Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative
AU G U S T 2016
Leaders of Today and Tomorrow
Congresswoman Gwen Graham met with Rural Electric Youth Tour participants Mekena Taunton, left, and Rebecca Daniels during their trip to Washington, D.C., in June. Read more about the program on page 4.
Four Decades of Service Come to a Close PAGE 5    Solar 101 PAGE 28 n
Gulf Coast
A little change makes a big difference.
Members acknowledge that $3.96, plus actual postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of Florida Currents (USPS8300). Published by Ruralite Services Inc., 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communications needs of consumer-owned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s H2O Plus program manages energy use when demand is high to help keep your rates stable. This small change can have a tremendous impact on future energy costs. That’s a difference you’ll appreciate!
Postmaster: Please send address corrections to 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124. HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS
Have a problem receiving your edition of Florida Currents? Utility members should contact the local utility office listed on the back cover. Nonmembers should contact Ruralite Services, 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124; (503) 718-3717; email info@floridacurrents.com. Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $12 (U.S.) per year; $25 (foreign) per year. Prepayment required. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive. Order online at www.floridacurrents.com. Extra copies: $2 each, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Contact Ruralite Services. Reprint permission: Direct all requests to Ruralite Services. MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
Please do not send unsolicited materials. If interested in writing for Florida Currents, query first. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for writer’s guidelines. Address requests and queries to Ruralite Services. DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
Contact Jessah Willis National Country Market 611 S. Congress Ave. Suite 504 Austin, TX 98704 (800) 626-1181 or (512) 441-5200 www.nationalcountrymarket.com PRINTED IN FLORIDA
Enroll and receive a $25 bill credit!
Visit www.gcec.com to learn more
Inside
August 2016 Vol. 5, No. 10
Born for a Life of Service 12
Trend Offset Printing Services 10301 Busch Drive North Jacksonville, FL 32218
Man’s best friend serves as the eyes, ears, arms and legs of his handler.
© 2016 Ruralite Services Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Also In This Issue Side Roads 10 In the Kitchen 16 Great Picture Hunt 18
Travel Journal 20 Festival Roundup 22 Parting Shot 30
Your utility pages: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32
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Gulf Coast
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative representatives Mekena Taunton, left, and Rebecca Daniels in front of the White House, above, and with the Florida delegation at the National Cathedral, at right.
Local Students Travel to D.C. Rebecca Daniels and Mekena Taunton recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for the Rural Electric Youth Tour. Rebecca and Mekena are rising seniors at Wewahitchka High School. The two were eligible to go on the trip as winners of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s Youth Tour contest. Each year, the cooperative sponsors the contest for 11th-graders whose parents or guardians are GCEC members. Contestants are interviewed by a panel of three judges from the electric cooperative industry, and two winners are chosen to travel on an all-expenses-paid trip to the nation’s capital in June. While in Washington, students toured museums; Arlington National Cemetery; the Iwo Jima Monument; the U.S. Capitol; the mall area; the Korean, Lincoln, Vietnam, FDR, Jefferson, Martin Luther King Jr. and World War II memorials; Mount Vernon; and the National Cathedral. They also saw the U.S. Marine Corps Sunset Parade, and attended a boat cruise and dance on the Potomac River. A highlight of the trip was the National Youth Day rally, where they joined nearly 2,000 students representing electric cooperatives from across the United States. “We were proud to have Rebecca and Mekena representing Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative in Washington,” said Kristin 4
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Evans, GCEC vice president of marketing and communications. “Over and over again, the Youth Tour trip has been referred to as ‘the trip of a lifetime,’ and we hope that it truly was for these exceptional students.” The Youth Tour program has existed since 1957 when co-ops sent students to Washington, D.C., to work during the summer. By 1964, the program had caught on, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association began coordinating the efforts of the co-ops. Since then, thousands of young people have experienced this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit our nation’s capital and learn about our government. n
Employee News
Four Decades of GCEC Service Come to a Close After 41 years working for Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, Sid Dykes retired effective June 30. Family, colleagues and trustees saluted his service to GCEC at a reception July 1. Sid joined GCEC as a mapping technician before being promoted to supervisor of engineering in 1985. During his tenure, Sid participated in numerous trainings, including staking engineering, management, lighting systems, distribution systems and transformers. Sid says he looks forward to spending more time with his family, gardening, farming, fishing, hunting, recording songs, painting, going to the beach and traveling. “Sid was a true asset to Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative,” said GCEC CEO/ General Manager Michael White. “He will certainly be missed. We wish him the best in his retirement.” n
Sid Dykes, left, retired after 41 years of service to Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative. He and GCEC CEO/ General Manager Michael White shared stories and laughter during Sid’s retirement reception July 1.
