House Joint Resolution 628, sponsored by Representative Keisling, honors Paul Thompson on the occasion of his retirement after nearly three decades of dedicated service at Tri-County Electric. Recognized as the longest-serving CEO in the company's history and the longest-serving active CEO in Tennessee at the time of his retirement, Thompson's career began in 1998 as Director of Marketing before he became interim CEO in 2001 and was officially named CEO later that year. Under his leadership, Tri-County Electric achieved significant milestones, including the installation of automated metering and a NOAA Weather Radio Warning System, which earned the cooperative the Mark Trail Award in 2004.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Thompson has been an active community member, serving as past president of the Macon County Chamber of Commerce and contributing to local initiatives such as the Leon and Marie Cothron Macon County Welcome Center. He has received numerous accolades, including being named Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. The resolution expresses heartfelt wishes for Thompson's happiness and success in retirement, acknowledging his professionalism, integrity, and the respect he garnered from colleagues and customers alike.