Cerotzke has served on the company's board of directors since December 2003, and will continue as a board member in addition to assuming his new role.

Cerotzke worked as an independent consultant in the energy industry from January 2003 to December 2003. From 1990 to 2003, Cerotzke served in various executive capacities at Nicor Inc., a diversified energy holding company.

"I am honored to be selected by the board to lead this fine company and its outstanding employees," Cerotzke said. "We're going back to basics at Energy West, delivering reliable, cost effective service. Our customers depend on it, investors value it, and we are confident that it is a strategy that will poise us for future growth."

G. Montgomery Mitchell, chairman of the board, stated, "We are delighted to have Dave assume the role of president and CEO of the company. He brings 30 years of experience through times of dynamic change in the energy industry. The board was impressed with his service as a fellow board member, and he went through an extensive background and interview process. We are confident that his leadership will serve the company well as it focuses on its core business of natural gas and propane distribution and the board's objective to reinstate a dividend on our common stock."

Allen has served as the company's interim president and CEO since September 2003. Prior to his appointment to those positions, Allen served as the company's vice president, general counsel, and secretary from 1992 to 2003.

Publication date: 08/02/2004