WHEREAS, Jeff Edwards, the president and chief executive officer of the Southside Electric Cooperative, has served communities throughout Virginia and North Carolina over the course of his distinguished 37-year career; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Edwards began his career with the Union Electric Membership Corporation in 1985 as an engineering aide, following in the footsteps of his father who retired from the industry as a line worker; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Edwards subsequently served on the board of the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation and worked for the Albemarle Electric Membership Corporation before joining the Southside Electric Cooperative in 2007; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure as president and chief executive officer, Jeff Edwards was a staunch advocate for both the employees and members of the Southside Electric Cooperative and emphasized a commitment to safety and affordability while maintaining sound finances; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Edwards oversaw enhancements to increase reliability and efficiency for Southside Electric Cooperative's more than 47,500 members across 18 counties; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Edwards established the Power Line Worker Training School and the Day in the Life of a Lineman program to increase engagement with prospective employees and help train future generations of line workers; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Edwards has offered his expertise and leadership to many professional organizations, as well as the Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, of which he serves as secretary and treasurer of the board and chair of the rates design committee; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Jeff Edwards on the occasion of his retirement as president and chief executive officer of Southside Electric Cooperative; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Jeff Edwards as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his contributions to the utilities industry in the Commonwealth.