Energy Association of Iowa Schools (EAIS) is sad to share that one of our original supporters, Kelly Needles, has passed away. One of our favorite things about Kelly was his positive attitude. When you asked how he was doing, even as he was fighting cancer, every day was a good day. His obituary/life story can be found here.
Kelly worked in the field of project development and energy services for over 30 years with his company, The Energy Group. He has left a legacy of energy efficiency in Iowa. EAIS would not be what it is today without Kelly sharing his knowledge, resources and professional relationships at our beginning in 2011.
From his basement office and on the road, Kelly Needles was a positive force for EAIS. Before EAIS had a budget Kelly donated his time, truck and fuel to get our director, Julie Weisshaar, to school visits. For our first few years, the small conference room in The Energy Group’s east side Des Moines office served as EAIS’s shared work space. Kelly also helped convince Iowa’s Investor-Owned Utilities to provide matching funds to support EAIS’s start up. He even taught a boiler maintenance class for EAIS members. Kelly Needles was an all around energy “nerd” (his word).
We will end with some of his humor: Yo, Kelly the Needles! Thank you for sharing so many of your good days with Iowa’s schools and EAIS. You will always be an important part of our history. We promise to keep up the good fight. Rest in peace.
