DU's Natural Gas Dept. was presented with the 2018 APGA SOAR Bronze Award for its efforts in promoting System Operations and Reliability.
Decatur Utilities was recognized recently as a recipient of the System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Award – presented by the American Public Gas Association (APGA) in recognition of DU’s efforts to improve its operational capabilities, overcome challenges, and adapt to its changing environment. Gary Borden, DU operations manager, and Jimmy Evans, gas/water/wastewater operations manager, were on hand at the APGA Annual Conference to accept the award.
Out of approximately 750 APGA members, Decatur Utilities was selected by its peer utilities on the APGA Operations and Safety Committee. The award reflects DU’s demonstration of excellence in system integrity, system improvement, employee safety, and workforce development.
System integrity refers to the natural gas distribution system performing its overall intended function safely, efficiently and effectively.
System improvement refers to keeping the natural gas system well maintained and up-to-date.
Employee safety refers to systems that exhibit excellence in programs that stress educational involvement and accountability.
Workforce development refers to a focus on creative recruitment, training, education and development practices.
APGA President and CEO Bert Kalisch offered his congratulations to the Decatur Utilities team. “DU serves as a model for all other natural gas utilities in the country,” Kalisch said. “APGA is proud to recognize DU and is confident in its continued success.”
DU General Manager Ray Hardin expressed his appreciation for DU’s recognition and commended the DU employee team as well. “Decatur Utilities takes natural gas safety and system integrity very seriously,” he said. “We appreciate being recognized by APGA as a SOAR award recipient.”
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Gary Borden (L), DU operations manager, and Jimmy Evans (R), gas/water/wastewater operations manager, accept the 2018 System Operational Achievement Recognition Award presented by the American Public Gas Association.