Kentucky Electric Cooperatives recognized Fred Noe, the James B. Beam Distilling Company’s 7th Generation Master Distiller, as its 2025 Distinguished Rural Kentuckian during the co-op association’s 79th Annual Meeting in Louisville.
Distinguished Rural Kentuckian is the highest honor bestowed by the association, which consists of all 26 electric cooperatives across the commonwealth. It recognizes outstanding individuals who have devoted their lives to Kentucky in a way that matches the co-op mission of enhancing the quality of life here. Kentucky Electric Cooperatives President and CEO Chris Perry presented Noe the award following a special video tribute. The full video can be viewed on the association’s YouTube channel.
“As Jim Beam’s great-grandson, my dad taught me the business from the ground up- it wasn’t handed to me. A big part of that was learning how to connect with the community, get involved, and share the stories behind our bourbons, which are all about community and family,” said 2025 Distinguished Rural Kentuckian, Fred Noe, Master Distiller, James B. Beam Distilling Company. “I feel very lucky to have worked with some amazing people, such as my dad, several Master Distillers in the bourbon industry, our farmers, and local folks here in Kentucky, building what has become a family legacy over the last 230 years. Together, we’ve created one of the state’s signature products, powered by the energy from Kentucky’s electric cooperatives. My goal has always been to give bourbon fans around the world a piece of that legacy and an unforgettable experience. So, I’ll continue to invite people to come visit my home, our beautiful state, and see the birthplace of the World’s #1 selling Bourbon: Jim Beam!”
Noe, the great-grandson of Jim Beam and Master Distiller of the James B. Beam Distilling Co. since 2007, is the 41st Distinguished Rural Kentuckian. Since 1982, the association has honored recipients from the arts, politics, journalism, business, education, religion, athletics, and agriculture. Previous business leaders who have received the award are Smith D. Broadbent (1987), W.T. Young (2001), Jim Host (2004) and Ervin Houchens (2010).
“Because co-ops belong to and are led by the people they serve, we celebrate those who share our commitment to improving the quality of life in our local communities,” said Kentucky Electric Cooperatives President and CEO Chris Perry. “Fred Noe is not only a key player in the success of the bourbon industry and growth of bourbon tourism, as an ambassador for Kentucky and his hometown of Bardstown, Fred is also an ally for economic development and community connections.”
The 79th Annual Meeting’s banquet featured a keynote address from former Southeast Christian Church pastor Dave Stone. Among the hundreds of electric cooperative directors, executives and key staff in attendance were representatives from industry and public service, including dozens of legislators who are members of the Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Caucus.
With a theme of Communicate, Innovate, Participate, the meeting, held annually in Louisville since 1948, featured important updates on electric reliability concerns, including remarks by Jim Robb, President and CEO of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the nonprofit organization responsible for ensuring the reliability and security of the electric grid across the U.S., Canada, and parts of Mexico by setting standards and monitoring risks.
In his presentation, Tim Mills, the president and CEO of ERMCO, updated co-ops on the supply chain, impacts of U.S. tariff policy and planning for future energy demand. Owned by co-op, ERMCO is a key supplier for Kentucky-based United Utility Supply, an affiliated cooperative of Kentucky Electric Cooperatives. ERMCO manufactures distribution transformers and equipment to help co-ops and utilities deliver reliable power to communities nationwide.
In addition to Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman, representatives from the three electricity providers for Kentucky co-ops, Big Rivers Electric, East Kentucky Power Cooperative, and the Tennessee Valley Authority also detailed how each of those businesses are responding to rising energy demand and cost increases.
Featured speakers also included Youth Leadership Council delegate and Jackson Purchase Energy Cooperative representative Brody Miller of McCracken County, CNN Senior Political Commentator and radio host Scott Jennings, and former Denver Broncos Captain and All-Pro Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg.
2025 Distinguished Rural Kentuckian Fred Noe (right) receives the Distinguished Rural Kentuckian award from Kentucky Electric Cooperatives President & CEO Chris Perry.
Photo: Tim Webb
