Midwest Energy Cooperative was recognized at Siena Heights University in Adrian May 14 as the 2013 recipient of the Parthenon Award for Business, presented by Athena of Lenawee County.

A committee of six community members made the selection, based on the nomination submitted by Patty Clark, community development specialist in the cooperative’s Adrian office.

The Parthenon Award celebrates businesses dedicated to raising the potential of all women as valued members of their business, profession and the community.

To be considered, a business must assist women in reaching their full professional leadership potential; demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business category; and provide valuable service by devoting, or allowing their employees to devote time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.

“In reading through the nomination criteria, my mind kept coming back to my colleagues at Midwest. I feel they encompass all of the leadership measures set forward by this award and deserve recognition for all that they do to serve our members, customers and communities,” Clark said in her introductory comments.

Kerri Wade, vice president of human and administrative resources, accepted the award on behalf of Midwest Energy Cooperative. In her comments, she acknowledged how the humble beginnings of the rural electrification movement in the 1930s, where neighbor helped neighbor bring electricity to unserved areas, is still very much how Midwest Energy lives its commitment to community today as a locally-owned and operated electric distribution system. “Midwest exists to make good things happen for people,” she said.