FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
John Agliata
Co-Mo Electric Cooperative
O: (660) 433-5521
C: 507-213-8787
Fax: (660) 433-5631
jagliata@co-mo.coop
www.co-mo.coop

Clark honored with Democracy

Award
TIPTON (Oct. 12, 2009) — O.B. Clark, retired board president for Co-Mo
Electric Cooperative, was honored with the Frank Stork Democracy Award for his
work on behalf of Missouri’s Electric Cooperatives. The award was presented Oct.
9 at the annual meeting of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, held
in Branson.
The award was one of many for Clark, whose storied career as a rural electric
director spanned 36 years. As a director, Clark proved to be equally at home
discussing co-op issues with members in the coffee shop or with investment
bankers on Wall Street. He started his rural electric career in 1974 after moving to
Missouri from Colorado in 1965 to start a cow/calf operation.
Prior to that, he served with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict,
reaching the rank of sergeant. He earned a degree in Economics and Business from
Colorado College, and that education would serve him well in both the boardroom
and the ranch.
His background lent him a common-sense approach that would be his hallmark
whenever he represented Missouri’s electric cooperatives, whether it was as a
director for Co-Mo Electric, Central Electric Power Cooperative or Associated
Electric Cooperative.

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“Whether the issue was striking coal miners, generation at Truman Dam,
legislation or rate increases, he was always willing to step in and assume the role
of spokesman for the cooperatives he served,” said Co-Mo General Manager/CEO
Ken Johnson.
He carried a heavy burden during the 36 years he served as a director, particularly
in his role as president of Associated Electric, a title he held from 1981 until his
retirement in May 2009. Over the years he spoke at thousands of annual meetings,
never shying from controversial topics.
Over the years he has challenged governors, CEOs of rival utilities, politicians and
environmentalists who stood in the way of the best interests of rural people.
“Somehow, he remained a gentleman through countless heated discussions and
never burned bridges that would later need to be crossed,” Johnson said.
The award is named for Frank Stork, former executive vice president of the
association, who was on hand at the meeting to help in its presentation.
ABOUT CO-MO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE - Co-Mo's service area comprises
approximately 2,300 square miles in Central Missouri. Co-Mo exists to fulfill its members’ needs
for superior electric and related services at fair and reasonable prices and support its
communities through economic, civic and educational opportunities.

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