On March 10, 2024, the NRECA International Luncheon was held in Atlanta Georgia during NRECA’s 2025 PowerXchange, attended by more than 800 guests, including almost 200 international guests from six countries. CoBank renewed their support and was the sponsor for this event.
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson opened the event by highlighting NRECA’s support for NRECA International in light of the US Government’s policy shift to stop all funding for foreign aid, which includes the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development, a long time partner for NRECA International.
NRECA International Senior Vice President Dan Waddle’s career was celebrated with his pending retirement, after dedicating more than 30 years in improving lives and helping communities around the world.
The audience learned about the importance of cooperative partnerships across borders, and heard first-hand stories from Cristina Dominguez, NRECA International’s Project Director for Guatemala, about her journey back to her home country, after receiving her education and doctorate specializing in energy access for social and economic development.
Les Penning, CEO of Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative received the NRECA International Award this year for his outstanding and selfless contributions to communities in Guatemala.
As always, we also recognized the support from our volunteers who travel each year to bring first-time electricity to rural communities, and our donors who help us keep the lights on for thousands of people around the world.