Tammy Miller, CEO of Border States Electric (BSE) was recognized by the faculty and students of the College of Business and Industry at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) by awarding her the L.B. Hartz Professional Achievement award on October 22, 2012.
Miller is the 31st honoree to receive the prestigious award, recognizing leaders who:
- Possess demonstrated qualities of entrepreneurship
- Make significant contributions to their community
- Contribute to the competitive private enterprise system through the creation of quality jobs and provide employees with developmental opportunities
- Demonstrate business and personal ethical qualities, including dedication to competitive private enterprise, environment, community and family
- Apply creativity and innovation to the organization and development of successful business
Lester B. Hartz (L.B.) was born December 25, 1895, in Duluth, Minnesota. He started a grocery retail business in 1925 when he acquired a bankrupt store in Roseau, Minnesota. He took that business from a bankrupt store to a booming chain. He created economic opportunities for many communities in Minnesota and North Dakota. Through his philanthropy, he made those communities better places for all.
“I am honored to have received the L.B. Hartz Professional Achievement award and be recognized among those who have done so much for our communities—those who create economic opportunities for others through innovation, entrepreneurship and community service,” said Miller.
Miller joined BSE in 1991 and worked her way through the company in several different positions. In 2003, she relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, and served as the general manager for the southwest region with branches in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Albuquerque and Farmington, New Mexico; El Paso, Texas; and Juarez, Mexico. She also served as BSEs’ senior vice president finance with responsibilities for accounting, finance, credit and legal. She became CEO in 2006.
Since 2006, company sales have grown from $480 million to $1.2 billion, the number of branch locations has grown from 24 to 55, and the company has created more than 750 new jobs.
Miller holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting and a Master of Business Administration from MSUM. At MSUM, she served on the Foundation board of directors and Business School Advisory Council and gave a major gift to the school of business to fund scholarships and accreditation. Miller led the Major Gifts Initiative Steering Committee to fund scholarships and a new wellness center on campus. She has also been recognized for her service and dedication to her alma mater by receiving two distinguished alumni awards.
BSE supplies products and services to the construction, industrial and utility industries. The 100% employee-owned company is the eighth largest electrical distributor in the U.S. with nearly 1,500 employees and 55 branches in 13 states. Corporate headquarters are located in Fargo, N.D.
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