The Northeast Association of Electric Cooperatives (NEAEC) has honored two people with its annual George D. Aiken Award. The association, whose members include the rural electric cooperatives in the New England states and New York, established the award many years ago in honor of Vermont’s former Governor and Senator, a strong champion throughout his career of rural electrification and strengthening rural economies.
Wendell Cilley, of West Topsham. A member since 1993 of the Board of Directors of Washington Electric Co-op, East Montpelier, Cilley, 56, died unexpectedly in September 2008 as the result of an accident. He was remembered as a genuine and caring person, committed to the Co-op, his community, his job working with adults with developmental disabilities, and his family. On the WEC board he always sought to avoid conflict and in his early years on the board was instrumental in smoothing out controversies during a period of change and controversy. The award was presented to Wendell Cilley’s two children, with his widow and mother also present.
Diane Domion, Executive Secretary of Otsego Electric Cooperative, Hartwick, NY, and long-time board member and Secretary of NEAEC. In addition to her dedication to her own co-op, Domion has for many years been the main volunteer organizer of NEAEC’s conferences and training seminars.. NEAEC is a small association that depends on volunteer efforts from its members in order to provide services and organize events for the co-ops across four states. Domion was thanked for her tireless efforts on the association’s behalf, with remarks from several co-op managers and directors present and past.
NEAEC was also honored have Lola Aiken, widow of George Aiken, as a guest and to participate in presenting the awards.
NEAEC’s annual meeting and conference took place May 20-22 in Fairlee, Vermont and was attended by co-op staff and directors from the four states as well as a number of representatives from nation co-op organizations. Among key topics discussed by presenters at the conference were federal climate change legislation, and developments in “smart grid” technology.
At NEAEC’s business meeting, Rudy Brouillette, Board President of Oneida-Madison Electric Cooperative in New York was elected as NEAEC’s new President, replacing Avram Patt. Dena DeLucca, Vice President of Corporate and Member Services at New Hampshire Electric Cooperative was elected Vice President. Also continuing on the board are Secretary Diane Domion, Treasurer Lee Ann Beebe, and Avram Patt, Past President.