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Supports Hotzee Run Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative recently was recognized by the Paul W. Airey American Legion Riders Post 392 for support of the 7th Annual Mark Long Memorial Hotzee Run benefitting Covenant Hospice. Legion members presented a plaque to GCEC in appreciation of its support. From left, Matt Salvo, GCEC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Kristin Evans, Danny Davis and Mike Kirchoff. Nearly $10,000 was raised at the event.
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Gulf Coast
Do You See Your Name Here?
If so, we have a check with your name on it! At the end of each year, after all operating expenses are paid, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative allocates capital credits to its membership. Capital credits are a prorated percentage of GCEC’s margins and are allocated to you, our member-owners, based on the amount you paid for electricity during the year. Based on the financial health of the cooperative, your board of trustees determines when capital credits are paid. Last year, $450,000 was returned to GCEC members residing on our lines during 1983 or 2014. However, we cannot refund your money if we can’t find you.
Please Send New Address If you see your name or the name of someone you know listed here, please call our office and tell us the correct address. XX Panama City: (850) 481-1188 XX Southport: (850) 265-3631 (800) 568-3667 XX Wewahitchka: (850) 639-2216 (800) 333-9392
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Adamson, Diana H. Anderson, Glenn F. Ard, Ricky J. Armagost, Edgar R. Armstrong, Noma & Charles Tucker Attaway, Scotty L. Bailey, John W. Barajas, Juan Barnes, Fred W. Barnes, John C. Barton, Stacy Michelle Baskin, Sandra K. Bass, Steve A. Beebe, Marie Behan, Patrick W. Beumer, David E. Bidwell, John C. Biggs, Wayne E. Bilodeau, Emile Neron Birk, Richard G. Bishop, Wallace Blanding, Harold R. Blankenship, Larry Bleizeffer, Geraldine M. Bloome, Gary W. Bockstahler, Betty A. Bowen, Kimberly Bowes, John W. Boyer, George E. Boyett, A.O. Boyette, Edward Brace, Bette Brannon, William E. Bright, Robert E. Brinson, Kathryn Brittenham, James D. Brogdon, Nadine W. Brooks, Lauren J. Brouse, Patricia Brudnicki, Adam M. Bryant, Paulette (Penny)
Bunker, Wayne E. Burge, Bethany S. Burlingham, G.L. Bush, Mark E. Byrd, David M. Byrd, Mrs. Frances K. Camp, C.D. Campbell, Glenda D. Campbell, James E. Cannon, Russell A. Carman, Richard L. Carter, Wanda M. Casey, Roy Chambers, James David Cheatham, Charles E. Chrismer, Woodroe Clanton, Michael S. Conner, Steven L. Corbin, Wilburn Coy, Loismay R. Crews, Heather M. Crews, Mike Crocker, E.O. Crockett, Mary E. Crowell, Alice Culpepper, J.F. Cumbest, Judy S. Daniels, W.C. Davis, Martin C. Davis, Paul B. Day, Jerry Dodd, Eugene & Lucille Dolph, James L. Dupuis, Carl Early, Paul J. Jr. Easterly, James C. Edson, Annie Ruth Elloitt, Warren E. Englehardt, Francine A. Evans, Don Fast, Paul E. Faught, Noble
Fellows, Fay E. Flanders, Millard Ford, Sharon A. Foster, Mrs. Johnny W. Foster, Stephen H. Freeman, Mark A. French, Kristi Lynne Fritzsche, Kathleen E. Funk, B.R. G & G Manufacturing Co. Gainer, Josephine Garrett, Laura C. Garvey, Eva G. Gattis, Michael A. Gentry, Mary J. Gibson, C.S. Gibson, Clifford Daniel Gill, G.A. Glenn, Evelyn Goines, James L. Goodwin, Crystal P. Goodwin, Linda Ann Gordy, J.C. Granger, A.J. Grassi, Ed Gray Circle G Ranch Grayson, Bill D. Green Hills United Methodist Church Griffin, Sheila C. Gurley, Walter E. Haddan, Dorton B. Hall, James D. Hall, Maggie C. Hall, Richard M. Hancock, Lewis Hanlon, Carol A. Hardy, Raymond Hardy, Winda Harrell, Stephen R. Harris, Terpan Hart, Florence D.
