Chad Bajurin, M&C technologist/Technical Services, graduated from Foothill High School with an advanced honors diploma. Kyle will attend CSN’s Nursing Program so that he can pursue a career as a firefighter or flight nurse.

Ivionna Reece, daughter of Lawanna Haynes, customer representative/Customer Assistance, graduated with honors from Legacy High School. Ivionna played varsity basketball throughout her high school years and has received a basketball scholarship from Southeast College in Nebraska.

Kendra Ross, daughter of Janelle Ross, senior coordinator/Human Resources, graduated from Foothill High School on June 20. She plans to attend CSN in the fall to study photography.

Jordin Chelan Stransky, daughter of Eliza and Scott Stransky, service technician/Customer Service, graduated from Las Vegas Academy. Jordin will pursue a degree in nursing at UNLV.

Crystal Streight, daughter of Shana Pederson, meter shop specialist/Technical Services, graduated from the University of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in communications. 

Jason Sunder, stepson of John Blackburn, M&C technologist/Technical Services, graduated from ITT Tech in July with an associate’s degree in visual communications.

Mitchell W. Thomas, son of Julie Thomas, customer specialist/Customer Assistance, graduated from Foothill High School with an advanced diploma. Mitchell will be attending CSN in the fall and then onto UNLV where he plans to major in engineering. 

Nathan White, supervisor/Engineering, obtained his master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Four employees graduated from Western Governors’ University. (left to right) Julie Andersen, analyst I/Right-of-Way, Rosemarie Buzzetta, supervisor/GIS Staff, and Shadreh Gilliam, senior analyst/GIS Staff, earned bachelor of science degrees in Information Technology Management. Management assistant Darcy Boothe (second from right) earned a bachelor of science degree in Business Management.

page 8GasWorks

CORPORATE PROMOTIONS

Alicia Marshall to Analyst I/Key Accounts Management Gas Resources

Rick Samp to Technical Instructor/GOSS Engineering

SOUTHERN NEVADA PROMOTIONS

Kevin Reed to Crew Leader Specialist South Operations Center

Halli Warf to Distribution Engineer North Operations Center

Written and published for Southern Nevada Division and Corporate employees located in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and Bullhead City, AZ.

Submit comments or story ideas to:

Monica Speer 21A-003 • 702-365-2206 monica.speer@swgas.com

Joanna Blockey LVA-300 • 702-876-7368 joanna.blockey@swgas.com

GasWorks

Calendar of Events

Sept. 23 Blood Drive (North Operations Center)

Oct. 8 Rose Regatta

Oct. 22 National Make a Difference Day Community Garden

Promotions May 7, 2011 – June 19, 2011

Josie Aytes Robert Aytes, engineer II/Engineering, and his wife Sandra welcomed a baby girl on June 24. Josie Gabriella was born at 7:23 a.m. and weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces, and was 21-inches long.

Camden Gilliam Shadreh Gilliam, senior analyst/GIS Staff, and his wife Nicolette welcomed a baby boy on June 17. Camden James Gilliam weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 19-1/2 inches long.

Madeleine Marie Tary Kristien Tary, analyst II/SRA, and her husband Brian welcomed a baby girl into their family on June 23, 2011 at 9:03 p.m. Madeleine Marie Tary weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces, and was 19-inches long.

Announcements