Recently, East-Central Iowa REC’s Director of Member Service, Adam Albertsen earned recognition as a professional key accounts manager in a nationwide program offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

Albertsen was notified that he has met the requirements to become a Certified Key Accounts Executive (CKAE), according to Steve Marlow, CEO of ECI REC. Marlow thanked Albertsen for his initiative in completing the program successfully.

Since 1998, when the program began, over 400 rural electric marketing professionals have attained CKAE status. The CKAE program is entirely voluntary.

In order to earn the certificate, Albertsen had to complete coursework, pass an exam, and submit business and marketing plans for evaluation. His written plans were judged by an outside business professional for content and strategic acumen.

Marlow said the CKAE certificate is offered by the national organization NRECA in order to improve service to commercial and industrial member-accounts. This is done through the establishment of business goals, identification of key-account profiles, the practice of professional sales management, and the application of sound decision-making processes.

NRECA is the national service organization for more than 900 rural electric utilities that provide electricity to approximately 42 million consumers in 47 states and sell approximately twelve percent of all electric energy sold in the United States. Most NRECA members are consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

Congratulations Adam, on earning your CKAE!!