Wal-Mart Names Jackson EMC Outstanding Cooperative of the Year

For Immediate Release May 3 , 2004 Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has recognized Jackson Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) as national Outstanding Cooperative of the Year. Presented for outstanding support and customer service to Wal-Mart stores, the award is given at the biennial Wal-Mart Welcomes America's Electric Cooperatives conference held in Bentonville, AR. Jackson EMC is the only electric cooperative to receive consecutive Wal-Mart awards. In 2002, the cooperative received the East Region Cooperative of the Year award.

More than 150 electric cooperatives from across the nation attend the conference. Developed as an educational event, the conference gives EMCs the opportunity to learn about the expectations of the Wal-Mart energy group, tour Wal-Mart offices and participate in round table discussions with energy management staff.

During the conference, Wal-Mart and EMCs work together to identify ways to reduce energy consumption in stores and distribution centers. Lee Chapman, Jackson EMC commercial/industrial marketing director, says this award speaks volumes for the quality of work Jackson EMC offers. "We are honored to receive this type recognition for our level of service. Even though we consider our service a part of our everyday commitment to the success of the commercial/industrial members we serve, it's nice to know businesses like Wal-Mart value our partnership."

Wal-Mart has more than 3,200 stores in the United States and more than 1,100 worldwide. Jackson EMC currently serves eight Wal-Mart Supercenters and three Sam's Clubs.

For more information, contact:
Katrice Bryant, Sr. PR/Communications Specialist
Jackson Electric Membership Corporation
706/367-6163 (office)
678/207-7901 (cell)

###

To be placed on our news release distribution list, please email bjones@jacksonemc.com.