[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 23 (Thursday, February 6, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S818-S819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JEFF NELSON

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to 
congratulate Jeff Nelson on his well-earned retirement after nearly 40 
years of service at East River Electric Cooperative in Madison, SD, 
including 23 years as General Manager.
  Jeff's wealth of knowledge and friendly demeanor have helped him 
develop close relationships with his colleagues and with community 
leaders

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throughout our State. He has been a tireless advocate for the 
population served by East River, and deeply engaged in discussions of 
energy and economic development policy for decades. As he has worked 
with me and my staff over the years, his input has always been 
appreciated and valued. He leaves behind an undeniable legacy of 
thoughtful and progressive leadership.
  Jeff's work has left a mark on many facets of energy policy. Under 
his tenure as General Manager, East River has received national 
recognition, being named the 2013 Wind Energy Cooperative of the Year 
by the Energy Department. He undertook the daunting task of 
establishing a load-management system, the largest in the world at the 
time of its implementation. He also looked out for the unique interests 
of rural South Dakota in discussions of hydropower access and in 
helping the ethanol industry gain a foothold.
  It is also important to note the vital economic development work Jeff 
has been involved in through the Rural Electric Economic Development, 
REED, Fund. The REED Fund has been crucial for the establishment or 
expansion of many South Dakota businesses and his work in this area has 
facilitated an improved rural economy.
  He has been active in public service in his personal time, as well, 
using his expertise to make continued contributions to his community 
and our state. This service includes serving as Chair of the National 
Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Power and Water Resources 
Committee and Board President of the South Dakota Wind Energy 
Association, among other commitments.
  Beyond his commendable career, I also take this opportunity to thank 
Jeff, and his wife Trudi for their years of friendship to me and 
Barbara. It was also a pleasure having Jeff and Trudi's son, Erik, 
serve as a valuable member of my staff for many years.
  Though he will be missed at East River, I know that Jeff will 
continue to be engaged in policymaking and service projects. Once 
again, I am pleased to recognize Jeff for his many years of service to 
the people of South Dakota and applaud him for his exemplary 
career.

                          ____________________