Electric Co-op Today

In accepting the award, English thanked his wife Jan, acknowledging her tireless contributions to the nation’s electric cooperatives, and their 40-year marriage and strong partnership. “If it were not for Jan I would not be here tonight,” English said.

NRECA CEO Glenn English is surrounded by (L-R) sons John and Jason, daughter TJ and wife Jan. (Photo By: Luis Gomez)

In fact, during his introduction of English, NRECA Board President F.E. “Wally” Wolski read from a letter recommending English for the Hall of Fame.

“In no small part, Jan is a major factor in Glenn being appropriately considered for this honor,” Wolski read. “Her countless hours of volunteer, non-paid work provide a much-needed cornerstone for Glenn’s accomplishments.”

A video retrospective of his life and career was shown before English came to the stage. He also received a surprise. English had expected only one of his four children to be at the ceremony, but two others were able to surprise him by coming in from out of town.

English follows his three NRECA predecessors—Clyde T. Ellis, Robert D. Partridge and Bob Bergland—into the Cooperative Hall of Fame.

Along with English, three others were inducted as part of the Class of 2010. They are: Larry Blanchard, honored for his work with credit unions; Werqu Mekasha, who worked with agricultural co-ops in Ethiopia; and David Thompson, a multi-sector co-op leader.

Tags: Co-op News, Glenn English