January - February 2024 TCEC Rural Living Newsletter

TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Rural Living Fiber Fast Internet,

Phase 2 is underway!

Connect Your Business pg. 5

January & February 2024

TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Rural Living January & February 2024

Board of Trustees

Bobby Dodd

Donnie Waldrep

District 2

District 3

President

Vice President

George Webb

Secretary/Treasurer District 4

Tri-County Electric Co-op Project Update As we look back on the end of a remarkable year, I am thrilled to share with you the achievements that have defined our journey in 2023. This past year, we celebrated the 1-year anniversary of Tri-County Electric Cooperative’s groundbreaking broadband connectivity initiative. Over the past year, this initiative has transcended expectations, redefining the way we connect, communicate, and thrive within our community.

In a world increasingly shaped by technology, access to high-speed internet has evolved from a luxury to a necessity. We’re proud to see the positive impact that broadband has had on education, healthcare, communication, and beyond. We’re reminded of the limitless possibilities for the future that Connect, powered by Tri-County Electric Co-op, delivers to our members and communities.

Julius Hackett, CEO

Junior Smith

Catherine Bethea

District 1

District 5

Ann Herring District 6

Our commitment to delivering top-quality fiber internet has been unwavering.

In 2023, we successfully completed Phase 1 of our ambitious expansion of the fiber-optic network, and we will continue to reach even more underserved areas in Jefferson, Madison, Taylor and Dixie counties.

Benjamin White District 7

Johnny Edwards District 8

John Cruce District 9

TCEC Staff

Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer Jeff Brewer, Vice President of Engineering Eileen Herndon, Vice President of Corporate Services John Tuten, Vice President of Operations Wendell Williams, Vice President of Finance Tri-County Electric Cooperative Rural Living, the voice of your member-owned electric cooperative, is published bimonthly — more if necessary — at no subscription cost to the membership. The publication team is comprised of TCEC employees. Postage is paid at Tallahassee, Fla.

Publication Team

Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer Eileen Herndon, Vice President of Corporate Services Kaitlynn Culpepper, Community Relations Director

Publisher

Joanna Forrester Printed on Responsibly Forested Paper Tri-County Electric Cooperative 2862 West US 90 Madison, FL 32340 www.tcec.com 1-800-999-2285

In addition to this tremendous milestone, we are proud of all that our co-op has achieved on this community-transforming project to date: •

We built over 1,018 miles of fiber line in 2023.

•

We connected over 2,506 members in 2023.

•

Broadband is now available to over 6,000 households throughout all four counties in our service territory.

As we reflect on these accomplishments, we are excited about the journey ahead and the continued growth of our cooperative. Our members are an integral part of this journey, and our dedication to offering high-speed internet services through Connect, powered by Tri-County Electric Co-op, is solely driven by the aim to meet your needs. We are working diligently to ensure that all our members have access to faster, more reliable, and more affordable fiber technology as quickly as possible.

Fiber-fast internet packages start as low as $49.95 a month for speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Multi-Gigabit speed is also available for our members for $79.95 per month for 1 Gig or $99.95 for 2 Gig service. HD-quality voice service is also available starting at $29.95 per month, and Conexon Connect has partnered with DIRECTVSM to offer more options to “cut the cord” on cable with streaming service packages to fit any budget.

If you have not already, we encourage you to check your availability and sign up at www.ConnectSignup.com. You can also call the Conexon Connect Customer Care team at 1-844-542-6663 Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST or email Customer Care anytime at info@conexonconnect.com.

Tri-County Electric Co-op and Conexon are committed to providing members with access to world-class, high-speed internet service. We wish you and your families all the best in 2024. Know that we truly appreciate your patience as we continue our broadband journey and look forward to connecting more customers this new year.

Thank you for your support and trust in TCEC. Feel free to reach out at any time with questions or concerns.

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January & February 2024

Passing of Former Trustee Albert Thomas, Jr. TCEC mourns the passing of former District 7 Trustee, Mr. Albert Thomas, Jr. who passed away October 9, 2023. As a resident of the Aucilla area, Mr. Thomas represented Co-op members in District 7 from 2004 until his retirement from the Board in 2020. During his many years of dedicated service to the Cooperative, Mr. Thomas served as the Board Vice-President as well as Secretary-Treasurer. He also represented TCEC on the Board of Florida Electric Cooperatives Association from 2012 to 2019.

According to TCEC CEO Julius Hackett, “Mr. Thomas was passionate about our Cooperative and dedicated 16 years of his life serving our members. He treated everyone he met with kindness and respect, and we are grateful for his service.”