Hayes, James W. Haynes, Thomas L. Heath, Preston Hensley, Arlus Hernandez, Raquel Hicks, Kenneth Hipsley, Harry Hodges, Evelyn A. Hofman, Gerrit Holland, J.J. Holley, Dick Holmes, Willie G. Hudson, Henry A. Huertos, Maria L. Hugh Creek Country Store Hunt, Vernon Hunter, Carl Jay, John C. Jeffcoat, Kenny Jenkins, Charles R. Jeter, Barbara Johnson, Don R. Johnson, Glendell Johnson, Theatrice Jones, Betty Juretzki, Peter & Ursula Kasprzak, R.W. Kelley, Kelly Kelly, Claude W. King, Elmon O. Knight, William B. Knobb, Daniel Koagel, Nancy Laird, Rodney P. Lamb, Herman C. Landress, Tammy R. Lamnter, Stuart Todd Lemieux, Wanda J. Limrick, Merle Linton, Terry W. Lollie, Roy H.
Lowery, Barbara S. Marshall, Frederick Martin, James M. Martin, Raymond Massey, Rebecca S. Mathis, H.P. Mauri, Peter V. May, Sam D. Mayo, Tiffany R. McArkle, Mrs. S.R. McCoy, Robert T. McDonald, Bruce G. McDonnell, Susan McKay, Henry A. McNiel, Daniel B. Melvin, Marsha Gail Miles, Brenda J. Miles, Dollie Miller, George Millergren, Clifford C. Millergren, Hazel L. Moates, E.R. Morris, L.D. Moseley, David M. Murphy, Phillip D.
Neal, Robert F. Newsome, Odis Nolin, B.F. Norris, James G. Jr. Northcutt, Orville G. Nowell, Mary C. Nunnery, Betty B. O’Byran, Donna M. Ogden, Renelle Oswawa, Yuichi Osteraas, Rolf Grayson Ouimette, John J. Overstreet, Alma Loyce Owens, Mildred C. Padgett, Mrs. B.R. Palmer, Karen H. Panama Pines Inc. Parker, Betty F. Parrish, J.A. Paul, William A. Pearson, William W. Peer, Edith E. Perkins, Ronald J. Peterson, Marjorie Pisarri, John J.
Pitts, Deliah Pitts, Luvie E. Pizza, Lee J. Potts, Calvin W. Potts, Rienda J. Powell, Gerald R. Pracon, Summer R. Price, Lilly Bell Pryor, George Michael Puckett, Robert K. Purcell, T.J. Randall, Ruth Reeder, Maxie Reeder, Robin Kay Rehberg, Adele R. Reimer, Robert D. Rhodes, W.C. Richardson, Charley Ridge, Joel B. Riley, Gerald Rish, Emily Ritchie, Jonathan M. Robinson, Jake Ross, Farrest A. Rowan, Gary R.
Rowell, Edna R. Rudd, Joan M. Runyon, Marcie A. Rushing, Carlton Rushing, N.A. Ruth, Jan K. Ryan, Michael O. Safeguard Properties Management LLC Sampson, David Sanderson, Glen R. Saturley, Reginald Sawyer, Maurine C. Schomin, Linda C. Scott, Kianna L. Segers, Anita K. Segrest Feed & Seed Co. Shavers, Kenneth C. Shirley, Charles T. Sistrunk, Bradley Slaughter, Lloyd Smith, Patti L. Smith, Sherri D. Smith, Susan B. Spear, David J.
