EASA Presents Exceptional Achievement Service Award to Long-Time Industry Veteran

ST. LOUIS (July 28, 2015) – The Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) honored Charlie Evans as the 2015 recipient of the EASA Exceptional Achievement Service Award. The presentation was made June 14 at the association’s Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

Established in 1997, this annual award recognizes an individual who has provided exceptional service to the electrical apparatus sales and service industry over a lifetime. “It is the highest honor an individual can receive from our association,” says Linda Raynes, EASA president and CEO. “We view it as our Nobel Prize for achievement and service.” When announcing the award, EASA’s past chairman, Ken Gralow, noted, “Although our recipient has retired, his legacy of commitment and service to our industry is an inspiration to many of those just starting out. Our recipient began his career working on the basics—basics such as sweeping the floor, taking inventory and winding form coils on his first job at Southwest Electric in Oklahoma City. “Then, in 1954, he opened his own business. Eventually, there would be 10 family-owned service centers. He waited patiently until his business was a year old and was eligible to join EASA. He couldn’t wait to network and learn from other members. Before long, he was giving back. He became actively involved at the chapter level, and eventually became president of the Southwestern Chapter in 1973-74. In 1977, he became director for today’s Region 6. He was installed as EASA’s International president and chairman of the board in 1985. While he gave many years of service to EASA, he always said he got so much more in return – such as the knowledge and friendships he still treasures today.” In nominating Evans for this award, one letter from a repair firm member read: “He is truly a trailblazer in our industry and has dedicated endless hours over the years to making our organization a success. As a young EASA member, I spent many hours with him picking his brain on one topic or another. He was never too busy to share his insights, provide assistance, or just lend an ear to a young, impetuous entrepreneur.” Another member wrote, “He has built one of the most successful EASA family businesses in the U.S., doing it with integrity and fairness. During all those years while building his business, though, he still managed to spend countless hours working for EASA, both at the chapter and international levels.” The Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) is an international trade organization consisting of approximately 2,000 electromechanical sales and service firms in 59 countries.