State Legislature honors Andrew
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

JIM ANDREW

Jim Andrew was recognized by the Georgia House of Representatives for his "exemplary service to his community, rural Georgia and the nation" when he was invited to speak to the assembly in March. Rep. Jon Burns presented a Privileged Resolution on Andrew and introduced him to the group of legislators.

Andrew, former president of the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (GEMC) which was originally located in Millen under the leadership of Walter Harrison, was appointed Administrator, USDA Rural Development Utilities Program, by President George W. Bush in November 2005. His duties include meeting the goals of the department, improving life in rural America by administering the country's rural electric, telecommunications, water and waste programs. He also works with administrators of USDA's rural housing and business programs.

He is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in Business Administration. He served 25 years on the board of directors of the Jefferson Energy Cooperative in Wrens and was elected to represent the co-op on GEMC's statewide board where he later served as president and went on to represent Georgia on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's board, serving as president. He was instrumental in launching Touchstone Energy's national co-op marketing campaign, and he served on the board of National Rural Electric Cooperative Finance Corporation.

Andrew was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award by Georgia EMC in 2003 and was named the 2004 Distinguished Cooperator in Georgia by the Georgia Cooperative Council. He and his wife, Mary, reside in Jenkins County.