Why I Became a LINEMAN " "
APRIL 2025 | IN THIS ISSUE
SOLAR ENERGY — NO ROOF REQUIRED
JACKSON EMC HONORS LEADING ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOMEBUILDERS
MORRIS NAMED TO JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
HONORING OUR LINEMEN’S DEDICATION
Last September, Hurricane Helene tore through Georgia, leaving behind a path of destruction that many will never forget. It was one of the strongest storms to hit our state in recent years, causing more than $6 billion in damage. While our area was spared from the worst of it, many of our neighbors weren’t as fortunate.
When disaster strikes, electric cooperatives do what we do best — we help each other. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, thousands of linemen from across the country packed their gear, fueled up their trucks and answered the call for help. Jackson EMC crews were among them, spending weeks assisting fellow co-ops at Rayle EMC, Jefferson Energy Cooperative and Washington EMC as they worked to restore power to their members.
This effort was cooperation in action — one of the seven cooperative principles that guides Jackson EMC. Our linemen worked shoulder-to-shoulder with crews from many other coops, all united by a common goal: getting the lights back on for families, businesses and schools. It was a powerful reminder of the dedication, resilience and skill it takes to do this job.
The Georgia Senate officially declared March 11, 2025 as "Georgia Lineman Day" to recognize linemen across the state. Several Jackson EMC linemen represented your cooperative at the State Capitol – an honor that not only celebrated their hard work, but also stood as a testament to their unwavering dedication, whether they’re responding to a storm or ensuring reliable power in our community.
Our members always do an amazing job of showing appreciation for these hometown heroes! Whether it’s a social media shoutout, a handwritten note from a child or a simple “thank you” when you see them in the community, those gestures mean the world to them. They remind our crews that their long hours in tough conditions don’t go unnoticed.
And that’s why April is the perfect time to celebrate them — Lineman Appreciation Month. Across the country, utilities take this time to recognize the hard work and sacrifices lineworkers make to keep our community powered. Their job is demanding, requiring technical expertise, physical endurance and a deep commitment to serving others. Whether they’re responding to an outage, maintaining power lines or building new infrastructure, they’re always working to ensure reliable and affordable electricity for our members.
So, this month, if you see line crews in the community, give them a wave, a smile or a thank you. If you have a photo or words of appreciation, tag @JacksonEMC on social media — we’d love to share them with our linemen.
To the linemen who keep our homes bright and our lives moving forward – thank you! Your dedication lights the way for us all.
CHIP JAKINS President & CEO
Solar Energy, No Roof Required
Renting your home doesn't mean you have to miss out on the benefits of solar energy. With Jackson EMC’s Cooperative Solar program, you can receive clean, renewable energy — no roof installation needed.
Why Cooperative Solar is Perfect for Renters:
Whether you live in an apartment, townhome or leased house, Cooperative Solar makes it easy to support renewable energy without the hassle of ownership or maintenance.
• No installation required: No need to involve your landlord
• No long-term contracts: Enjoy flexibility to opt out anytime
• No worries if you move: Simply cancel your subscription when you relocate
How It Works:
Instead of installing panels, solar energy is generated at off-site facilities owned by a group of cooperatives. That clean energy flows into the Jackson EMC power grid, and as a Cooperative Solar subscriber, you’ll receive energy credits on your bill each month. The more energy your share produces, the more it offsets your usage.
You can choose up to three solar energy blocks at a fixed monthly rate — giving you flexibility and control. Cooperative Solar is a great value for any Jackson EMC member.
Affordable. Flexible. Easy.
With no special equipment, contracts, or installation required, Cooperative Solar is a smart choice for any Jackson EMC member who wants a simple way to support renewable energy.
Get Started Today
Joining Cooperative Solar is simple. Visit jacksonemc.com/renewables or scan this QR code to sign up and start enjoying solar energy on your terms.
Why I Became a LINEMAN " "
They’re the ones who brave storms, climb poles and work around the clock to keep the lights on. Linemen are the backbone of safe, reliable and affordable electric service, answering the call when communities need them most. It’s a demanding job — physically, mentally and emotionally — yet those who choose this path often say they wouldn’t trade it for anything.
April is celebrated as Lineman Appreciation Month. To honor these special professionals, we asked them why they became a lineman...
AUSTIN LEWIS
Lineman, Neese
Austin started his career with Pike Electric before coming to Jackson EMC in 2022.
“Being a lineman is special because you get to have a great time with your co-workers. It’s special to be a part of working here because of the tight bond within this cooperative.”
STEPHEN WHITSON Lineman, Jefferson
Stephen was studying for an associate’s degree in electrical utility technology at Lanier Technical College when he got an internship at Jackson EMC. He has been a lineman for almost 4 years.
“One of the reasons I became a lineman is for the challenges. There are constantly challenges and always opportunities to grow and learn. It also gives me the opportunity to serve others daily. It’s been a great way for me to provide for my family.”
