Grand Haven, Friday, December 17, 2010 -- The Grand Haven Board of Light &
Power’s Chief Engineer will be retiring after a 45 year career with our
local utility the end of this December. The BLP celebrated his many
years of service to the utility at a special luncheon on Friday,
December 17 at their Administrative Offices located on Eaton Drive. In
special recognition of his many contributions to the utility, the Board
voted to name their Sternberg substation the James Vincent Morford
Substation at their Thursday evening meeting. Gerald Witherell, Board
Vice Chairperson presented Mr. Morford with the honor at Friday’s
luncheon.
“I was very pleased the Board honored Jim in this manner. It is an appropriate way to
recognize him given the many years of dedicated service and the contribution he has made to the
organization as a whole,” stated Annette Allen, General Manager.
Spanning 45 years, Morford’s career with the BLP began in January of 1965 as a co-op
student during his senior year of high school. When asked about his start with the BLP, Morford
reflected, “The BLP approached Grand Haven High School’s assistant principal looking for
someone with strong math skills and I was selected as a candidate.”
Morford also had a unique hobby which helped launch his start at the BLP. Morford
explained, “I also had an amateur radio license , which allowed you to get a radio transmitter and
talk with people around the world via Morse Code or voice.”
His hobby was something he had in common with Roy Edwards, the General Manager in
1965 and what Morford fondly recalls may have "sealed the deal" to be hired for the co-op
position.
After high school graduation, Morford worked through the summer testing meters and
learning about the utility’s distribution system, continuing in this capacity while attending Grand
Valley State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics in 1969.
Morford continued working toward a Master’s degree at Western Michigan University, and
accepted a full time position with the BLP in 1972 as Meterman B, testing and installing meters.
He graduated from WMU in 1974 with a Master of Physics degree.
Morford worked in many capacities throughout his BLP career including Production
Engineer at Sims I and II; Assistant to Henry Rademaker primarily in environmental and plant
improvements; Results and Environmental Supervisor; Maintenance Supervisor; and Assistant
Superintendent. In 1985, George Osipoff retired and Morford was promoted to Chief Engineer
where he will remain until his retirement at the end of the month.
When asked what his favorite BLP experience was, Morford stated, “Traveling with then
General Manager Harry Dawson to Kansas City and Barberton, Ohio to work with Black &
Veach and Babcock & Wilcox on the Sims III Plant Design.” Morford added, “More recent
experience includes working with GRP Engineering in Substation design and distribution circuit
improvements and upgrades. The job has always been interesting. We wear many hats at the
BLP, so there’s no boredom.”
If he were to give advice to his coworkers, Morford’s comment was, “There always
seems to be more work than time to do it. Just take it a day at a time. Things always seem to
work out.”
Throughout these 45 years, Jim has obtained the highest respect from all the employees.
He has a no-attention-seeking nature while still connecting with colleagues by his sincere
concern. His integrity and deep care for the service to their customers reverberates throughout the
company.
“Jim has a vast technical knowledge that has benefited not only the BLP but all of our
customers in terms of system reliability and customer service,” stated Allen. “Jim leaves us with
a distribution system that exceeds average industry reliability which will allow us to provide this
level of service for many years to come,” added Allen.
While he will be greatly missed, the Grand Haven Board of Light & Power expresses its
true gratitude to Jim for all his dedication and best wishes for a happy retirement.
Created in 1896, the Grand Haven Board of Light and Power provides electricity to
approximately 13,350 customers in Grand Haven and the surrounding area. Grand Haven Board
of Light and Power. Community-owned. Locally-controlled. Not-for-profit. Environmentally
responsible.