TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Future TCEC member Hunt Williams with LED Lucy
79th Annual Meeting
November & December 2019 Vol. 23 • No. 2
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Rural Living TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Vol. XXIII No. II November & December 2019
Board of Trustees
Bobby Dodd
Donnie Waldrep
Catherine Bethea
President
Vice President
Secretary - Treasurer
District 2
District 3
District 5
We’re Thankful for Our Sister Cooperatives
When you think about Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC), you probably associate us with the local community. And you would be right. Our leadership team, board of directors and employees all live and work right here in the community we serve. But you may not realize that we are actually part of a much larger cooperative network that brings additional value, tools and knowledge that benefit you, the members of the co-op. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Junior Smith
George Webb
Ann Herring
District 1
District 4
District 6
Albert Thomas
Johnny Edwards
Elmer Coker
District 7
District 8
District 9
TCEC Staff
Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer Jeff Brewer, Vice President of Engineering Stephanie Carroll, Vice President of Corporate Services Eileen Herndon, Executive Assistant Darrell 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 in partnership with Curtis Media. Postage is paid at Blountstown, Fla.
Publication Team
Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer Eileen Herndon, Executive Assistant Kaitlynn Culpepper, Community Relations Director
Publisher
Curtis Media Michael Curtis & Staff Tri-County Electric Cooperative 2862 West US 90 Madison, FL 32340 www.tcec.com 1-800-999-2285
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When a severe weather event is predicted for our region, we call on our sister co-ops in areas unaffected by the approaching storm. Through this system of mutual aid, we coordinate with other coops to bring additional trucks, equipment and manpower to our area. We work together and share resources in order to restore power to our community. And we reciprocate by assisting other electric co-ops when they request help. A defining characteristic of a cooperative is “cooperation among cooperatives.” This is a way that co-ops work together to meet bigger challenges such as power restoration after a severe weather event. Our ability to tap into the larger electric cooperative network and access tools, products, resources and leading practices from across the nation ultimately makes our co-op and our community stronger. Lastly, communities across the globe have benefitted from the lessons learned
Julius Hackett, CEO and experience of co-ops in electrification of rural areas in the U.S. NRECA International has provided access to reliable and affordable electricity to 120 million people in 43 countries. This effort is made possible through the support of electric co-ops across the country. Hundreds of lineworkers, engineers and other co-op employees have served as volunteers to bring first-time access to electricity and train local partners to help utilities be sustainable in their own communities. November is a time of year for reflection and giving thanks. I am grateful for our sister co-ops who enable us to better serve you and our broader community. When electric co-ops collaborate, we strengthen each other and the communities we serve – and that is something in which to be truly thankful. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
Holiday Schedule Reminder All Tri-County Electric Cooperative offices will be closed Nov. 28 & 29 for Thanksgiving; Dec. 24 & 25 for Christmas; and Jan. 1, 2020 for New Year’s. We will have standby crews available for power restoration if needed. The TCEC staff and employees are thankful to have the honor of serving you and wish you hope, peace and joy this Holiday Season. November & December 2019
TCEC named 2019 Large Business of the Year The Greater Madison County Chamber of Commerce recognizes Chamber members, individuals and businesses in the community during the Annual Banquet and Silent Auction. On October 3rd, Tri-County Electric Cooperative was recognized for its contributions to the community and received the award for 2019 Large Business of the Year. Awards are presented for the categories of Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, and the Best in Customer Service Award. Recipients
of these awards were nominated and voted on by members of the community and represent the best of the Madison County community. Awards recognize the highest level of professionalism, knowledge, integrity, stewardship to the community, investment in the future of business and growth in Madison.
We are honored to be named the 2019 Large Business of the Year and it is a pleasure to serve our community.
• Secure automatic payments • Update or change online • Visa, MasterCard, or e-check accepted
Enroll your TCEC account between November 1st and December 30th for a chance to win a bill credit. Login to your account online at www.tcec.com to sign up! Total credit on bill will not exceed $150.00. This one time credit is valid only on the current balance. Any balance remaining after the $150 applied credit is the member’s responsibility.
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TCEC 79th Annual Meeting
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The 79th Annual Meeting of the members of Tri-County Electric Cooperative was held Saturday, September 21, 2019, in the Madison County High School Gymnasium, on the campus of the Madison County High School in Madison, Florida. Registration began at 9:00 A.M. Approximately 900 members and friends began the meeting with refreshments provided by Covington’s Catering, while entertained by the Mercy Mountain Boys Band. After a performance by Law Dog, a short video was presented showcasing the 2019 NRECA Washington, D.C. Youth Tour delegates. The Taylor County High School Junior ROTC presented the colors followed by the Pledge of Allegiance given by Miss Gracie Galbraith, 2019 NRECA Youth Tour Delegate followed by Miss Jadyn Gore, another 2019 NRECA Youth Tour Delegate offering the invocation.
