Nominations open for GVEC Public Service Award

The Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 GVEC Public Service Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a meaningful impact in their communities through consistent and selfless service.

First presented in 1986 to former state Sen. John A. Traeger, the award has since honored more than 50 recipients for their contributions in fields such as healthcare, education, veterans’ services and emergency response. Past honorees reflect the cooperative’s core values of empowering lives, building stronger communities and shaping a brighter future. A full list of recipients is available at gvec.org.

Community members, GVEC members, employees and directors are all eligible to submit nominations.

“We encourage everyone, including those who aren’t GVEC members, to submit nominations,” said GVEC General Manager and CEO Darren Schauer. “This community-focused award relies on your input to identify those making a difference and to honor the very people who impact our lives.”

The 2026 award recipients will be recognized at GVEC’s Annual Meeting on June 25, 2026. Each honoree will receive a $1,000 donation to the nonprofit organization of their choice, and nominators will also be acknowledged. Recipients will be notified in April 2026.

Nomination details:
 – Any community member may submit nominations.
 – Nominees are not required to be GVEC members but must have provided community service within GVEC’s service area during 2025.
 – Previous PSA recipients are not eligible.
 – Nominations are due by 5 p.m. Dec. 15, 2025.

Submissions are preferred online at gvec.org, though printed forms are available for download or pickup at GVEC customer service offices in Cuero, Gonzales, La Vernia, Schertz and Seguin. Completed forms may be submitted online, emailed or returned in person by the deadline.

For more information, visit gvec.org or call 800-223-4832.

Founded in 1938, GVEC serves more than 130,000 consumers across South Central Texas, providing electricity, high-speed internet and “beyond the meter” services including AC/heating, solar and battery storage, and electrical contracting.