America’s Electric Co-ops Applaud Selection of Sonny Perdue for Secretary of Agriculture

ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) today congratulated former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue on his selection by President-elect Trump to serve as Secretary of Agriculture.

“Sonny Perdue is an excellent choice to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” said NRECA CEO Jim Matheson. “He is a proven leader with a strong track record of appreciation for electric cooperatives and our mission to enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve.”

“More than 75 years ago, America’s electric co-ops partnered with what is now known as the Department’s Rural Utilities Service to electrify the farms, ranches and small towns dotting the countryside,” Matheson said. “Our partnerships with USDA remain every bit as important today, as electric co-ops work to expand economic opportunities by powering and empowering rural American families and businesses. We look forward to working closely with Gov. Perdue once confirmed as Secretary of Agriculture.”

“Gov. Perdue has always been a strong advocate for electric cooperatives in Georgia, and he is a great choice to lead the Department of Agriculture,” said Dennis Chastain, president and CEO of Georgia EMC. “He is a multi-generational member of Flint Energies, a distribution cooperative serving middle Georgia.  Throughout his time in office, he has consistently engaged the electric cooperatives in policy deliberations and always took the time to understand our issues.  Electric cooperatives look forward to continuing to be a trusted source of information for Gov. Perdue in his new role.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

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