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Wayne Wright Presented Eminent Service Award

SIOUX FALLS, SD -- Long-time rural electric cooperative advocate Wayne Wright has been awarded the Eminent Service Award, East River Electric’s highest commendation.

“Wayne’s leadership as president has been marked by a keen appreciation of the cooperative form of business. He has demonstrated respect for all members of East River’s board by encouraging their views to be heard and considered,” said Jeff Nelson, East River General Manager.

The award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to East River, the electric cooperatives of South Dakota and Minnesota and the advancement of rural electrification, was given at East River’s Annual Meeting on Sept. 3, 2008 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

Wright has been a rural electric director for the past 36 years including terms with Spink Electric, then Northern Electric when the two cooperatives merged and as East River director for 24 years, including 15 as president.

“As appropriate, Wayne has guided difficult decisions by keeping a clear focus on the best interests of the end consumer member and all of East River’s members. His strong advocacy for rural electrification and the federal power program earned him his place at the ‘head of the board’ and set a standard which will be long remembered. We will miss his many personal and professional qualities,” Nelson said.

Among the most significant accomplishments Wright has seen within East River and its member systems over the years have been the strides made in economic development and the willingness to implement renewable energy resources.

Wright feels privileged to have worked with many great people within the East River family. “The idea of being associated with this organization is a source of pride. We’ve had our discussions, but we have always kept our end consumer in mind,” Wright stated.