CASSOPOLIS – Brandon Gregg, son of Clarence and Katrina Gregg of Edwardsburg, was selected to represent Michigan on the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Brandon, a junior at Edwardsburg High School, attended the YLC Conference, July 18-22, in Washington, D.C.

While in Washington, the YLC members gained a broader understanding of cooperatives through their discussions with Glenn English, CEO of NRECA, Sheldon Peterson, Governor of the National Rural Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) and Bob Phillips, CEO of the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC).
Gregg’s electric co-op experience began in June when he attended the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., with over 1,500 high school students sponsored by their local electric cooperatives. The Michigan Electric Cooperative Association then selected him to serve on the YLC for Michigan and attend the Leadership Conference. Brandon’s trip was sponsored by Midwest Energy Cooperative.

“My peers from across the country and I spent time preparing for the future by expanding our knowledge of the American political system, broadening our understanding of cooperatives and developing our leadership skills,” said Gregg. “I am grateful to Midwest Energy and the NRECA for the opportunity.”

All 44 members of the YLC, including Gregg, will participate in the 2010 NRECA Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. They will provide assistance to the NRECA staff and co-op delegates; participate in the Parade of States at the opening General Session and take part in a variety of educational activities.

NRECA is the national service organization representing the nation’s more than 900 private, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide electric service to 42 million people in 47 states.

Midwest Energy Cooperative is a member-owned electric utility providing electric distribution and an assortment of energy-related programs and services to more than 35,000 customers in 11 counties in southern Michigan and northern Indiana and Ohio.