FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 26, 2002
CONTACT: Karla Gottsleben, 605-882-7502, gottsleben@wapa.gov

WATERTOWN, S. D. -- Watertown resident LaMar Marquardt will receive Western Area Power Administration's Exceptional Service Award in a ceremony at Second Street Station in Watertown beginning at 9:30 a.m. on July 30. Western's Administrator Mike Hacskaylo will present Marquardt with the agency's highest honor.

An electronic equipment craftsman, Marquardt joined Western in 1981. During his 24-year Western career, he has contributed significantly as an exemplary employee, leader and co-worker.

Western's Watertown Acting Operations Support Manager Sam Miller said, "LaMar's knowledge and ability to resolve issues in our Operations office is one of the cornerstones of the region. He has taken a primary role in helping build Western into a premiere power marketing entity."

In addition to his exceptional work accomplishments, Marquardt has been a leader with the Boy Scouts of America for many years and is active in the Ninth Avenue United Methodist Church.

Western Exceptional Award recipients:

• Are recognized as experts in their fields.
• Consistently go above and beyond what is normally expected on a long-term basis.
• Perform additional assignments such as participation on committees or task forces.
• Involve themselves in outside activities that reflect favorably on Western.
• Help accomplish the goals of Western's Strategic Plan.
• Have worked at Western for more than five years.

Anyone interested in attending the award ceremony for Marquardt should call Karla Gottsleben at 605-882-7502.

Western Area Power Administration annually markets and transmits more than 10,000 megawatts of power from hydroelectric powerplants owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 15 western states. It is part of the Department of Energy.