TCEC mourns the loss of our esteemed former board member. His contributions and leadership will always be remembered.

Trustee John Cruce Achieves Credential in Today’s Electric Utility Competencies Trustee John Cruce (District 9) recently received the Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate from National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

An ever-changing business environment has imposed new demands on electric cooperative trustees, requiring increased knowledge of changes in the electric utility business, new governance skills and a solid understanding of the cooperative principles and business model.

The Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) program requires attendance and demonstrated understanding of the basic competencies contained in five core courses: •

Director Duties and Liabilities

•

Understanding the Electric Business

•

Board Operations and Process

•

Strategic Planning

•

Financial Decision Making.

The Board of Trustees represents the members of TCEC and meets the second Monday of each month to monitor the cooperative’s operational and financial status while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interest of the membership at large.

January & February 2024

3

CELEBRATING 1 YEAR OF BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY: strengthen our community bonds.

Thank you fo

We are thankful for the vision of the TriCounty Electric Cooperative Management and Board of Trustees to embark on the mission to bridge the digital divide and bring the power of broadband to our members. In 2023 we celebrated our 1-year anniversary, and we are excited to know we exceeded our expectations during this first year. Now we shift our attention to achieving goals in 2024 and looking at new opportunities to connect our members and make a positive impact on the communities we serve.

We are reminded of the profound impact broadband has had on our lives and our aspirations for the future.

BROADBAND: UNLEASHING ENDLESS POSSIBLITIES 1.

Revolutionizing Healthcare with Telemedicine Broadband has paved the way for telemedicine, making healthcare accessible irrespective of distance. Virtual appointments and consultations connect you with medical experts from the comfort of your home.

2.

Strengthening Generational Bonds Geographical barriers are no longer an obstacle for families. Through video calls and virtual interactions, grandparents and grandchildren share virtual moments, fostering connections and memories despite the miles.

Broadband has made these connections meaningful and heartwarming.

3.

Elevating Home Security with Smart Devices Enhance your home security with smart devices such as security cameras.

Monitor your property remotely, receive real-time alerts, and ensure the safety of your loved ones, all thanks to the power of broadband. Your home becomes smarter, safer, and more connected. Stay connected to your home, ensuring peace of mind wherever you are.

4.

Enriching Education and Lifelong Learning Students can now access online learning materials, research, and collaborate seamlessly, making education a dynamic and interactive experience that extends beyond the classroom walls.

5.

Fueling Economic Growth through Connectivity Broadband isn’t just about staying connected; it’s a driving force behind economic growth. Entrepreneurs can expand their businesses, access new markets, and drive innovation, thanks to the high-speed internet that empowers them to compete on a global scale.

A YEAR OF ACHIEVEMENT, A FUTURE OF PROGRESS As we commemorate this milestone, we celebrate the unity of our community members, whose support has fueled the success of this initiative. However, our journey continues. We are committed to further expanding our broadband network, ensuring its benefits reach even more members. This initiative embodies our dedication to community development and progress.

Heartfelt Gratitude In conclusion, we extend sincere gratitude to every member, partner, and supporter who has contributed to the success of our broadband initiative.

This 1-year anniversary signifies not only connectivity but also a year of empowerment, growth, and positive change. As we move forward, let’s harness the power of broadband to drive progress, enhance lives, and strengthen our community bonds.

Thank you for being an integral part of this remarkable journey. Here’s to celebrating one year and looking ahead to the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

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January & February 2024

Celebrating Businesses Connect, Powered by Tri-County Electric, is not just for residential fiber internet service businesses can benefit as well.

Connect helps businesses thrive with advanced fiber technology to deliver the transformative power of fast, reliable internet and phone service. Customers can depend on Connect business broadband to access cloud storage, transfer large files, manage email systems, power merchant services, and support internal functions like chat, shared files, server backups, as well as phone and fax service.

Every business is different, which is why there are customizable packages to suit the specific needs and budget of each business we serve. Businesses across TCEC’s service territory are already benefiting from reliable connectivity, affordable pricing, and quality customer support.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Communication building were the first commercial account to be connected to our fiber network in the summer of 2023. Connecting the Sheriff’s Office to the most reliable, high-speed broadband service in our area was vital to their organization and the community.

Sheriff David Harper states “The vastly growing requirement to communicate electronically and move data securely across networks is extremely important to the Law Enforcement profession to efficiently perform their duties.

