In 2013, the Company purchased the operating assets of Eastern Shore Gas, now operating as Sandpiper Energy, Inc. This acquisition not only extended our natural gas footprint to Worcester County, Maryland but it also provided us with new and wonderful co-workers, such as Ellen Davies, Operations Assistant II for Chesapeake Utilities.

Prior to working for Chesapeake Utilities, Ellen worked for Eastern Shore Gas in West Ocean City, Maryland. At the time of the acquisition of Eastern Shore Gas, Ellen worked in our Customer Care Department. She was instrumental in assisting customers as they transitioned from Eastern Shore Gas to Sandpiper Energy being their service provider. Ellen handled customer payments, answered customer inquiries, and processed meter and service orders as well as updated customer information. Within her first year of employment with the Company, Ellen provided personalized service and went above and beyond the norm to take care of customers and their specific requests.

“While in Customer Care, I was part of the Sharing Program, and oversaw the program for the Maryland division,” said Ellen. “The Sharing Program gave me the sense of connection when I was able to help customers in need.”

Ellen was soon promoted to Junior Solutions Analyst in Customer Care and assisted the Customer Care Solutions team with the administration of the Customer Care Applications. She analyzed data and documented processes as well as compiled monthly and quarterly reports. Ellen continued to approach everything with determination as she worked with the Customer Care Solutions team to implement the Utilicis upgrade. Additionally, she collaborated with Dawn Sard, Manager of Customer Care Solutions, on the Sandpiper 3 Tier Filing Rate project, that was implemented in January 2016.

“Ellen’s determination, can-do attitude and being a team player ensured that the Utilicis upgrade was successful,”

—Dawn Sard, Manager of Customer Care Solutions

Within her current role at Chesapeake Utilities, Ellen assists Josh Denham, District Gas Operations Manager, with the daily responsibilities in the Operations department. She maintains and reviews various weekly and monthly reports including the on-call schedule, PTO reports, open orders reports and annual requirements reports. Ellen processes payables, provides backup to the service dispatcher and updates operations and maintenance compliance manuals as well as other day-to-day activities to ensure efficiency and that deadlines are met.

“Ellen’s dedication, care and concern for customers and co-workers are truly inspiring!”

—Josh Denham, District Gas Operations Manager

“I cannot say enough to acknowledge Ellen’s positive attitude and overall contributions to the team,” said Josh Denham, District Gas Operations Manager. “Ellen’s dedication, care and concern for customers and co-workers are truly inspiring!”

Ellen’s enthusiasm and involvement expand beyond her role in Operations. She is the Brand Champion for Chesapeake Utilities’ Beaver Run office and the business location’s liaison for the companywide United Way campaign.

In addition, Ellen assists with coordinating sponsorships and employee involvement in local community events. She has been integral in the success of our Company’s Maryland Food Bank partnership. Ellen worked directly with Sydney Davis, External Communications Manager, on the planning and organization of volunteer days for our Summer Cares and Thanksgiving for All events at the Maryland Food Bank in Salisbury, Maryland.

“Working for Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is very rewarding on many different levels. There is always a sense of teamwork and your accomplishments do not go unnoticed. Co-workers are always mindful of each other on both a professional level and personal level,” said Ellen. “In my current role, I enjoy the interaction that I have with not only the people within the Beaver Run office, but also the peers from the various other locations. It is refreshing to go to a company-sponsored meeting or event, and be addressed personally by senior management. You get the sense of being a part of the whole picture.”