Otter Tail Corporation has announced donation commitments totaling $100,000 to hurricane relief efforts aiding victims of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. The corporation is providing $55,000 to the American Red Cross, $30,000 to the Salvation Army and $15,000 to other groups focused on relief efforts. The donation to the Red Cross matches contributions made to various hurricane relief charities by Otter Tail's companies and employees throughout the month of September. "Immediately following Hurricane Katrina, people across our operating companies began reaching out to help," said CEO John Erickson. "We announced the matching gift program the week the first hurricane struck and the internal response since then has been gratifying. By doubling employee and operating company contributions, we honor their generosity as well as support crucial relief work. We are pleased to provide assistance to the Red Cross and the other agencies in helping evacuees and communities recover and rebuild."

Otter Tail also provided its corporate plane to transport Ringdahl Ambulance workers from Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to a Hurricane Rita relief center stationed in Livingston, Texas.

With more than 3500 employees across 12 companies, Otter Tail Corporation has interests in diversified operations that include an electric utility, plastics, manufacturing, health services, food ingredient processing and other businesses.