After nearly 30 years in the electric cooperative industry, Kevin Dreibelbis is not easily surprised.
That changed in September when he earned the 2020 Tom Taylor Award from Indiana Electric Cooperatives — a shock he didn’t at all see coming but was thankful to receive.
“Receiving an award such as this from Indiana Electric Cooperatives, in an industry of such top-notch professionals, is flattering,” Dreibelbis said. “Being nominated by my local peers and selected by my statewide co-op colleagues is an honor that I very much appreciate.
“Besides that, it was a complete surprise, and it’s not often people can pull things over on me,” he added with a smile.
Dreibelbis, the communications and marketing manager for LaGrange County REMC and Noble REMC, was presented the award during the Marketing, Member Services and Communicators professional section fall meeting Sept. 18, which was held virtually.
He began his career at Miami-Cass REMC, headquartered in Peru, Indiana, in 1992. But he made his way back to his hometown and Noble REMC — where he previously worked as a college intern — three years later. Then he easily transitioned into shared services when LaGrange County REMC and Noble REMC decided to bring their communications and marketing departments together.
“Kevin is an ambassador for the cooperatives,” said Ron Raypole, Noble REMC CEO. “He is helpful, caring, resourceful and happy to offer service no matter the task. He has positively impacted many throughout the electric cooperative network, as well as the communities we serve. He readily gives of his skills and knowledge to help others.”
The award is presented annually to an Indiana electric cooperative member services employee who has demonstrated excellence in leadership, attitude and commitment to electric cooperative principles. The award is named for the award’s first recipient and longtime Boone REMC member services representative, C. Tom Taylor, who lived by the philosophy of “non sibi, sed aliis” – “not for self, but for others.”
It’s a perfect description and reflection of Dreibelbis, said Mark Leu, CEO of LaGrange County REMC.
“Kevin has a heart for all those around him and is constantly juggling his schedule so he can accommodate the requests of those who need his help, support or guidance,” said Leu. “I don’t think he realizes how important these small gestures of service are to those around him. It is simply in his nature to be a servant to all those he is involved with.”
