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Co-op Welcomes Trace McCuan as New C.E.O. Nueces Electric Cooperative is pleased to welcome Trace McCuan as the Coop’s Chief Executive Officer. “I am very excited to be joining one of the most progressive electric cooperatives in the nation, Nueces Electric Cooperative (NEC). NEC has a great Board and staff who have overcome the challenges of deregulation in a manner not attempted by other cooperative and municipal electric utilities in the state.” McCuan comes to the Co-op after serving as General Manager and CEO of the Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB), a position he has held since 2008. Prior to KPUB, McCuan worked for CPS Energy of San Antonio, Texas for over 23 years where he was Vice President of ERCOT and Federal Regulatory Affairs at the time of his departure. McCuan’s 33 years of industry experience includes experience in high-voltage transmission systems, substations, distribution systems, metering, business information systems, and power purchase. McCuan received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Science degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and completed the Stanford Graduate 20
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School of Business Executive Program. He is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Texas and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. NEC President, Brian Menking discussed the search process. “We were very fortunate to have a field of very qualified candidates applying for the
“He brings to this position a vision of where NEC can be tomorrow beginning from where we are today. - Board President, Brian Menking CEO position at NEC which made the Board’s selection a very difficult one. Our choice of selecting Trace McCuan was based on his technical and administrative experience in managing electric utilities and a passion for working with all employees in providing the membership with the best service possible at an affordable rate. He brings to this position a vision of where NEC can be tomorrow beginning from where we are today. We look forward to Trace joining the NEC family.” McCuan will be the Co-op’s sixth C.E.O. since opening it’s door in 1938. He will become a part of the Co-op’s
rich history of serving south Texas and will continue to expand and enhance the Co-op’s unique business model . In 2001 the Co-op’s membership voted to deregulate making it the only deregulated Co-op in Texas and only one of a few in the country. In 2005 NEC officially formed a competitive retail subsidiary, NEC Retail who provides co-op electricity to consumers all over Texas. In 2008, the Co-op became the first to hold Navy Base contracts and currently owns and maintains the electric distribution systems for both Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and Naval Air Station Kingsville. More recently in August 2015 the Co-op announced the construction of a community solar array, which will be the first of its kind in South Texas. McCuan will reside in the Coastal Bend with his wife, Rhonda. They have one son, Jeff, who is currently serving in the Army Special Forces. He says, “I look forward to the new opportunity. My wife and I love the Texas Coastal Bend area and now get to call it home.“ McCuan succeeds John L. Sims who retired after 21 years as C.E.O. Trace’s first day with the Co-op was Monday, November 16th. www.necretail.com
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NEC Retail December 2015 Texas Co-op Power
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A Brighter Holiday It wasn’t planned, but in the end NEC Retail decided to be a part of the holidays as much as possible this year! Thanks to excellent advertising budget planning, we had a few dollars left this year to spread around the holiday cheer. It didn’t take long before we found holiday homes with several partners who helped us maximize the few dollars we had, and turned them into opportunities that helped us not only spread holiday cheer, but the good word about NEC Retail. No matter what age you are, the Holiday Light Spectacular at La Palmera Mall in Corpus Christi engages spectators in a magical Christmas wonderland of elves, fairies and snowflakes. Part of being a Co-op is giving back to the community. That is why NEC Retail worked with the mall to provide a special evening for the families at the Corpus Christi Ronald McDonald House. La Palmera was amazing in orchestrating a private Santa meet and greet and front row viewing. Dinner for all of the families was provided by P.F. Chang’s. Thank you to both of these entities for going above and beyond for these kids! Next up is Harbor Lights. This enchanting evening is expanding to two nights of lights, shows, and activities. NEC Retail will be participating as the main stage sponsor, the boat parade sponsor and will help bring in Santa!
December 4th & 5th www.harborlightsfestival.org
Additionally we are sending out Merry Christmas Cheer to potential new members. If you know of a member who is on the brink of joining the Co-op, tell them about our MERRY25 credit. It will be Christmas in July when they get $25 off their summer electric bill. Be sure you give them your account number so you will receive a $60 bonus on your electric bill! Merry Christmas to all members. We are so thankful you have chosen to be a part of the Co-op family and we hope you feel the Cooperative spirit at Christmas and all throughout the year. 22
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Christmas Tree Forest NEC Retail Member, Junior League of Corpus Christi, is helping Christmas come alive through their annual Christmas Tree Forest event. Thirty Christmas trees will be decorated by participating schools who selected their favorite children’s book as a theme to decorate their tree with hand crafted ornaments made by the students. “Our goal is to promote literacy among our youngest citizens and their families. By offering a Free Family Fun Day at the Art Museum of South Texas, families from across our area will be able to enjoy walking through “A Reading Wonderland” and enter the world of Christmas trees decorated with hand-made decorations related to favorite children’s books,” said Lauren Ludwick, Christmas Tree Forest Co-Chair. After the exhibit closes, the decorated trees will be donated to local families in need.
