National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Glenn English (left) presents a national award for innovation to East Central Energy Lineman David Thom.

BRAHAM, Minn.

Thom's invention, the Black Saddle Terminating Chair, was submitted in an annual contest to identify and reward innovation of frontline employees at electric cooperatives. To qualify, inventions must not exist in the marketplace and must meet one or more of the following criteria: save time, improve efficiency, promote safer work conditions, increase productivity or reduce costs.

In presenting the award, NRECA Chief Executive Officer Glenn English praised Thom's "innovative practicality and keen sense of efficiency and safety for linemen as well as the community at large. Your invention is an excellent example of the Cooperative Research Network's goal to supply the knowledge and technology that can strengthen the electric cooperative network."

The Black Saddle Terminating Chair is made out of square tubular steel with a plywood seat and is used to work on de-energized electrical equipment.

"David's invention exemplifies the innovative spirit that drives our employees to find better ways to serve our members," says Garry Bye, ECE president & CEO. "We are blessed with talented employees and the whole organization benefits when an employee earns national recognition."

Thom, whose invention was one of 44 entries from across the nation, says, "After years of kneeling to do this kind of work, I knew firsthand how uncomfortable it can be. It's an honor to win the award, but my main goal was to find a better way for linemen to do the work."

East Central Energy is a member-owned electric cooperative serving more than 52,000 homes, farms and businesses in east central Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

NRECA is the national service organization that represents the nation's more than 900 consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide electric service to more than 37 million people in 47 states.