[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 181 (Tuesday, November 29, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         JOHN VILLYARD TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 2011

  Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. John Villyard, 
CEO of the San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative. Mr. Villyard, 
who has served in this capacity since 2000, will be retiring at the end 
of this year.
  Mr. Villyard has overseen numerous efforts to improve the 
Cooperative's effectiveness. An accountant by trade, he utilized new 
technology, cost-based accounting practices, and the simplification of 
electric bills to increase efficiency. Under his leadership, 
improvements to infrastructure and building projects have reduced power 
outages and overtime costs by 34%. Furthermore, he has demonstrated 
environmental stewardship by negotiating the purchase of renewably 
produced power and developing an avian protection plan.
  As a child, Mr. Villyard watched his father, Ray, lead the 
Cooperative as it expanded from five to 34 employees. John has followed 
his example and has worked to build strong relationships with the board 
of directors, his employees, and the community at large, all the while 
treating the Cooperative as an extended family. In doing so, he has 
improved the safety program, initiated a lineworker scholarship, and 
established the SLVREC Energy Foundation.
  After graduating from the University of Colorado, John served 
honorably in the United States Air Force for eleven years. He then 
returned to the San Luis Valley and worked as an accountant, before 
being hired as the SLVREC's CFO in 1996. He is married to his high 
school sweetheart, Jowanda.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. John Villyard. I rise 
today to thank him for his commitment to serving the energy needs of 
the San Luis Valley with integrity and innovation.

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