During a special award ceremony held at M.J.M. Electric Cooperative, Inc., on August 31, Illinois State Senator Andy Manar (left, D-Bunker Hill) received the 2016 Illinois Electric Cooperatives’ Public Service Award from AIEC President/CEO Duane Noland. The award was made in recognition of Sen. Manar’s dedicated public service to all citizens of the state of Illinois and for outstanding contributions to the rural electrification program.
Noland said, “Senator Manar has been a great friend and supporter of electric cooperatives and our members, and a dedicated public servant to the 48th district and all of Illinois. He understands the importance of rural issues, including rural electric cooperatives, education and agriculture.”
“I’m pleased to be one of the many who go to Springfield and carries, with a loud voice, your issues and everything you stand for,” said Sen. Manar upon acceptance of the award. “I love my hometown and plan to stay in my hometown. Everyone knows the story of young people who want to leave their towns to go find opportunities elsewhere. I’ve dedicated a lot of my life to make sure there’s more opportunities in small towns, especially the ones I represent.”
The 48th Senate District includes the service territories of M.J.M. Electric Cooperative, Inc., Shelby Electric Cooperative, and Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative Co. 
