Recognizing Excellence

Scott Peters, Columbia REA CEO, at left in both photos, presents 2026 Service Excellence Awards to Field Engineer Bryan Maas, left photo, and Journeyman Lineman Kirk Kubik, right photo.

Power Player Award

Bryan Maas

Each year, Columbia REA recognizes one staff member as the Power Player of the Year. This honor is awarded to the employee who best understands and supports Columbia REA’s vision and values; incorporates that vision when planning, generates enthusiasm and embodies the Seven Cooperative Principles of Voluntary and Open membership.

“I think it is a great way to acknowledge different people across the organization and recognize the work they do. We work with a really good team, so I can only imagine how hard it is to pick one person. You could throw a rock here and hit three people who are amazing at their jobs. There are a lot of people here who do excellent work, so it must be difficult to decide who edges out everyone else. It is nice to be recognized. It feels good. It feels like joining an elite fraternity of people who have been here for a while and have done good work. It is a nice recognition and something I appreciate.”
BRYAN MAAS, 2026 POWER PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Safety Values Award

Kirk Kubik

The Columbia REA Safety Values Award is a new employee recognition award introduced in 2026 to honor employees who exemplify Columbia REA’s safety culture and values. The purpose of the cooperative’s safety program is to build and reinforce a workplace culture where safety is supported by employees, management, and the Board. The Safety Values Award is presented to the employee who best exemplifies these workplace values and company culture.

“Safety is something I take seriously every day. It has always been my top priority. A lot of it comes down to looking out for people, and that is something I have done my whole life. My parents taught me to watch out for others and to be safe in everything I do. I grew up around linework because my dad was a lineman, and I grew up farming, so safety was always a priority. A lot of safety comes down to avoiding complacency. You cannot let yourself get too comfortable or assume everything is fine. You have to stay aware, take precautions and keep safety at the front of your mind.”
KIRK KUBIK, 2026 SAFETY VALUES AWARD WINNER