Umatilla Electric Cooperative’s history of giving back to the community was established right from its start in 1937 by helping to build the county’s fairgrounds and a new racetrack in town.
“Their donations and contributions to this community have never waned,” said Umatilla County Commissioner Dan Dorran during Wednesday’s Distinguished Citizens Awards banquet.
That history of giving back was rewarded last night as UEC received the Bob Severson Business of the Year award.
“The number of events they have contributed to goes on and on,” said Dorran. UEC was among the first to step up and help build Funland Playground. After it burned down, UEC was right there to help re-build it. When the playground was burned in another arson fire, UEC didn’t ask any questions other than what kind of help was needed.
“It’s a company that doesn’t know how to say ‘no,’” said Dorran, who said he was a bit emotional while presenting the award. His father, Russ Dorran, retired in 1991 as general manager of UEC. “It has impacted everyone in this community – whether they know it or not.”
Over its long history, UEC has responded to whatever the community’s needs may be. It puts on a summer science camp for students each year, offers numerous education scholarships, and contributes financially to a variety of organizations. UEC also looks for ways to help families in need. A good example of that took place in January when it helped a Hermiston family replace their older manufactured home with an energy-efficient model as part of a partnership with state and federal agencies.
UEC gives back in other ways, as well, by raising money for breast cancer awareness, sponsoring blood drives, and taking part in suicide prevention efforts. A few years ago, it launched its Business Resource Center to assist local small businesses.
The generosity of the cooperative extends beyond the local community. This month, two of its linemen will travel to Guatemala to help design and install an electrification system to improve education, health care, safety, and economic opportunity for the region.
Lisa McMeen, UEC’s vice president of administration, accepted the award and proceeded to give credit to the community, the chamber, the city, the UEC board and the cooperative’s employees.
“The true energy of our community is in the people in this room tonight,” said McMeen, before asking the UEC staff in attendance to share the stage with her.
“UEC could not be who we are without you.”
