Blue Ridge Electric Presents Highest Retiree Award
For Immediate Release
Contact: Renee Whitener, Director of Public Relations, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, (828) 758-2383, Ext. 3213; Pager: 1-800-471-1323; or E-mail: Renee Whitener
Lenoir, North Carolina (April 28, 2008) - Caldwell County resident Horrie Kent Sr. was recently awarded the Honored Cooperator Award, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation's highest honor given to a retired employee, during the cooperative's employee service awards banquet.
In presenting Kent with an engraved mantle clock to commemorate the honor, Chief Executive Officer Doug Johnson said, "Horrie most definitely deserves this place of honor and I'm proud to recognize him as our 2008 Honored Cooperator."
Kent began his career at Blue Ridge Electric in 1951, working in every district on what was known as the "floating crew". After serving in the military for a few years, Kent returned to the same job at Blue Ridge Electric. Throughout his 44-year career at Blue Ridge Electric, he spent most of his time as a meter technician where he continuously kept up with training and advancing technology to best serve the members.
While at Blue Ridge, Kent was recognized with two Live Saving Awards and for his safety record. His care for others was a lso noted by fellow workers who noted that Kent was always the first to volunteer to coordinate and deliver food whenever there was a power outage.
Kent has also been recognized in his community, serving as a Boy Scout Master for more than 10 years and receiving awards for District Scouter, District Campers, and Council Scouter. Under his leadership, his troop earned 11 Eagle Scout recognitions and 11 God and Country awards. He was also selected as Lower Creek Lions Club Man of the Year and was honored with the District Governor's Award.
Kent retired form the NC National Guard after serving 34 years and receiving numerous commendations. He remains active in Littlejohn United Methodist Church.
He also remains active at Blue Ridge Electric, keeping in touch with other retirees, attending membership meetings, and other social activities.
The Honored Cooperator Award distinguishes select retired employees who have contributed in an outstanding way to the development and operation of the cooperative. Recipients exemplify cooperative principles including commitment to community, innovation, accountability in delivering customer service, and integrity throughout their lives. Each year, a committee of employees and former employees select the Honored Cooperator out of a pool of nominations submitted by current and former employees.
Blue Ridge Electric Membership Cooperation is a member owned electric cooperative serving some 73,000 member-owners in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany counties as well as portions of Alexander and Wilkes counties.
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