MANDAN, ND – The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) recognized Cindy Shattuck, credit manager at Verendrye Electric Cooperative, with the 2017 Community Service Award at its annual meeting in January. Now in her 38th year with Verendrye Electric Cooperative, Shattuck is an experienced cooperative employee and a leader in her community.

“Cindy has shown by her actions that she truly cares about other people and her community,” says General Manager Randy Hauck, Verendrye Electric Cooperative. “We congratulate Cindy for receiving the Community Service Award and we are proud to have her as part of our team.”

Shattuck holds the distinction of being the first woman to serve as mayor in the City of Velva, serving from 2002 to 2010 and again from 2013 to 2015. Under her leadership, the City accomplished many projects including a $1.3 million replacement of the city’s water treatment plant; renovation of the underpass at the south entrance of Velva; widening and redesign of Main Street; and completion of Sunset Addition, a new residential housing area within the city.

The Velva Chamber of Commerce, Velva Ambulance Service, Velva Medical Center, Souris Valley Care Center and N.D. General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) have all benefitted from Shattuck’s hard work and volunteer spirit. Since 2002, she has served as a volunteer first responder for the Velva Ambulance Service, logging more than 1,500 call hours per year. Shattuck currently serves as the N.D. GFWC chair of legislation and public policy.

Every year, NDAREC recognizes individuals for their generous contributions to North Dakota’s electric cooperatives and the communities they serve. An eight-member committee of the NDAREC board of directors selects award recipients from nominations submitted by NDAREC’s members, which includes 16 electric distribution cooperatives and five generation and transmission cooperatives.

NDAREC is the statewide trade association for 16 electric distribution cooperatives and five generation and transmission cooperatives operating in North Dakota. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to nearly 250,000 North Dakotans via 196,000 meters. NDAREC services include legislative advocacy, line worker safety training and professional development