Congratulating Earl Watkins on His Retirement from Sunflower

Statement

This week, I had the opportunity to congratulate Earl Watkins on his retirement as President and CEO of Sunflower Electric Power Corp. Sunflower is a Hays-based electric cooperative that provides electricity for thousands of Kansas residents. Earl first joined Sunflower nearly 30 years ago, but when he became President in 2004 -- the cooperative's future was uncertain. Thanks to his tireless work ethic and perseverance, Sunflower was able to overcome many challenges and has become the success it is today. Earl's leadership over the past 7 years has enabled Sunflower to fulfill its mission: to provide Kansans with an affordable, reliable energy supply -- which has strengthened the Western Kansas economy.

I've known Earl for more than two decades and not only is he a hard worker -- he is highly respected and a man of integrity and character. In our community, Earl has set a strong example of what it means to "love your neighbor as yourself" through his service to others. Congratulations Earl on your well-deserved retirement. I wish you and Karen all the best in this new chapter of life. Also congratulations to Stuart Lowry, former executive vice president and general counsel of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., who will now become Sunflower's new president and CEO. I look forward to working with you in the future.

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