Message-ID: <3235336.1075840256200.JavaMail.evans@thyme>
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000 03:15:00 -0700 (PDT)
From: meredith.philipp@enron.com
To: kenneth.lay@enron.com
Subject: Arena Response
Cc: tori.wells@enron.com
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Dear Mr. Galvan,

Thank you for your recent letter concerning my support of a new basketball=
=20
arena in Downtown Houston.  I believe that the responsibilities of my=20
position at one of the world=01,s leading companies extend far beyond day t=
o day=20
business- I take a leading role in the communities where my employees live=
=20
and work. =20

I agree that corporate stewardship is essential in our community. At Enron,=
=20
we are aware of the underserved populations in our neighborhoods, which is=
=20
why each year we give back one percent of our earnings to charitable causes=
.=20
As we have grown, so have these donations. Enron=01,s community investments=
=20
include supporting programs that promote cultural diversity, educational=20
programming and scholarships, and assisting those struggling to rebuild the=
ir=20
lives.=20

Three years ago, Houstonians took the initiative to keep the Houston Astros=
=20
in town by passing a baseball stadium referendum that sparked the=20
revitalization of our downtown district. A new downtown basketball arena to=
=20
house our hometown Houston Rockets and Comets would amplify our current=20
efforts.=20

Houston has a vibrant, attractive, central business district that is=20
recognized globally.  A basketball arena is of key importance for the=20
continuing revitalization of downtown Houston, for keeping the Rockets and=
=20
Comets in town, and for retaining an exceptional workforce in our world cla=
ss=20
city. We must not allow our city to lose its competitive advantage on or of=
f=20
the court.=20

Enron has more than 6,500 employees who work and live in Houston and we all=
=20
take great pride in this city and its success.  We plan to stay in Houston=
=20
for a long time, and it is essential that the Houston Rockets and Comets ma=
ke=20
Houston their home, too. Downtown now has a new feeling and a new level of=
=20
excitement and Houston cannot afford to stop the momentum.

Sincerely,

Ken Lay