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Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow John L. Sims, NEC CEO
When I came to Nueces Electric Cooperative in 1994, I knew I was not coming to an ordinary Co-op. In the past 20 years as CEO, I have witnessed amazing changes in the industry. Technology alone has completely altered our way of doing business. With technology came deregulation and the opportunity for Nueces Electric Cooperative to expand and offer Co-op electricity to all of Texas.
Competing in the Texas retail electricity market can be daunting. It is a fast-paced industry filled with smoke and mirrors. Consumers are constantly being immersed with promises of false gifts and the “best” rates. Educating consumers, encouraging them to choose NEC Retail, and then showing them why they should stay while being immersed in the sea of promotional offers has become a way of life. But we are fortunate. With no contracts and honest affordable rates, NEC has created a business model where our members stay with us because they want to, not because they have to. Members have expressed time and time again how much they appreciate our excellent service and transparency. In return, NEC appreciates the trust and teamwork from members. In the past 20 years since I was hired as the CEO of NEC Retail’s parent company, Nueces Electric Cooperative, Inc, our employee base has almost doubled. We have hired highly qualified individuals who understand and keep up with systematic change while valuing the mission of the Co-op. As with all organizations, the Co-op is only as good as the quality of employees we hire to serve members. We look for employees that have embody the ideals of working for members; who understand that we work for main street not wall street. 18
Texas Co-op Power NEC Retail June 2015
In 20 years, your elected Board of Directors has worked cautiously to balance the advancement of technology with the heart of the Co-op members and employees. It is very easy to say yes to everything and hard to say no. Your elected Directors evaluate all financial decisions very carefully, always keeping the impact their decisions will make on the members and employees in mind. Together we have tried to look into the future, to see what the Co-op will be in another 20 years, and position the Co-op to conquer any obstacles that may come our way. 20 years at the Co-op has flown. I have a few more gray hairs, a few less hairs on my head, but a great appreciation for the members, the employees and the Directors who work together everyday to make Nueces Electric Cooperative the best Co-op we can be. The week after the October 8, 2015 Annual Membership Meeting, I will officially take my leave and retire. I have thoroughly enjoyed a productive career and I am looking forward to spending time with family and helping my church. For several months now a CEO Search Committee, comprised of four Board of Directors and one NEC Staff Member, have work diligently with national CEO search firms. I am confident the next CEO will continue to implement the great path that has been laid and will most likely expand it for the better. In 20 years we have come so far. I am excited to see what the next 20 has in store and look forward to watching Nueces Electric Cooperative and NEC Retail grow and continue to exceed expectations.
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