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TCEC Vice Chair Bobby Dodd introduced the guests present and members of the Board of Trustees. During his address, he stated since 1940, sixty-nine men and women have served on TCEC’s Board of Trustees. During the cooperative’s 79 years of operation, the board has been comprised of co-op members using electricity in their homes supplied by TCEC, adding that by having the distinction of being governed by members residing in the community, it has created a strong local consumer perspective in the boardroom. Making sure the board pays close attention to member satisfaction, with emphasis on making investments into the electric grid to improve reliability, implementation of technology upgrades to the electric grid system to help get the lights back on following storms. He concluded his remarks by reminding members of the importance of being prepared for the future and maintaining a knowledgeable and motivated workforce that keeps service to the members a top priority.
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TCEC CEO Julius Hackett noted that due to the meeting schedule falling within the peak of hurricane season, weather seems to provide plenty of conversation during annual meetings. Hackett complimented the board in recognizing the benefits of maintaining a modern electric grid and making resources available to help the cooperative prepare for the future and thanked the employees who work hard on behalf of the members. In closing he spoke of the importance of not only providing power to the members but the significance of empowering the communities served by the cooperative. TCEC Secretary-Treasurer Catherine Bethea reported that the Cooperative’s 2018 Financial Report was prepared by Nichols, Cauley and Associates, CPAs, with no instance of non-compliance reported. She pointed out the most significant financial highlights for 2018 reflected the year ending with net margins from operations of $1.9 million, revenues of $39.8 million
and operating expenses of $36.6 million. There was a slight increase in energized meters ending the year with 18,391 energized meters. She reported that $5.3 million dollars was invested in the power system during 2018. She further stated the overall financial condition of the Cooperative remains strong. As a display of this fiscal strength the Board of Trustees voted to retire over $940,561 in capital credits last year and returned those dollars back to the membership. Director Elections – TCEC welcomes newly elected trustee, Ann Herring, the winner of a two-person race in District 6. Incumbent trustee, Donnie Waldrep of District 3 was elected by acclamation and incumbent trustee Catherine Bethea of District 5 was elected by acclamation. Keynote Speaker Nanette Hitchcock spoke on how our influence matters in the lives of others and each day we should focus on the success of others by being a positive influence.
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Join hundreds of young people from across the country Visit historic monuments and museums Meet and mingle with students from many different states on Youth Day
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Boost your community service and engagement
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Meet with your U.S Representatives and Senators
Must be a high school junior and a dependent of a Tri-County Electric Cooperative Member. Visit www.tcec.com/youth-tour for more information and to apply. 2020 Youth Tour Application Deadline: Tuesday, December 10, 2019
My favorite thing, among all the great things, was seeing the historical monuments. Things I had only ever seen in books. It was stunning.
Noved Ahmed
2018 Youth Tour Delegate Taylor County High School
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DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
Brian Ponder, a sweeping success at the Co-op Since 2017, Brian Ponder, has demonstrated his strong passion for work by providing a clean environment for all employees and members at the TCEC headquarters office in Madison. It’s a big property so Ponder makes sure that his efforts are impactful. In just this short period of time, Brian has made his mark on his fellow coworkers. “We were fortunate to have an employee who cares about the building like it was his own. That’s what we’ve found in Brian Ponder,” says Stephanie Carroll, Vice President of Corporate Services. “He has cleaned, helped with food preparation and made grocery store runs, during major power restoration events. Then stayed after all the linemen have left for the evening to make sure the facility is clean and set up to go the next morning.” Carroll continues, “The pride Brian takes in his job is seen by everyone.” Born in Valdosta, Georgia and raised in a military family, Brian has the good fortune of living all over the United States, but has called Madison home since 1994. He shares, “The best part of my job is my work environment and co-workers.” His dedication to his job is evident by the clean and orderly manner offices are found to be in after he has worked them. Ponder has a passion for cooking and loves to cook for family and friends and even caters weddings for close friends. He enjoys gardening and riding his bike when not working. When asked what achievement he is most proud of, Brian states obtaining a license to drive so that he could get a job and drive himself to work. We are lucky to have Brian on our team. He is a compassionate team member, with a desire to support the TCEC mission and values in his daily work.
