MS HC70

Commends Robert J. Occhi upon his retirement on March 31, 2017, after serving as President and CEO of Coast Electric Power Association (CEPA) for over 31 years

Recognizes his leadership during Hurricane Katrina recovery, when he brought in over 3,200 workers from 19 states to restore power and achieved full financial recovery within five years

Highlights CEPA's recognition as one of the "Best Places to Work" in Mississippi in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012 under his leadership

Notes the cooperative returned over $51 million in patronage capital to members and implemented time-of-use rates saving participants an average of 17 percent

Acknowledges his career spanning from 1974 when he joined as an engineer, his service to 80,000 meters across Harrison, Hancock, and Pearl River Counties, and his community involvement