NEWS FROM WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24, 2006
CONTACT: Jennifer Neville, 720-962-7054, neville@wapa.gov

WESTERN RECOGNIZES LEMARS RESIDENT FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

LAKEWOOD, Colo.—LeMars resident Gary Loers will receive Western Area Power Administration's highest honor at a ceremony July 26 at the Sheraton Hotel and Convention Center, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Western's Administrator Mike Hacskaylo will present Loers with Western's Exceptional Service Award during the ceremony.

"I congratulate Gary Loersfor making outstanding contributions to Western. Gary exemplifies the values outlined in our People Goal by serving his customers and peers with great dedication. His multiple accomplishments remind us of the wide reach our organization has in our industry, our service territory and our nation," Hacskaylo said.

Sioux City Electrician Crew Foreman Gary Loers, who joined Western in 1977, receives the award for his expertise in operating and maintaining pneumatic and hydraulic power circuit breaker mechanisms, and working with pressurized SF-6 systems. His knowledge and ingenuity saved time and money by changing the types of oils and lubricants the South Dakota Maintenance staff use in circuit breakers.

He is also recognized for his major contributions in building, maintaining and repairing several substations in Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska. Loers safely led Western's Hinton Electrician Crew in bringing the Virgil Fodness Substation near Sioux Falls, S.D., and the Exira Substation in Iowa online, on schedule and within budget.

While Loers and his crew are known for always being willing to lend a hand to others, Loers also offers support to Western's Iowa and Nebraska customers by prvoding them switching training.

Originally from Howard, S.D., Loers and his wife Elaine now live in LeMars. He enjoys fishing and golfing, and spending time with his four adult children, Jodi, Kristi, Matt and Amanda.

• Are recognized as experts in their fields
• Consistently go above and beyond what is normally expected on a long-term basis
• Perform additional assignments, such as dedicated participation on committees or task forces
• Involve themselves in outside activities that reflect favorably on Western
• Help accomplish the goals of Western's Strategic Plan

Western Area Power Administration annually markets and transmits more than 10,000 megawatts of power from hydroelectric powerplants owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 15 western and central states.  It is part of the Department of Energy.

PO Box 281213 Lakewood , CO 80228-2802 · Phone: 720-962-7050 · Toll Free: 1-800-982-4523
Fax: 720-962-7059 · E-mail: CorpComm@wapa.gov· Web site: http://www.wapa.gov

Serving the West with Federal hydropower

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