Herman C. Potthast, a man of great dedication to the training and safety of the Rural Electric Employees, served the Wisconsin Rural Electric Cooperative for 29 years. For 19 years he was a Supervising Instructor in Rural Electrification with the Wisconsin Schools of Vocational and Adult Education. He was General Chairman of the National Safety Council’s Utility Section. He helped produce two instructional motion pictures on electrical safety procedures, which are being used for training purposes throughout the United States and 14 foreign countries. He served as Wisconsin Job Training and Safety Coordinator from 1943 to 1962. While serving in this capacity, he set up training programs for the distribution line personnel, which included JT&S meetings for all employees, Indentured Lineman Apprentice Training, foreman and supervisory training, and numerous technical job related sessions.
He joined the REA staff in May 1962, as Field Safety Officer in Wisconsin. In 1966 he was transferred to Washington, D.C. In July, 1971, he was named Chief of the Borrowers’ Safety Staff. Mr. Potthast passed away on February 29, 1972.
Because of his outstanding service, dedication, leadership, and cooperation, the Wisconsin Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Job Training & Safety Department has presented a memorial plaque, Herman C. Potthast Award, to be given annually to the worker in Wisconsin rural electrification who best represents those qualities of dedication, leadership, cooperation, and service that were exemplified by “Potty.”
With the above factors taken into consideration, the following criteria should also be considered when nominating a person for the Herman C. Potthast Award:
- Does he/she have the respect of his/her fellow worker?
- Does he/she inspire the respect of his/her subordinates?
- Does he/she have the confidence of his/her supervisor and bosses?
- Does he/she have a good technical understanding of his/her job?
- Has he/she demonstrated the ability to act as a leader?
- Has he/she demonstrated a consistent safety consciousness in his/her work?
- Does he/she set a good example in safety performances?
- Has he/she demonstrated the willingness and ability to teach the craft to others?
- Has he/she taken part in community affairs outside of his/her job?
- Has he/she been active in statewide groups or associations?
- Does he/she actively encourage safety among others?
- Does he/she help to create a good image for his/her employer?
- Is he/she effective in fostering good member and public relations to the extent permitted by his/her job?
- Does he/she consistently try for self-improvement beyond the requirements of his/her job?
- Has he/she shown an interest in developing the ability of his/her subordinates by delegating responsibility and authority?
- Is he/she familiar with the policies and practices of his/her organization?
- Has he/she shown a high degree of competency in whatever his/her job may be?
This award has been given annually since 1973.
The following factors should be considered as representing the philosophy and ideals of Herman C. Potthast:
- The value of being a competent tradesman
- Apprenticeship programs as means of training
- Self-improvement by the individual
- Technical understanding of the job
- Importance and value of job safety
- Belief in rural electrification movement
- Interest in fellow man
- Willingness to share knowledge
PAST HERMAN C. POTTHAST AWARD WINNERS
2020 Tim Clay (VP of Operations—Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association)
2021 Larry Hallett (Chief Operations Officer—Richland Electric Cooperative)
2022 Benjamin Bella (Safety & Loss Control Manager, Shared Services—Eau Claire, Jackson, Oakdale, and Riverland cooperatives)
2023 Wendy Fassbind (Director of Education & Events—Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association)
2024 Dee Fox (Safety Compliance Officer, Shared Services—Barron, Central Wisconsin, Dunn, Pierce Pepin, and St. Croix cooperatives)
2025 Ben Orysen (Operations Manager—Price Electric Cooperative)
2026 Ryan Kenealy (Technical Training & Methods—Dairyland Power Cooperative)