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NREDA.org

Past President's Council Chosen to Award the
First Annual Community Development Award

By Pat Merritt, CEcD, Director

FRS Community Development Award
FRS AWARDS TULAROSA BASIN WITH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AWARD
Three NREDA Past Presidents volunteered to be reviewers for the Foundation for Rural Service's (FRS) First Annual Community Development Award.

The Foundation for Rural Service Community Development Award recognizes an NTCA Member's outreach to rural communities and awards the company for their commitment to improving the lives of the customers they serve. Awardees are recognized for their efforts in the areas of rural economic development, education, volunteerism, and philanthropy. The award is given on an annual basis to a NTCA Member or Associate Member Company and/or individual employee(s) of their companies who have made a significant impact in their community.

Past Presidents Pat B. Merritt, CEcD, Georgia EMC, Sherry Rose, Wabash Valley G&T and Linda Salmonson, East River Electric Power Cooperative were delighted to read the applications and challenged by the difficulty of having to choose one winner out of the 11 inspiring applications received.

Congratulations to the winner of the first annual FRS Community Development Award — the Tularosa Basin Telephone Company! Mr. Lance A. Tade, General Manager of Tularsoa, worked with the United Way of Otero County to increase their participation with local non-profits and raise funds for improvements to the Senior Center and the "Meals on Wheels" program. He pledged three loaned employees from his own company to aid the United Way in meeting its goals, rallied his entire staff and community in his efforts, and also challenged other companies in the area to lend their support. Mr. Tade and the staff at Tularosa are the embodiment of what this award means and we want to thank them for all that they are doing to improve the lives of the community they serve.

Merritt said, "It is my hope that past and future NREDA Presidents will be asked to share their expertise in community economic development by becoming involved in similar projects." Click to learn more about the Foundation for Rural Service.