Many formal types of recognition are awarded within our communities, organizations and even on a national and world stage. In athletics, teams and individuals seek championships. The performing arts has the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards). In journalism, there’s the Pulitzer and the Peabody. And, of course, there’s the Nobel Peace Prize, which recognizes outstanding achievement in science, medicine, economics and peace.
In the electric cooperative network, we value reliability, affordability and safety. But we also place a strong emphasis on effectively communicating with, engaging and educating our members. In the realm of member engagement and effective cooperative communications, our industry’s Pulitzer could be considered the Spotlight on Excellence Awards.
The Spotlight Awards recognize exceptional work produced by electric cooperative communications and marketing professionals across the country. This year, the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) took home awards in four categories.
Now, those who know me might agree I’m not one to brag about myself. But when it comes to sharing the accolades of my kids, cooperatives, our employees and, yes, my wife, I will share my pride with anyone who will listen. (Note: Brownie points for including my wife.)
I am darn proud of what our team at NDAREC accomplishes every day, but it is worth highlighting our work took home “Gold Awards” for best news story, best feature story and best wild card, and a “Silver Award” for best annual or impact report. These awards recognize only a few examples of the high-quality products, services and dedication our people have for the work they do and for whom they do it.
Another example is on page 6 of this issue. Meet the four Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative lineworkers who were honored earlier this year with the Life Saver Award. The award recognizes their heroic actions in three separate emergencies in 2023 that contributed to the life-saving efforts of another person. Their commitment to their cooperative’s members and the communities they serve goes beyond keeping the lights on.
On page 17, John Moura, a leading expert and international champion for reliability, references his experience working with electric cooperatives. He commends the electric cooperative network for its willingness to educate and inform about – and advocate for – the critical issues of today, particularly the reliability of the electric grid.
Having the talent, commitment and means to effectively communicate is critical. It is something we pride ourselves in doing well and is rooted in our cooperative principles, the fifth being “education, training and information.” North Dakota Living, which has delivered news, education and information to electric cooperative members for 70 years, is a reflection of that commitment.
We certainly don’t do what we do to win awards. But let the spotlight show: In North Dakota, we’re doing some things right.
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Josh Kramer, editor-in-chief of North Dakota Living, is executive vice president and general manager of NDAREC. Contact him at jkramer@ndarec.com.
