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Electric co-ops & Governor receive national awards

The spotlight shined on South Dakota during the annual meeting of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) on March 21. Representatives of South Dakota’s 31 electric cooperatives received the National Community Service Award. Governor Mike Rounds was also recognized for directing state agencies to assist cooperatives with power restoration following a devastating ice storm.

National Community Service Award

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives in South Dakota, including Sioux Valley Energy and East River Electric Power Cooperative in the area, were presented the National Community Service Award for supporting the Kids Voting South Dakota program. The prestigious award was presented by NRECA this spring during the association's annual meeting. The award recognizes the local electric cooperatives' support of the program through which thousands of South Dakota school students are learning about current political issues, the democratic process and cooperative principles.

More than 80,000 students participate annually in Kids Voting South Dakota. The non-profit, non-partisan program provides a hands-on experience intended to foster future generations of informed and engaged citizens and leaders. Through a combination of classroom instruction, family dialogue and a mock election mirroring the federal election, Kids Voting South Dakota provides a comprehensive educational experience for students to learn about the democratic process and the importance of being active citizens.

Nearly 30,000 students who attend schools in the Sioux Valley Energy service area participate in the student-citizenship learning activities. The schools include Madison, Rutland, Brookings, Hartford, Dell Rapids St. Mary's, Flandreau, Garrettson, Montrose and Sioux Falls public and Catholic.

“This project uniquely combines three of the co-op principles -- education, the democratic process and concern for community – to build strong, informed leadership for both our government and our cooperatives,” said NRECA CEO Glenn English.

"Electric cooperatives believe that offering an electric cooperative component as part of a civic education program is a natural fit, and promotes awareness of democratic principles among the future leaders of this community and the nation," said Jeff Nelson, general manager at East River Electric. "Kids Voting will have a far-reaching impact on our electric system when today's students eventually become tomorrow's electric cooperative members, employees and leaders," added Don Marker, Sioux Valley Energy CEO.

Governor cited for ice storm support

Also during the ceremony, Gov. Mike Rounds received NRECA’s “President’s Award” for directing state resources to assist South Dakota electric cooperatives, including East River Electric, following the devastating ice storm of 2005. The “President’s Award” recognizes outstanding one-time contributions to rural electrification.

The governor placed in action the state's crisis center, which provided cooperatives with needed assistance. The National Guard and Department of Transportation helped transport replacement power poles and equipment, plowed snow so crews could get into work areas, and removed hazardous storm debris. State workers also arranged for emergency generators and contacted cooperative members without power to ensure their safety during the frigid ordeal.

The governor worked with adjacent states to relax transportation regulations so trucks could more quickly deliver replacement power poles and equipment. In addition, Rounds advocated a federal disaster declaration for the devastated counties. In addition to receiving federal damage reimbursements, the impacted electric cooperatives also received partial reimbursement from the state.

In the nomination letter for Rounds, the South Dakota Rural Electric Association wrote, “Gov. Rounds is a true leader … (who) has the courage to make tough decisions and compassion to listen to the needs of others.”

Approximately 150 co-op directors and employees from 30 South Dakota electric cooperatives were on hand to witness the award presentations during NRECA's national convention this spring. NRECA is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 40 million people in 47 states.