SAN DIEGO —The Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives (IAEC) and Mark Landa have won the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) President’s Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding one-time or continuing leadership contributions to rural electrification, the nation, their states or communities on the occasion of a special celebration, action or event.
IAEC and Landa are being recognized for their tireless work to convince the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to award $23 million in disaster funding for electric co-ops in Iowa in the wake of a devastating ice storm in 2013.
The process took more than three years, and the successful outcome protected the interests of member-consumers in Iowa, and set a favorable precedent for the rest of the nation.
“The magnitude of the work that it took to achieve this positive outcome is a direct reflection of IAEC and Mark’s dedication to put their members first, and protect their interests,” said NRECA President Mel Coleman. “Mark and all at the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives ensured that co-ops in Iowa received the necessary funding to get back on their feet and continue providing reliable and affordable electricity to their communities and families. This makes me proud to be part of this great co-op family.”
More than 5,500 representatives from electric co-ops across the nation are attending NRECA’s Annual Meeting celebrating its 75th Anniversary. The meeting runs from Feb. 23 through Mar. 1 in San Diego and sets NRECA’s legislative and organizational agenda for 2017. Co-op representatives also hear from NRECA officials, key public figures and business experts about issues affecting electric cooperatives and their consumer members. The Annual Meeting is held in conjunction with TechAdvantage, a technology learning event and expo that features more than 280 exhibitors showcasing their state-of-the-art technologies, equipment and services.
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.
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