Blue Ridge Electric Employee Gary Carswell Receives Top Honor

Lenoir, North Carolina, (April 12, 2010) – Gary Carswell recently received top honors from Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation during the company's annual employee service awards dinner held at the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center.

Carswell is applications support manager in information technology for Blue Ridge Electric. He was awarded the Spirit of Blue Ridge Award which is bestowed annually to one employee from each of the Blue Ridge companies. Recipients are nominated and selected for the honor by their peers. The award recognizes outstanding employees who demonstrate the key quality that service to others is the highest calling in life. The award also recognizes qualities such as motivational team spirit, going above and beyond the call of duty in their work, knowledge and expertise, community involvement, and leadership in their attitude and dealings with others.

Chief Executive Officer Doug Johnson said Carswell’s fellow employees recognized him for “being calm and patient as he works long hours helping co-workers achieve their goals—goals that ultimately meet our members’ needs and help us aspire to the higher levels of customer service that our members deserve.

“He has given selflessly for many years, and has made numerous contributions to Blue Ridge, his fellow employees and our members and customers,” Johnson added. “He has a quiet dedication and work ethic that others truly admire.”

Carswell is also active in his community and church.

Blue Ridge Electric is a member-owned electric cooperative serving some 73,000 members in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, Wilkes and Alexander counties. Its wholly owned subsidiary, Blue Ridge Energies, provides propane and heating fuels as well as gas appliances such as gas logs from offices in Lenoir, Boone, West Jefferson and Sparta.