Merry
CHRISTMAS
NEC will be closed Thursday, December 24th, and Friday, December 25th, for the Christmas holiday
We will also be closed Friday, January 1st. We wish you and yours a safe and Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Play & Win! If Your Account Number is:
26-003
YOU WIN $25 off your electric bill! Call, NEC Retail before the 20th! www.necretail.com
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Made With Love It’s not every year that NEC Retail has the honor of meeting a celebrity. But on September 15th, NEC Retail Member Service Representative Michelle Mathis met Nathan, the 11 year old artist who created the 2015 Driscoll Children’s Hospital Christmas Card that is sponsored by NEC Retail. This is the second year the Co-op has sponsored a card. Last year’s card was sponsored by parent company, Nueces Electric Cooperative. “It was a natural fit to bring this partnership to NEC Retail. Our parent company works with about eight counties to distribute electricity, but since we are able to work with all areas of Texas, it allows us to expand the reach to help promote this program” said Frank Wilson, NEC Retail Manager. The Christmas Cards are a project of the Driscoll Children Hospital Auxiliary. All proceeds from the sale of the cards benefit the March K Wilcox Scholarship Program which has benefited more than 96 Driscoll cancer patients since it’s inception. In addition to the cards, the hospital gift shop uses the design to create stunning charms for bracelets or necklaces, t-shirts, aprons, coffee mugs, and clay ornaments. To order your gift cards, visit www.driscollchildrens.org/ carousel-gift-shop or call 361-694-5000.
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2015 Christmas Light Decorating Contest
Do you light up the neighborhood with amazing home decorations? If so, enter the 2015 Christmas Decorating Contest for your chance to win! 1st Place: $100 Bill Credit 2nd Place: $50 Bill Credit 3rd Place: $25 Bill Credit Entry Deadline is Tues, December 15th. E-mail your photos, name, and NEC account number to: contest@necretail.com
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NEC Youth Tour Leadership Program
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Win THE Trip of a LIFETIME! Each year NEC sends four delegates to participate. Each winner receives an all-expense-paid trip, $250 spending money, and clothes. Delegates will travel with other Co-op delegates from Texas. You will tour monuments and museums, a dance aboard a river boat, and meet with Texas Legislators in Austin and Washington D.C. to discuss NRECA priorities.
How do you apply? It’s as easy as 1,2,3! 1. Complete the website application 2. Write a 300 - 500 word essay 3. Submit your application and essay
Entry Deadline: January 29, 2016 www.necretail.com
Apply Today!
Essay Topic: If the world’s electricity was permanently turned off tomorrow, how would it impact you?
Ramiro De la Paz Memorial
SCHOLARSHIP
Two $4,000 scholarships and
Eight $1,000 scholarships
Application Deadline: Friday, February 12, 2016
Calling all High School Seniors! If your parents are members of the Co-op, you could win a scholarship!
For Applications & Details: www.necretail.com 26
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refer A friend
EARN $60 It pays to be a member of an electric cooperative. Get a $60 credit on your next electric bill for every person you get to sign up for NEC Retail. There’s no limit to how many referrals you can get! Find completed rules at necretail.com
start spreading the joy
60
$
Just fill out these cards, cut them out and hand them to your closest friend, family member or co-worker. You’ll receive a $60 bill credit for each new member you get to sign up.
NEW WAYS TO CON SO MANY REASONS TO SWITCH:
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• Get your electricity AT COST for home or for business • No hidden fees or rate surcharges • NEC Retail is a not-for-profit retail electric provider • NEC Retail is member-owned, much like a credit union necretail.com • NEC Retail gives back to its members • NEC Retail consistently has the fewest customer complaints
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SO MANY REASONS TO SWITCH:
For Business or Home
• Get your electricity AT COST for home or for business • No hidden fees or rate surcharges • NEC Retail is a not-for-profit retail electric provider • NEC Retail is member-owned, much like a credit union • NEC Retail gives back to its members • NEC Retail consistently has the fewest customer complaints
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EASIER ENROLLMENT We’ve improved our online enrollment so new members can start enjoying all the benefits of the a co-op even faster. referring member name:
MEMBER REFERRAL PROGRAM Get a $60 credit off your electric bill each time you get a new member to sign up.
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