FROM theTOP
PATRICK GRACE
CEO ADDRESS
Here at OEC we pride ourselves on many things: safety, reliability, affordability, being financially sound, to name a few. But one thing I personally love about OEC is the fact that we are local. My own experiences in dealing with big-box companies have made me even more grateful to be part of a company that is not only housed in central Oklahoma, but its history is here, its people are here, its roots are here. When you call us, you're talking to a trained professional sitting in Norman who might live around the corner from you. When your lights go out, the people working to turn them back on might be your neighbors, or the parents of your kid's little league teammate. Our board of directors are stationed within their districts across our service area so we can be sure we're meeting the needs of all members. From right here in Oklahoma. We were created out of community to serve the community, and that support continues today. You might see OEC on a high school scoreboard, or sponsoring local fundraisers, or handing out goodies at your local fireworks show, or sending your kids to camp (hint: see page 8). We wholeheartedly believe that having a local presence is important — this was highlighted in October when we were able to mobilize very quickly to restore power to thousands of members. I also believe that creating a locally owned and operated telecommunications company in OEC Fiber has benefited all who enjoy its services today. We all know how massive a lot of those companies are, and at the end of the day, I think people in general feel better about their dollars getting reinvested in infrastructure here, in community here, in jobs here. OEC Fiber is the voice of our local members who needed our service. Sure, options are great to have, but some members didn't have any options. We were it. And we've been so very proud to bring them a service that allows them to thrive. Oklahomans taking care of Oklahomans. It's something we don't take lightly and are proud to be part of.
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative 242 24th Ave NW | PO Box 1208 Norman, OK, 73070 321-2024, FAX 405-217-6900 http://www.okcoop.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Rusty Grissom, President District3Trustee@okcoop.org
Ronnie Tharp, Vice President District9Trustee@okcoop.org
Bob Usry, Sec. Treas. District8Trustee@okcoop.org
Shirley Idleman, Asst. Sec. Treas. District5Trustee@okcoop.org
Mike Argo
District1Trustee@okcoop.org
Percy Moreu
District2Trustee@okcoop.org
Ronnie Grover
District4Trustee@okcoop.org
John Jensen
District6Trustee@okcoop.org
Danny Watters
District7Trustee@okcoop.org
District
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SENIOR MANAGEMENT
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Chief Executive Officer ............................. Patrick Grace Chief Financial Officer ............... Preston O’Brien, CPA VP of Administration ...................................... Jonna Buck VP of Engineering .................................... Thad Peterson VP of HR and Legal Services ................ Tracy Mowdy VP of Information Technology .. David Goodspeed VP of Metering ............................................... John Spencer VP of Operations ............................................ Marty Hayes
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Oklahoma Electric Co-op News is published monthly by Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, 242 24th Ave. NW, Norman, OK 73069, (USPS-865-700). Subscription rates: $6.00 per year for non-members, 50¢ per year for members. Periodical postage paid at Norman, OK and other additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send form 3579 to: Oklahoma Electric Co-op News, PO Box 1208, Norman, OK 73070.
Co-op News Editor Brianna Wall, CCC brianna.wall@okcoop.org Members who find their account number hidden within the text of this issue will be awarded $450. Call 405-217-6708.
