Rural electric leaders sought to bring computerization to their organizations through a concept of regional data processing centers throughout the country. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) conducted feasibility studies and closely worked with the centers on systems design and programming in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Today, NISC and NRECA continue to share ideas on advancing technology in the rural electric program. Jo Ann Emerson (left, with Vern Dosch), then NRECA CEO, visited NISC’s Missouri office in 2015.