Spease, Gina E. Stabler, Charles Stacey, W.F. Stall, Rebecca A. Stallworth, David Stanton, Gaines Stoner, Paul J. Stubbs, Wayne A. Sullivan, Gerald D. Taylor, Anna P. Taylor, Cecil Taylor, Lois S. Temple, Johnny R. Temples, Patricia B. Teuton, Jan W. Tharpe, Vickie Tiller, J. Edwin Tobias, Dorothy M. Toole, Glen Toole, H.W. Trask, Kenneth Tremain, Linda Tiurner, Eugene A. Usery, Pamela Sprouse Vaughn, Rory K. Vickers, Fannie Vines, Roland H. Visions Bank WMBB Channel 13 Walker, M.C. Walker, Teresa A. Wambaugh, Guy Ward, James B. Waters, William O. Wells, L.T. White, Cherie M. Whitehead, David Whittaker, J.M. Williams, H.A. Williams, John R. Williamson, James E. Willits, Leslie J. Wilson, Donald R. Windham, Register Wise, Annie Lee Woodward, Jay Wright, William E. Yohn, Millie R. Yoka, John Young, William G. AU G U S T 2 0 1 6
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PANHANDLE FRUIT & VEGETABLE CONFERENCE DATE
October 11, 2016
TIME
Registration & Tradeshow
begins at 7:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Early Bird: $40 (before September 6) Regular Registration: $50 (sales end on October 4) Join us at the PANHANDLE FRUIT & VEGETABLE CONFERENCE! Our event will feature leading experts in fruit and vegetable production that will provide seminars, hands-on learning, and educational farm tours. Come to the conference and learn to grow more on your farm for your community!
An Equal Opportunity Institution
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REGISTRATION
http://pfvc.eventbrite.com
2741 Penn Ave. Marianna, FL 32448
Conference
REGISTRATION
LOCATION
Jackson County Agricultural Complex
ACTIVITIES Tradeshow Educational Session Tracts: • Diversified Crops • Protected Agriculture • Tree Fruit & Berries
Catered lunch featuring fresh and delicious food from local farms. Keynote: Richard Wiswall Richard Wiswall and his wife Sally Colman own and operate Cate Farm in Vermont. Richard , the author of The Organic Farmer’s Business Handbook: A Complete Guide to Managing Finances, Crops, and Staff - and Making a Profit, likes to share his knowledge with other farmers, and often gives talks and workshops on the often neglected business side of farming.
Educational tours and workshops • • • •
Tour 1: Protected Agriculture Tour Tour 2: Satsuma Tour Workshop 1: Vegetable Grafting 101 Workshop 2: Determine Your Costs of Production: Farm Budgets Made Simple
Sustaining Partner
Gulf Coast
Trading Post For Rent Horse barn with five stalls, paddock and about 4 acres of pasture in Wewahitchka, one block from the old courthouse. Lease by the stall, with discount for multiple horses. (740) 334-0341.
For Sale Handmade scented candles. Have hundreds and can take orders. (850) 814-4773. Muscadines. Variety includes Bronze Bullace, Scuppernongs and Scupperdines. Great for snacking and jelly. Season is from early- to midAugust through mid-September. (850) 722-4226. Quarter horses. Ride well on trails, gentle, good for lessons. (850) 773-1957. Miniature donkeys. Jacks and Jennys, black, brown, gray and paints. All ages. $300 and up. Make great pets. Also standard donkeys. Betty, (850) 899-7424. 20’ pontoon boat, $1,100. 20’ lift trailer, $1,500. 17’ Sylvan aluminum bass boat with 75 hp Suzuki trolling motor, foot control, new stereo, fish finder, $3,500. Westinghouse sewing machine, $35. (850) 639-3266.
Dale Earnhardt model train, Navy model train, turntable, lots of track, railroader books, $300. Adult motorcycle helmet, $30. Adult leather jacket, $40. Jerky kit, $30. Jerky/hydrator kit, $40. Meat slicer, $40. 36” TV, $30. Two large mirrors, $20. (850) 510-8250.
Miscellaneous Home service installations: child protection devices, pet doors, closet and garage shelving/ organizers, flat-screen TV mounts, surround sound, surveillance equipment, digital thermostats, whole-house water filters, washer and dryer, showerheads, weather-stripping, curtain rods and blinds, etc. (850) 722-4619 or (850) 596-2788 or email proactivems@outlook.com for more details and free estimates. Complete home maintenance service: replace all filters, clean A/C coils, flush water heater, clean dryer vent, clean drains, lubricate all hinges, locks and doors. Inspect all home equipment including fireplace, fire extinguisher, garage door opener/motor, well pump and sprinkler system. Free estimates. (850) 722-4619 or (850) 596-2788 or email proactivems@outlook.com for details.
