Steve Eldrige, General Manager and CEO of Umatilla Electric, was among the honorees at the Oregon Connections Telecommunications Conference Oct. 22-23 at Hood River.
Eldrige was presented with a 2015 20th Anniversary All-Stars Award.
Eldrige and the UEC Board were instrumental in the creation of the Hermiston-based Eastern Oregon Telecom and Portland-based LightSpeed Networks. Eldrige has served on the boards of those two companies, including as chairman; and has advocated for rural telecommunications throughout his UEC career.
The 2015 Conference honored individuals and organizations who have positively impacted telecommunications development in Oregon in six categories: applications, projects, partnerships, legislation, advocacy and enduring achievement. Award nominations were evaluated by a committee that included past Oregon Connections Award recipients.
The citation reads:
Steve’s foresighted vision has facilitated the initial delivery and subsequent expansion of Broadband and advanced telecommunication to all of Oregon. Steve’s accomplishments include:
One of eight founding members and owners of NoaNet Oregon. The assets of NoaNet Oregon subsequently were acquired by LSN.
One of six founding shareholders of LSN, a facilities-based provider of Internet and Telecommunication services throughout the Pacific Northwest (and a proud ongoing Sponsor of Oregon Connections).
Steve is a current Director and former Chairman of LSN.
One of eight founding members and owners of Eastern Oregon Telecom (EOT), an internet and telecommunication service provider in Eastern Oregon. Steve is the Chairman of EOT.
Steve has recently announced his upcoming retirement as General Manager and CEO of Umatilla Electric Cooperative, in addition to successfully running the power cooperative for over 25 years. His community and other involvements include:
Good Shepherd Health Care System Hospital Board of Directors
Ruralite Services Board of Directors
PNGC Power Board of Directors
Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee
Governor’s Columbia River Task Force.
During his many years of service, Steve has never lost sight of his mission to provide advanced telecommunications and make broadband available to everyone in Oregon, especially those in Rural Oregon.
