Community Electric Cooperative in Windsor has been named the Business of the Year by the Isle of Wight-Smithfield-Windsor Chamber of Commerce.

Community Electric is in its 75th year of operation. The cooperative was originally formed through the efforts of the Holland Ruritan Club under the leadership and guidance of the late Paul Everett.

Construction of the first 220 miles of line started in the winter of 1939, and those lines were energized in September of 1940. In May 1951, the Cooperative moved to its present location in Windsor.

“Community Electric Cooperative has given distinguished service to many residents of the Windsor community over the years,” Windsor Mayor Rita Richardson said. “They have been a good corporate citizen to the Town of Windsor as well.”

Today, the cooperative serves 10,900 members, utilizing 1,598 miles of line, in the rural portions of Suffolk, as well as Isle of Wight, Southampton, Sussex and Surry counties.

In the 75 years of operation, through May 2013, the Cooperative has had only two presidents and general managers: Jean E. Woodward from 1939-1976 and Jim Reynolds from 1977 to 2013. The company is preparing to start a new era with Steven Harmon, the new president and general manager, who began his job last week.

One of the things the chamber looks at when choosing the Business of the Year is how a company prevails during adverse situations, Chamber officials stated in their announcement of the award. Community Electric Cooperative worked diligently during two hurricanes, Isabel in September 2003 and Irene in August 2011,” the award release stated. “Their quick restoration of service to customers showed the dedication to providing the best service possible to the communities they serve.”