JACKSON
MURRAY Lineman, Gainesville
Jackson started his career by attending a lineman training school, after speaking to linemen about the industry. He has been a lineman for 5 years.
“I enjoy being able to help others and do a job that has meaning and add value to the community. I also enjoy the brotherhood of being a lineman and enjoy working with everyone.”
LUKE BRAUD
Lineman Apprentice, Gwinnett
Luke joined Jackson EMC in 2023, after working at a municipal utility following high school.
“I became a lineman because it’s a job not everyone wants to do. And, it’s a great career choice with many different options to progress. This is a job that’s very important and essential for the community.”
SAL MENDOZA
Lineman, Gwinnett
Sal started his career as a lineman by attending a training school. After graduating, he had multiple job offers and decided Jackson EMC was the best for his family. He has been a lineman for more than 4 years.
“When I moved to Georgia from Texas, I wanted something more out of life, a more fulfilling career. I’m a veteran and a friend shared a photo of him on social media in a bucket truck. I thought, 'This seems pretty exciting.' I reached out to him and he recommended lineman school. Becoming a lineman has given me a great sense of pride since leaving the service. It’s more than just working on power lines – it’s the support and respect we get from our members and our duty to provide great service.”
TODD BAXTER
Journeyman Lineman, Jefferson
Todd started his career at Jackson EMC. He’s been a lineman for 12 years.
“I’ve had different jobs at Jackson EMC, but being a lineman means you have the potential to be working a range of hours and in the nastiest weather conditions you can imagine. When you’re a lineman, you may lose time and sleep, but it’s one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve done. It’s been very rewarding to see the gratitude from members when we get their power restored.”
CARL ALLEN
Lineman, Gwinnett
Carl started his career in the gas department of a utility in Knoxville, Tennessee. He later became an equipment operator then apprentice lineman before moving with his family to Georgia in 2005. He’s been at Jackson EMC for 20 years.
“It takes mental, physical and emotional strength to be a lineman. Mentally, you have to be focused on the job to keep yourself, your co-workers and the public safe. Physically, you endure long hours in extreme weather conditions. Emotionally, you have to be able to miss holidays and events with your loved ones. Being able to restore power for people means a lot to me. Fortunately, my spiritual gift is service. I have spent 35 years serving my community.”
BRANDON SANDERS
Journeyman Lineman, Neese
Brandon started his career at 19 at Raylee EMC, based in Washington, Ga. He has been a lineman for 20 years.
“I grew up on a farm and enjoyed being outside. I played sports since I was 5 years old. I became a lineman because I enjoy being outside and doing physical activities. This job is very goal-oriented and teamwork is important. You’re also serving the public by ensuring they have electric service.”
OPERATION ROUND UP®: YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK
$101,529 IN GRANTS RECENTLY AWARDED
The Jackson EMC Foundation Board of Directors awarded a total of $101,529 in grants to organizations during a recent meeting.
Organizational Grant Recipients:
$10,291 to The Children’s Center for Hope and Healing, Inc., Gainesville, which serves survivors of child sexual abuse for counseling services for residents in Banks, Barrow, Hall, Jackson and Lumpkin counties.
$10,000 to The Barrow Ministry Village, Winder, for counseling sessions for residents in Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson counties.
$10,000 to Mending the Gap, Inc., Lawrenceville, to provide food boxes for seniors living in Gwinnett County.
$10,000 to Ser Familia, Inc., which provides preventive family services to equip Latinos with the tools, resources and skills they need to overcome a crisis for counseling sessions for residents in Barrow, Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson counties.
$10,000 to The United Methodist Church’s Home of the North Georgia Conference for its Healthy Families Program serving residents in Gwinnett and Hall counties.
$9,893 to Northeast Georgia Care, Inc. (dba Choices Pregnancy Center), Gainesville, for materials and supplies for its My Baby Counts Program for residents in Hall, Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Franklin, Gwinnett, Jackson and Madison counties.
$7,500 to Foundation of Wesley Woods, Inc., which supports older adults living independently through wellness programs, pastoral care, and charitable assistance for housing and meals for a wellness nurse serving residents in Clarke County.
$7,500 to Nuci Phillips Memorial Foundation, Inc., Athens, which advocates for and helps to alleviate the suffering for those living with a brain illness for counseling sessions serving residents in Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Franklin, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe counties.
COMMUNITY
In 2021, Monira Silk founded Athens Parent Wellbeing after recognizing the need for parenting education and mental health support. Through conversations with families at her eco-conscious baby store, reBlossom, she saw an opportunity to create meaningful change. In 2023, she officially merged the nonprofit with the store, directing proceeds from sales to fund its programs and services.
Athens Parent Wellbeing, Inc., based in Athens, serves families in Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe
$7,400 to Mosaic Georgia, Inc., Duluth, which serves children and adults impacted by sexual violence and abuse for its aftercare counseling sessions for residents in Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett and Hall counties.