Real Estate ½-acre corner lot. (850) 639-2220. FSBO. Two adjacent lots, about 2.5 acres on paved road, 10 miles north of Wewahitchka, 45 minutes from beaches. Borders the Chipola River and Cypress Creek. Cleared and ready to build. Quiet and peaceful; no neighbors. Deeded restrictions. Underground utilities, deep well and many fruit trees. $69,900. (850) 648-4214. Two- or three-bedroom cabin. About 1,200 sq. ft. with large screened porch. 150’ on West Arm Creek in Meeks subdivision. (850) 271-9040. 13+ acres with 624 feet on a paved road 5 miles north of Wewahitchka off Highway 71, minutes from Dead Lakes. Ready to sell. $29,050 (50 percent off appraised value) OBO. (850) 832-1726. Hunting/fishing camp. 100x100 lot. Well and septic tank, needs work. Boat landing within 2 miles and hunting in the Apalachicola Forest. Make offer. Jim, (850) 832-2234 or (850) 265-1265. 90 acres of forest property near Ebro with access to mega-acres of water management property. (850) 832-3123.
Trading Post is a FREE service to members of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative. GCEC reserves the right to edit or reject ads. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY OR TYPE. Please circle the category that applies:
For Rent
For Sale
Real Estate
Free
Miscellaneous
Trade
Wanted
Items:
Name: Address: City/State/Zip:
Phone:
Mail your ad to: The Trading Post; Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; P.O. Box 8370; Southport, FL 32409; return with your electric payment; or email ad information to tradingpost@gcec.com.
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Gulf  Coast
A Life-Saving Refresher Course All Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative employees recently were recertified in basic first aid and CPR. To renew their certifications each year, all employees attend classes taught by Tracy Strickland and Brian Satterfield of North Florida Safety and Health. After a presentation, employees must demonstrate they knew proper techniques by performing CPR on a mannequin. GCEC is committed to the safety of its employees and members. At least once a month, GCEC holds safety training for its employees. n
North Florida Safety and Health’s Brian Satterfield, above, and Tracy Strickland, right, review proper CPR techniques before testing and certifying GCEC employees.
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Andy Dick, left, and Bob Logan perform CPR on mannequins during certification testing.
Gulf Coast
Solar 101 in the Sunshine State A look at the pros and cons to investing in photovoltaics
Discussion about solar energy continues to heat up in Florida. The use of photovoltaic cells to make electricity grew 21 percent in the state from August 2014 to August 2015. Experts predict this pace to continue because of falling prices for solar equipment and federal tax credits benefitting the solar industry. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative supports solar programs that are affordable and safely integrated into the grid. As with any newer and booming technology, solar brings both advantages and challenges. On the upside, making electricity from sunlight would seem to solve the need for energy. Challenges include the desire to use power even when the sun is not shining, solar equipment expense and the nation’s electric transmission system not being designed for the widespread use of solar energy. Emerging solar technologies could help make electricity from sunlight a dependable, long-term fuel source for energy. However, there are issues to keep in mind when thinking about solar generation. Safety At Gulf Coast Electric, keeping our members, line technicians and first responders safe is our top priority. With rooftop solar becoming more common, every effort must be made to ensure safety. Cooperative employees repairing utility lines should not jeopardize their safety on the chance
Consider GCEC a Resource Electric co-ops are among the leaders in the use of solar technology. Contact us if you have any questions about solar technology or solar energy.
rooftop solar panels are improperly sending electricity back through the wires and onto the grid. Similarly, first responders to home emergencies should not have to contend with electric shock hazards created by rooftop solar. Improperly or inadequately installed rooftop solar may damage your roof or cause fires. It is important for members who install rooftop solar to communicate with GCEC so we can work together to avoid accidents, injuries and fires. Reliability Solar energy can be useful at certain times of the day, and helps some homeowners reduce their utility bills. However, rooftop solar does not offer the same reliability and effectiveness as large-scale solar projects. Solar facilities experience periods of decreased output when there is bad weather—such as when it rains, or when the sky is hazy or overcast—and solar facilities do not produce electricity at night. When the sun is not shining or when solar energy output is low, we need a backup form of electricity to ensure you do not experience a problem with service. Optimization The ability for solar panels to track with the movement of the sun increases the effectiveness of a solar installation. Panels that track with the sun’s movement during the day produce more electricity. Many large-scale solar projects are designed with optimized features, including tracking, in mind. Rooftop solar is often less optimally designed. Output is limited due to roof space, roof angle, roof direction and without tracking technology to follow the sun throughout the day.
