George Simpson, Sparta, a director for White River Valley Electric Cooperative, was honored with the A.C. Burrows Award by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives at that organization’s annual meeting Oct. 8 in Kansas City.
The purpose of the award is to recognize directors and employees of electric cooperatives for outstanding service to their cooperative, community and service areas. Those who received the award were selected because of their leadership above and beyond the call of duty to strengthen and improve economic and social conditions in their areas.
Simpson was appointed to White River Valley Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors in January 1977. Over the years, he has served in the capacity of president and vice president numerous times.
Under his leadership, the cooperative became an industry leader in regard to innovation, member satisfaction and community involvement. Thanks to the proactive leadership of Simpson, the cooperative has been able to maintain an ACSI score of 85 or above.
He was a dairy farmer for many years and truly embraced the rural way of life. He served on the board of Sparta Bank for many years. He has been a beacon in the rural electrification program and passionately fought to make life in rural America better.
The award is named for the late Audrian Cleon Burrows of Van Buren, who rose through the ranks to become general manager of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, which is the statewide service organization for Missouri’s 48 electric cooperatives. Burrows served in this position from 1968 to 1976. He was recognized as an outstanding leader in rural electrification and as a distinguished individual who dedicated his life to helping others.
The Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Jefferson City, is the statewide service organization for Missouri’s electric cooperatives.