Prior to now, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office was limited with its’ options and has chosen to partner with Conexon to achieve these demands by utilizing their fiber internet connection services. Conexon is providing the Sheriff’s Office with a cost-effective ability to move our data securely across our networks at “real-time” speeds. This is a proven asset for our personnel to assist in providing the citizens of Madison County, our partnerships with other Law Enforcement Agencies, and the Criminal Justice Information system with the most proficient and prompt services.”

The American Dream is a top producing Real Estate Brokerage servicing all of North and now Central Florida.

Broker/Owner, Hope Webb, along with her team of 32 agents serve all of their customers real estate needs throughout the counties powered by TCEC. From residential homes, commercial properties, vacant and timber land, as well investment and short- and long-term property management, they are a “one stop shop” for all things real estate.

“Having Conexon Connect internet available in our new Steinhatchee office has been a game changer for our team. We now have fast, reliable internet to service our clients, access listing information and get properties on the market and sold quicker and more effectively than ever before,” says Hope.

Affordable solutions for businesses, big and small, are available to TCEC members. Custom packages can be created to fit a business’s individual needs and workflow. Visit www. conexonconnect.com/business for more information and to check availability. Business Phone Packages starting at just $39.95 a month! See page 7 for more information.

January & February 2024

5

Phase 1 Complete Phase 2 and Phase 3 are underway!

GEORGIA

Thomas County Jefferson County

19

1.

Lake Miccosukee

221

1

2.

Lloyd

59

Madison County

Ashville 146

259

257

Leon County

Jefferson County

M

149

COMPLETE

Aucilla

90

259

Greenville 19

Construction of a fiber network is a complex process involving numerous contractors and dependent on several variables that include length of the circuit, terrain and soils, weather, and other external factors. Most distribution lines are a mix of overhead and underground construction.

27

YR.

150

257

IN PROGRESS

158 221

Lamont

Wacissa

Ri ve r

It all starts with the design of the network that includes mapping the fiber route along the existing electric grid, from each substation to the poles and lines that will deliver fiber to individual homes and businesses. This important stage sets the stage for a smoother and faster build.

cill n Au rso ffe ty Je oun y C t n ou 257 r C ylo Ta

a

19

Our project continues to unfold on a rolling basis as planned, over seven steps for each designated construction zone.

f on Ec

Step 4:

Madison County Taylor County Shady Grove

Eridu

r ve Ri

ina

27

221 Boyd

3.

Nutall Rise

(3 – 6 Week Process)

Splicing

YR.

ay River IN PROGRESS Fenhollow

Step 3:

Step 5: Service Drop Construction

(4 – 8 Week Process)

Fiber Construction

Step 2:

Step 6: Drop Splicing

(4 – 12 Week Process)

Make Ready Construction

356

361 A

GU L

F

361

OF

ME

XI

Step 1:

Step 7: Home or Business Installation

(2 – 4 Week Process)

Make Ready Engineering

1.

CO

PHASE MAP LEGEND

COMPLETE! SCHEDULE YOUR HOME AND BUSINESS INSTALL TODAY BY VISITING WWW.CONEXONCONNECT.COM OR CALLING 1-844-542-6663

2.

FIBER CONSTRUCTION AND FIBER SPLICING HAPPENING NOW. READY ENGINEERING AND MAKE READY CONSTRUCTION 3. MAKE HAS BEGUN FOR VARIOUS LOCATIONS INCLUDED IN PHASE 3!

6

January & February 2024

Brooks County

Madison County

Cherry Lake

145 Pinetta 150

53 Johannah Lake

5 EASY STEPS TO HIGH-SPEED INTERNET

on C Madis

2.

146

255

ounty

YR.

Hixtown Swamp

STEP

01

Reach Out.

Check availability and sign up at conexonconnect.com.

6 IN PROGRESS

Madison

STEP

02

53

10

90

Mark your Calendar.

We will contact you once service is available in your area to set up a “flag” appointment.

Lee

Sampala Lake

STEP

255 14

03

Fly the Flag.

Our technicians will come out and place flags to mark the spot for the outside cable.

STEP

Madison County

04

Taylor County

STEP

05

Get the Drop.

Our crews will “drop” the cable to connect from our mainline fiber to your premise, and make an appointment to complete your inside fiber install.

Take Off.

Your install is complete so ready, set, surf!

Perry

ng Spri

ior Warr

k ee Cr

Connect at a price that is right for you and your business

Lafayette County

Taylor County

27

RESIDENTIAL PACKAGES

Salem

1

Dixie

1.

County

Taylor Co unty

19 27

COMMERCIAL PACKAGES

Steinhat chee

Rive r

1

COMPLETE

361

Steinhatchee

Jena

361

January & February 2024

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8

January & February 2024

Welcome Babies!

