At the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives’ Annual Meeting held on August 2 in Springfield, State Senator Gary Forby, D-59th District, received the 2012 Illinois Electric Cooperatives’ Public Service Award. Although he was unable to attend it was announced that State Representative Michael Unes, R-91st District, received the second Public Service Award for this year.
The award was made in recognition of Sen. Forby’s outstanding support of the rural electrification program in Illinois. He is also a strong supporter of agriculture and other issues important to rural Illinois. Rep. Unes was honored because of his sponsorship of copper theft legislation. Copper theft has been increasing and rural electric co-op lines often are the target of copper thieves.
