Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas CEO Vernon “Buddy” Hasten was recognized at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Statewide Editors Association (SEA) annual Willies Awards presentation. Named for electric cooperative mascot Willie Wiredhand, the awards recognize statewide publications for excellence in writing, photography and design.
Hasten won Best Editorial for “Watt’s Fair,” The Cooperative Difference column that appeared in the January 2023 issue of Arkansas Living magazine. The column addressed Arkansas’ solar net metering policy.
Judges wrote about Hasten’s column: “‘Watt’s Fair’ is a complete package — the real deal — in terms of an exceptional editorial: quality writing, sharp focus, interesting topic, relevant to co-ops and persuasive argument. The icing on the cake is that it’s a joy to read, despite its somewhat technical nature.”
Arkansas Living magazine, serving members of the state’s 17 electric cooperatives since 1946, has the largest circulation of any publication in the state, reaching more than 420,000 homes and businesses monthly. It is one of 32 electric cooperative magazines that make up SEA.