(Jackson, Mn.)— A Jackson-based rural electric cooperative has received special recognition for assistance it provided to help a major employer in the region expand its operations.
Federated Rural Electric Association received the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Community Service Award for Community Investment.
Federated was recognized for helping secure a $740,000 loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development agency to assist in an expansion of AGCO. The project allowed the company to relocate its high horsepower assembly line to Jackson, bringing more than 200 jobs along with it. It also included the construction of a visitor’s center.
Glenn English, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s CEO, presented the national Community Investment Award to Federated Rural Electric Board President David A. Hansen and General Manager Richard Burud. Outgoing NRECA President Michael J. Guidry offers his congratulations.
Officials with Federated REA say the AGCO project caps a more than 20-year-old effort by the cooperative to further diversify the local economy.
They add that since 1990, Federated REA has provided more than $3.6 million in loan funds and economic development assistance, resulting in the retention of 230 jobs and adding more than 400.
