Continued Expansion

nonetheless become a leader for women in her industry. About 10 years ago, she helped to create a Women in Industry group for the National Association of Electrical Distributors. It has grown from a small group of women that gathered for an annual luncheon to a group large enough to warrant a standalone annual conference and a series of boot camps each year. Event attendance typically exceeds 100 women. “We are reaching many more women in our industry, creating a network and helping with recruitment and retention,” Miller says.

Her productive work in serving as a leader in the industry has not gone unrecognized and was likely a factor in her election to chair the NAED board in 2007, making her the first female ever to serve in that position. This year, the NAED recognized Miller’s pioneer leadership for women in the electrical distribution industry by awarding her its Women in Industry Trailblazer award. “I appreciate what others have done to help me be successful in this industry and I hope I can inspire others to explore the exciting opportunities this industry has to offer,” she says.

Miller encourages women to take initiative, exceed expectations and make sacrifices if they want to reach their full potential. “Take some risk and be open to relocation when opportunity knocks,” she says. “I encourage all women to get out of their comfort zone, seize opportunities and accomplish their goals.”

Miller lives in Fargo with her husband of 25 years, Craig Palmer. PB

Kris Bevill Editor, Prairie Business 701-306-8561, kbevill@prairiebizmag.com

On Sept. 16, Border States Electric announced it had agreed to purchase Salt Lake City-based Electrical Wholesale Supply of Utah. The 50-year-old family business has eight branch locations in Utah and serves large and small users and contractors. The company’s 134 employees will join the Border States Employee Stock Ownership Plan and become employee-owners. The transaction was expected to close Sept. 30.

“Border States has a long history of service excellence and EWS delivers excellence with service,” BSE CEO Tammy Miller says. “As our two companies join forces, it is truly excellence connecting. Together, we will deliver service excellence and increased value to our customers”

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