Adams honored with A.C. Burrows Award
Adams honored with A.C. Burrows Award
Gary Adams, an employee of Ozark Border Electric Cooperative, Poplar Bluff, was honored with the A.C. Burrows Award by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC) at that organization’s annual meeting Oct. 3 in Branson.
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 the economic and social conditions in their areas.
Adams began his career at Ozark Border Electric as a forestryman/apprentice in 1966. Gary’s passion for the job, along with the pride he took in his work, are clear to all who know him. Many stories have been told of his uncanny ability to find the problem during a power outage and to fell a tree in just the right spot. His knowledge of the OBEC distribution system was appreciated and respected by everyone who had the opportunity to work with him. He will always be remembered and admired for his hard work, dedication and commitment to the cooperative and its members. After more than 52 years of service, Gary retired in February 2019 as a service foreman.
The award is named for the late Audrian Cleon Burrows of Van Buren, Mo., 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.