As CEO of Kit Carson Rural Electric Cooperative in Northern, New Mexico, Luis Reyes has provided vision and leadership to turn the Coop into a company that offers a variety of diverse, competitive services including broadband Internet, renewable energy alternatives, and low-cost propane. His dedication to the co-op's mission is to deliver exceptional customer service with efficiency, professionalism, accountability and develop sustainable economic oppurtunities, which benefit it's service communities. He has thrust the Co-op into the limelight regionally and nationally.

At the NRCEA meeting in 2002, Reyes accepted the NOVA Award as Kit Carson was recognized for it's contributions to the community. The Co-op has brought high-speed Internet access to local schools through its Telecommunications Division, helped lower heating costs through the Propane Division, and built an additional building to their headquarters for a call center that has provided jobs that don't hinge on the seasonal tourist trade.

Kit Carson was also recognized in November 2002 by the New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry, for its work in helping build strong vital communities in Northern New Mexico. Reyes accepted the VIVA award which recognizes businesses that demonstrate their unique vision or corporate philosophy, their investment in community, their vitality through the organization's growth or financial strength, and their action to make New Mexico a better place to leave.

As CEO, he and the Board of Trustees have:

* Developed buisness diversification strategies to create separate Telecom, Propane, and Internet Divisions.

* Increased Co-op's total plant investment to $75.3 million

* Secured Co-bank financing for a call center facility, that has created jobs in our community.