The nicest things come in small packages, wrapped in joy, filled with goodness, and sent with love! We are elated to announce the arrival of two new additions to the Co-op family. We wish each family the very best and lots of blessings on their new bundles of joy!

Managed, Safe, & Secure Add managed WiFi and Safe & Secure features to any Connect, powered by Tri-County Electric Co-op, fiber internet package!

Managed WiFi - $4.95/month Managed Wi-Fi is the most advanced standard that’s faster and optimized for performance in today’s busy smart home environments. Your entire home will have coverage with fast, reliable Wi-Fi. Safe and Secure Package - $3.00/month Enable a guest Wi-Fi network, manage network access, with parental controls, and enjoy secure protection from malware and viruses. All from the intuitive “MyHomeConnect” App. This package includes:

Congratulations to Mike Haynes, TCEC Warehouseman, and his wife, Tiffany, on the birth of their daughter Anaya Makayla Haynes. She was born July 25th at 1:07AM in the morning. All of her older siblings are over the moon for their little sister.

•

•

Lillian Page Ragans was born Wednesday, November 22nd to TCEC Lineman Seth Ragans and his wife Pazlei. She weighed 5lbs 15oz and is 19 ¼ inches long. Her big brother Grayson is excited for his new role!

Parental Controls: an extensive set of controls that allow parents to easily create and enforce online rules for the users and devices on their home networks.

It provides them peace of mind by protecting their children from inappropriate or harmful content.

Security: network-level security application that provides malicious website protection, anti-virus and anti-ransomware packet inspection, and intrusion detection. The service proactively monitors network traffic coming into the home, automatically blocking anything that looks suspicious.

*Options included in the Ultimate Package

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. is the recipient of federal financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, and is subject to the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture which provide that no person in the United States on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs), shall be excluded from participation in, admission or access to, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any of this organization’s programs or activities.

The person responsible for coordinating this organization’s nondiscrimination compliance efforts is H. Julius Hackett, CEO. Any individual, or specific class of individuals, who feels that this organization has subjected them to discrimination may obtain further information about the statutes and regulations listed above from and/or file a written complaint with this organization; or the USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Complaints must be filed within 180 days after the alleged discrimination. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible.

January & February 2024

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Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe by Nora from Savory Nothings

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter • 4 tablespoons flour • 2 (14.5-oz) cans chicken broth • 2 (12-oz) cans evaporated milk • ½ teaspoon dried onion powder • ¼ teaspoon dried garlic powder • ¼ teaspoon celery salt

• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast • 1 (24-oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables • 1 (16-oz) box egg noodles

Directions 1. Make soup base: Place butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pan over medium heat until melted. Whisk in flour until smooth and foamy (make sure it doesn’t brown).

2. Add one can chicken broth: Whisk in the first can of chicken broth, whisking vigorously.

The flour will seize up at first, but just continue whisking until smooth.

3. Add remaining liquid and seasoning: Once smooth, whisk in the remaining can of broth, and both cans of evaporated milk. Add all seasoning and bring to a boil.

4. Cook chicken: Reduce the heat to a simmer, add the chicken and cook until the chicken is cooked through - about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken. In the meantime, cook the noodles according to the package instructions in a separate pot.

5. Finish soup: Once chicken is cooked, remove it from the soup and place it on a chopping board. Shred with two forks, then add back to the soup. Stir the frozen vegetables and cooked noodles into the soup and simmer for around 8 minutes, or until vegetables are cooked through.

Board Meetings The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held the second Monday of each month at 3:00 p.m. in the central office building of the Cooperative located at 2862 West US 90, approximately two miles west of the City of Madison.

This Publication’s Inspirational Moment “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31 10

January & February 2024

Holiday Schedule Reminder All Tri-County Electric Cooperative offices will be closed Monday, January 15, 2024 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will have standby crews available for power restoration if needed.

January & February 2024

11

TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE COOPERATIVE TRI-COUNTY

Rural Living

Malfunctioning Outdoor Outdoor Light?

Light?

Malfunctioning see pg. 3 see pg. 3

Youth Tour Applications due 1/19/2024 Youth Tour Applications due 1/19/2024 more information pg. 8 more information pg. 8

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Tri-County 2862 West Electric US 90 Cooperative, Inc. 2862 WestFL US32340 90 Madison, Madison, FL 32340

Presorted Std. U.S. Postage P A I D Tallahassee, FL Permit No. 706