TULSA, Okla. – Williams’ (NYSE:WMB) gas pipeline unit was honored today with the Southern Gas Association’s Community Service Award for 2001 at the association’s annual Management Conference in Charleston, S.C. The award is given to the SGA member company with the most outstanding community outreach program.

Williams received the 2001 SGA Community Service Award for its extensive involvement in the communities where it operates. The award was given to Williams primarily because of its 2000 Riding the Line fund-raiser, which raised more than $16 million for United Way. The uniqueness and scope of the project were among the deciding factors in honoring Williams.

According to Larry Everett, president of Southern Gas Association, “The Riding the Line project exemplifies the type of community support and involvement that the award is intended to recognize.”

Gary Lauderdale, senior vice president and general manager of Williams’ Transco pipeline, accepted the award on behalf of Williams. “It is truly an honor to receive this award from the SGA. It is a tribute not only to Williams, but to its employees who also support the communities in which they work and live,” he said.
Approximately 80 riders participated in the Williams 2000 Riding the Line fund-raiser. The eight teams rode relay style, crossing 10 states while raising funds for United Way agencies along Williams’ Transco pipeline system. The event was the nation’s largest bicycling fund-raiser as well as the largest fund-raiser in United Way’s 110-year history.

This year Williams will sponsor the “One National Pipeline Ride” featuring five simultaneous rides with approximately 200 employee participants. The riders will travel coast-to-coast raising money for the United Way and increasing awareness of the organization’s outreach activities.

About Williams (NYSE: WMB)
Williams, through its subsidiaries, connects businesses to energy, delivering innovative, reliable products and services. Williams information is available at www.williams.com.

About Southern Gas Association
Southern Gas Association is a leading trade association for the natural gas industry. Southern Gas Association links people, ideas and information in providing services and support activities which improve individual and corporate performance in the transmission, distribution and marketing of natural gas service to all customers served by member companies. A leading natural gas industry association for over 90 years, SGA’s broad-based membership includes more than 130 distribution, transmission and gas supply marketing companies serving millions of customers from coast to coast and border to border.

Williams Companies, Inc.

Williams Companies, Inc.

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