Verendrye Electric Cooperative employee recognized for community service
BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) recognized D.J. Randolph, a computer engineer at Verendrye Electric Cooperative, with the Community Service Award at its 79th annual meeting on Jan. 19.
“Randolph’s commitment to his community and passion for the great outdoors has made a difference in the lives of many and made our communities more inclusive,” says NDAREC General Manager and Executive Vice President Josh Kramer. “It is a true honor to present him with this award.”
An avid sportsman and unwavering volunteer, Randolph has used his leadership skills and volunteer spirit to help bring a first-class education center, shooting range and archery range to the Velva Wildlife Club. This facility not only draws people from Velva, but also many outlying areas as they provide educational experiences for outdoors enthusiasts.
Randolph also donates his time to Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports, a nonprofit organization that provides sports and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities. Randolph has been instrumental in the establishment and success of the organization’s adaptive hunting program.
“DJ has spent countless hours teaching and making hunting experiences accessible for all types of hunters over the past few years. He guides practices on the range, fabricates accessible blinds, and spends hours in all types of weather waiting for the just-right shot,” says Krystal Butgereit, Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports executive director. “DJ doesn't just show up. He comes to the table with ideas to advance the adaptive hunting program and does so with enthusiasm that is contagious. DJ's enthusiasm, positive can-do attitude, passion and expertise have provided our athletes with top-notch hunting experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.”
North Dakota’s electric cooperatives congratulate Randolph on receiving this recognition and thank him for his years of service to his cooperative and community.
Every year, NDAREC recognizes individuals for their generous contributions to North Dakota’s electric cooperatives and the communities they serve. An eight-member committee of the NDAREC board of directors selects award recipients from nominations submitted by NDAREC’s members, which includes 16 electric distribution cooperatives and five generation and transmission cooperatives.
NDAREC is the statewide trade association for 16 electric distribution cooperatives and five generation and transmission cooperatives operating in North Dakota. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to nearly 250,000 North Dakotans. NDAREC services include legislative advocacy, lineworker safety training, professional development, cooperative business development and communication services, including publication of the North Dakota Living magazine.