$5,000 to NOA’s Ark, Inc., Dahlonega, which provides a safe haven and support services for victims of family violence for trauma counseling services for residents in Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison and Oglethorpe counties.
$4,700 to Athens Community Council on Aging, Inc., which promotes lifelong wellness through engagement, advocacy, education and support for healthcare screenings for its Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program for residents in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson and Madison counties.
$2,500 to Across the Bridge, Inc., Lawrenceville, for entry fees to rehabilitation centers for individuals in all counties served by Jackson EMC who are seeking recovery from addiction.
$2,400 to Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, which serves adolescent youth with severe emotional and behavioral challenges for its Grace’s Place Activity Therapy Program serving people in Gwinnett County.
$2,345 to Juvenile Offender Advocate, Inc., Athens, which advocates for juvenile offenders by promoting accountability, fostering positive relationships and reducing repeat offenses for its Pathways to Success Program for residents in Clarke County.
$2,000 to Wellspring Living, Inc., which serves those at risk for or victimized by sexual exploitation for therapy sessions for Gwinnett County residents.
counties. The nonprofit focuses on promoting the mental well-being of mothers and families throughout pregnancy, and the postpartum period by providing education, support and resources.
A recent $10,000 grant from the Jackson EMC Foundation allowed Athens Parent Wellbeing to fund 10 psychological evaluations for parents in need. These evaluations are often costly and not fully covered by insurance, creating a financial barrier for many families.
"These evaluations are essential for obtaining accurate diagnoses so parents can receive the appropriate care from medical professionals," said Erin Turner, development associate at Athens Parent Wellbeing. "When parents receive the support they need, they can be their best selves, which in turn creates a positive ripple effect on their families for years to come."
Jackson EMC Honors Leading Energy-Efficient Homebuilders
20 Years of Right Choice
Homes Program
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Jackson EMC’s Right ChoiceTM homes program recently honored local homebuilders who have long championed building energy efficient homes.
“Since the program started in 2004, a remarkable 27 million square-feet of Right Choice homes have been certified for energy efficiency and comfort,” said Christy Queen, Jackson EMC’s director of residential marketing. “That’s more than 17,000 energy-efficient homes in our service area that have helped our members save energy and money over the life of their new homes.”
Right Choice homes are built exclusively within Jackson EMC’s service area and meet rigorous energy-efficiency
standards. To earn the Right Choice designation, homebuilders must follow advanced building practices that enhance comfort and reduce energy costs for homeowners.
“We’re proud to honor homebuilders who have committed to building homes by Right Choice’s standards, especially those who have been a part of the program from its early days,” Queen said. “Homeowners who purchase a Right Choice home experience the benefits of comfort and energy savings.”
BUILDER OF THE YEAR
Jackson EMC recently honored several builders with a Right ChoiceTM Builder of the Year Award. They included (L-R): Tony Pendley, Chafin Communities; Dusty King, JDB by Kingsworth; Jeremy Collinsworth, JDB by Kingsworth; Jeff Sewell, Oxford Properties, LLC; Matthew Gresham, Oxford Properties, LLC; and Ryan Brown, Southern Heritage Homes.
For a complete list of award-winning homebuilders, scan this QR code
YOUR POWER. YOUR COMMUNITY.
A PUBLICATION FOR JACKSON EMC MEMBERS
JACKSON EMC OFFICES
1000 Dawsonville Highway Gainesville, GA (770) 536-2415
85 Spratlin Mill Road Hull, GA (706) 548-5362
850 Commerce Road Jefferson, GA (706) 367-5281
825 Buford Dr Lawrenceville, GA (770) 963-6166
EMC SECURITY
55 Satellite Blvd., NW Suwanee, GA (770) 963-0305 or (706) 543-4009
jacksonemc.com
Ben Morris Appointed to Jackson EMC Foundation Board of Directors
Ben Morris, of Madison County, has been appointed to serve on the Jackson EMC Foundation Board of Directors. During its January board meeting, the Jackson EMC Board of Directors appointed him to serve a three-year term.
The Jackson EMC Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization established to represent the members of Jackson EMC and distribute money collected from members participating in Operation Round Up®. The 11-member volunteer board of directors meets to review and select grant applications for worthwhile, charitable purposes that will improve lives and respond to immediate needs.
Since Operation Round Up’s beginning nearly 20 years ago, the Foundation has awarded more than $21.7 million through 2,054 grants to organizations and 437 to individuals.
Ben Morris
A resident of Colbert, Morris is a Government Relations professional at the University of Georgia with over a decade of experience in agriculture, education, and policy. As a proud Double Dawg, he earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees in Agricultural Economics from UGA, followed by a Ph.D. in Leadership Development from the University of Florida. Ben currently serves as the chair of the Madison County Industrial Development and Building Authority.
He and his wife, Katie, live on their family farm with their three children.
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