Chesapeake Utilities Corporation Board of Directors has appointed Elaine B. Bittner as Senior Vice President of Strategic Development. Previously, she has held various positions within the Company, including Vice President of Eastern Shore Natural Gas Company, from 2005 to 2010; Director of Eastern Shore, Director of Customer Services and Regulatory Affairs for Eastern Shore, Director of Environmental Affairs for Chesapeake and Environmental Engineer.

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013. For the quarter, the company reported 39% increase in net income to $14.9 million from $10.7 million for the same quarter in 2012. The company's first quarter earnings per diluted share rose to $1.54 in 2013 from $1.11 in 2012. The company's operating income was $26.6 million, an increase of $6.5 million or 32% compared to $20.07 million for the same quarter in 2012. Pre-tax income was $24.77 million compared to $17.98 million reported a year ago. Total operating revenues were $140.73 million compared to $120.91 million reported a year ago. The higher performance reflects continued growth in the regulated businesses, strong retail margins per gallon in the Propane Distribution business, and the return to normal weather. Capital expenditures for 2013 are expected to total $112 million. This level of capital expenditures would represent the large capital budget exclusive of acquisitions in history. The increase in budgeted capital spending in 2013 reflects the Eastern Shore gas acquisition, various expansion projects and the Florida Public Service Commission approved Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program, also known as GRIP in Florida.

At their meeting held on May 2, 2013, the Board of Directors of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.385 per share on the Company's common stock. The Board's action raises the annualized dividend eight cents per share from $1.46 to $1.54 per share, equating to a 5.5% increase over the prior year. The $0.385 per share dividend will be paid July 5, 2013 to all shareholders of record at the close of business on June 17, 2013.