Electric Co-op Today

Glenn English, who has led NRECA as chief executive officer for 16 years, was honored May 5 with induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame.

NRECA CEO Glenn English with the plaque he received upon his induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame. (Photo By: Luis Gomez)

“If it hadn’t been for the cooperative business model there is no question that many areas of this country today would not be electrified,” English said to applause at a packed ceremony held at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. “It’s the people themselves that made it happen.”

English told the audience that today, 75 years after the creation of the Rural Electrification Administration, there are still lessons to be learned from that example.

“During these times in which we have so much cynicism among the general public with regard to government, I think we can all take pride—particularly those of us who are with the rural electrification program—that this major accomplishment came about because of this cooperative business model and because of the partnership that was formed by government with the American people,” English said. “And I would suggest our elected officials and our fellow citizens could take a lesson from that,” added the former 10-term congressman from Oklahoma.

Tags: Co-op News, Glenn English