Consider safety, reliability, optimization and affordability before investing in rooftop solar. Photo courtesy of DOE/NREL
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Affordability Individual solar installations often require significant upfront costs or complicated financial agreements that may last 10, 15 or even 20 years. Installing solar panels can make it more difficult to sell a home. n
Trimming for Safety, Reliability Through its right-of-way maintenance program, the cooperative eliminates hazardous conditions Do you live in the Wewahitchka, Crystal Lake or Fountain areas? During August, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative crews will clear trees and plants from rights-ofway that threaten your access and other members’ access to safe, reliable power. GCEC has about 2,600 miles of distribution line. If vegetation comes into contact with power lines, it can interfere with your electric service and cause a dangerous situation. Vegetation must be cleared from power lines to provide reliable electric service and prevent a hazardous condition.
When a person signs up to be a member of the cooperative, there is an agreement between the member and GCEC to allow right-of-way maintenance. The agreement gives GCEC the legal right to remove from the right-of-way anything that could interfere with safe, reliable electric service for all members. The co-op realizes most people regard trees as an asset, but if the cooperative’s right-of-way clearance is not maintained, tree limbs and other growth coming into contact with power lines could increase the number of power outages. GCEC tries to work with landowners to preserve landscaping when maintaining rights-of-way. However, federal law requires GCEC to eliminate hazardous conditions. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to bring you quality, reliable service. n
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative crews work yearround clearing rights-of-way. AU G U S T 2 0 1 6
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FL-154
Offices 722 West Highway 22 P. O. Box 220 Wewahitchka, FL 32465 (850) 639-2216 or (800) 333-9392 9434 Highway 77 P. O. Box 8370 Southport, FL 32409 (850) 265-3631 or (800) 568-3667 6243 East Highway 98 Panama City, FL 32404 (850) 481-1188 www.gcec.com
CEO/General Manager Michael E. White
Trustees President Waylon Graham Vice President Jimmy Black Secretary Eddie Jones Treasurer Rupert Brown Doug Birmingham Robert Byrd Gary Cox Kinneth Daniels Betty Moore Trustees normally meet the third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. CST. The board meets at the Wewahitchka office in even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October and December) and the Southport office in odd-numbered months (January, March, May, July, September and November). The mission of GCEC: Fulfilling the changing needs of our membership and communities by providing costeffective, reliable and safe utility services through a dedicated and responsive workforce. 32
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GCEC President’s Message
Action Starts Here
Abraham Lincoln described democracy as “government of the people, by the people and for the people.” To run effectively, a democratic government needs the active involvement of informed citizens—just like a cooperative needs the active involvement of informed and committed members. Voting is a fundamental right and responsibility of U.S. citizens. It is our right to have a say in how we are governed, and our responsibility to be informed about candidates and issues when we go to the polls. This election cycle, we urge you to learn about all the candidates. Research the top issues they are campaigning on to figure out who best suits your ideals, values and beliefs—especially when it comes to energy issues. Regardless of party affiliation, most people agree our country relies on access to economical electricity. It is the foundation upon which our economy is built. Policies that limit our ability to generate electricity or dramatically increase its cost will do irreparable harm to our already fragile economy. The outcome of the 2016 election could determine how our country moves forward with its energy strategy. State and federal government officials make policy decisions that affect your local cooperative and your power bill. Retail electricity prices are a product of those policies. The discussion deserves attention from all consumers. Before you cast your vote, be sure your candidate supports strategies that encourage safe, dependable and affordable energy for all consumers. First and foremost, vote. Your decision to participate in the political process will help ensure your voice is heard. Action starts here. We value your membership. We value you.
Waylon Graham
Florida’s primary election is August 30