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Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Summary for June 10, 2019 With all Trustees present, key cooperative personnel, guest and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, June 10, 2019, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, Florida. Lisa Johnson, CEO of Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. presented the Annual Member Update and reviewed 2018 strategic initiatives, achievements and metrics results with the board. Other reports to the Board included those of Florida Electric Cooperatives Association Board Meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and CEO. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the June 10, 2019 Board Agenda; the May 13, 2019, Board Meeting Minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included the WPCA for June 2019 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for April 2019; the list of new members for April 22, 2019 –May 19, 2019; Work and Accident Report for April 2019 along with the System Outage Reports. Other action taken by the Board included the following: first quarter 2019 charge offs; employee health insurance renewal for 2019-2020; and renewal of pole inspection contract for 20192020. The board reviewed strategic initiatives as set by the Board during the 2019 retreat. The attorney updated the board on a pending legal matter. Gary Fulford Catherine Bethea President Secretary-Treasurer
Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Summary for July 8, 2019 With all Trustees present (except one), key cooperative personnel, guest and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, July 8, 2019, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, Florida. Reports to the Board included the Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and CEO. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the July 8, 2019 Board Agenda; the June 10, 2019, Board Meeting Minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included the WPCA for July 2019 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for May 2019; the list of new members for May 20, 2019 – June 23, 2019 and June 24, 2019 – July 8, 2019; Work and Accident Report for May 2019 along with the System Outage Reports. The Policy Committee recommended and the Board approved revised Policy No. 606 “Line Extension Policy.” Other action taken by the Board included the following: approval and adoption of Board Resolution, Secretary’s Certificate and Chief Executive Officer’s Certificate Regarding RUS/FFB Loan dated July 8, 2019; and approval of Incumbency Certificate, Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Promissory Note and adoption of a Resolution with CoBank. Miscellaneous information included engagement of legal services to assist in negotiation of territorial agreements with Gulf Power; the mailing of the Notice of Qualified Candidates to members of District 6; a review of the current broadband coverage map for Jefferson, Madison and Taylor counties. Gary Fulford Catherine Bethea President Secretary-Treasurer
Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Summary for August 12, 2019 With all Trustees present (except two), key cooperative personnel, and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, August 12, 2019, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, Florida. Reports to the Board included the 2019 Florida Electric Cooperatives Association Summer Leadership Conference, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and CEO. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the August 12, 2019 Board Agenda; the July 8, 2019, Board Meeting Minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included the WPCA for August 2019 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for June 2019; the list of new members for July 9, 2019 – July 18, 2019; Work and Accident Report for July 2019 along with the System Outage Reports. A mid-year budget review that included 2019 forecasted and actual margins year-to-date, work plan projects and vehicle purchases were presented to the Board. Miscellaneous information included the 2019 District Meeting election results; and plans for the 2019 Annual Meeting. Gary Fulford Catherine Bethea President Secretary-Treasurer 8
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The Barrs Twins Congratulations to TCEC Staking Technician Trey Barrs and his wife Brooke, on the birth of their twins on September 25th, 2019. Deanna Reign Barrs 7lbs 6oz 19.5 inches long William Rhett Barrs 6lb 13oz 19.5 inches long Dee & Rhett are blessings to us all and we are thrilled to see our co-op family grown by TWO!
BOARD MEETINGS The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri‑County Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held the second Monday in each month at 3:00 p.m. in the central office building of the Cooperative located at 2862 West U.S. 90, approximately two miles west of the city of Madison.
Mom’s Apple Pie This classic apple pie recipe is sure to be a hit at your next meal! Ingredients 8 peeled & sliced, half Granny Smith, half Macintosh apples 2 sticks cold and cubed, plus 2 tablespoons cold and sliced unsalted butter 1 1/4 cups plus 1 teaspoon sugar 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 1/2 cups plus 3 tablespoons flour 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water 1 lightly beaten egg for egg wash Cinnamon sugar for dusting Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 400 °F. 2. In a food processor combine the 2 1/2 cups flour, salt, 1 teaspoon sugar and pulse. Add in 2 sticks cubed, cold butter and slowly
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gradually add the ice water. Pulse until dough just comes together. Don’t overwork the dough or it will make a tough crust. 3. Remove the dough from processor. Cut into two equal sections. Pat sections into discs and wrap in plastic wrap and place into refrigerator. Chill for 1 hour. (can be frozen for future use) 4. In a small mixing bowl, combine cinnamon, nutmeg, 1 1/4 cups sugar and 2 tablespoons flour, set aside. In a large mixing bowl, add the peeled and sliced apples. Sprinkle spice and flour mixture over apples. Toss to coat. 5. Remove one chilled disc of dough from the refrigerator and roll out on a lightly floured surface, large enough to cover your pie pan. Shape to fit, cutting off any excess. 6. Pour apple mixture into pie pan and add
your 2 tablespoons sliced butter to the top of the mixture. Remove second dough disk from refrigerator and roll out large enough to fit the top of your pie with an overhang. Place pie dough on top of apple mixture and crimp edges to seal. With a knife, add four slits to your pie crust. Lightly brush egg wash onto top of dough. Sprinkle liberally with cinnamon sugar. 7. Place onto a baking tray into preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Allow pie to rest until cool before slicing. Refrigerate any uneaten portions.
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Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Luke 2:9-11 (NLT)
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TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
79th Annual Meeting Department Spotlight
Custodial Services - Page 6
Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. 2862 West US 90 Madison, FL 32340
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