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NCEMC is among the top co-ops in nation Once again, North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation has made the top Co-op 100 list. The list, issued annually by National Cooperative Bank, highlights the success and economic power of member-owned, member-controlled businesses. The only annual report of its kind, it lists the nation’s top 100 revenue-earning cooperatives. Based in Raleigh, NCEMC ranked 53 on the list, with $1.4 billion in revenues and $1.6 billion in assets for 2012. Its ranking was up two spots from its 2011 ranking of 55. NCEMC, which is owned by and supports electric cooperatives in North Carolina, is one of the largest generation and transmission cooperatives in the nation. Formed in 1949, NCEMC and its member cooperatives own part of the Catawba Nuclear Station Unit 1 in York County, S.C., as well as four peak-load generating plants. NCEMC also is responsible for electricity purchase contracts with Duke Energy, Dominion Power, Southern Company and others in the region, as well as by contract with producers of hydroelectric, wind and solar energy. Other cooperatives highlighted include: REI (recreational equipment), based in Sumner, Wash.; Ocean Spray (juice, fruit and snacks), based in Lakeville-Middleboro, Mass.; and Ace Hardware Corp. (retail stores), based in Oakbrook, Ill. CHS, a Minnesota-based energy, grains and food operation, took the No. 1 spot with 2012 revenues of almost $40.6 billion. National Cooperative Bank, headquartered in Washington, D.C., provides banking solutions to meet the needs of cooperatives nationwide. To see the report, visit ncb.coop.
North Carolina’s electric cooperatives and the North Carolina Credit Union League will cohost three educational sessions for individuals interested in running for public office this fall. The Campaign Academy was created by electric cooperatives to help prospective candidates for city, State Sen. Wesley Meredith of Fayetteville county, state or federal office posi- offers his insight and experience to tions make the best potential candidates at the Campaign decisions regarding Academy in 2012. their potential candidacy and their campaigns. The school is open to candidates of any political party and will feature seasoned campaign veterans and professionals. Potential candidates will learn the basic set-up of a campaign and the financial and time commitment required. The school will focus on the core areas of fundraising, campaign strategy, message development and communication skills. Attendees will also learn about campaign rules and regulations from State Board of Elections representatives. Sessions will be held in Rocky Mount on Jan. 28, in Fayetteville on Jan. 29 and in Hickory on Jan. 30. Registration is $30. For more information, contact Brandon Reed with the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives at (919) 875-3107 or Brandon.reed@ncemcs.com.
Nuclear energy industry is good for the economy The nuclear energy industry in North and South Carolina provides a significant economic impact to the states, according to a recent study. An industry coalition, the Carolinas’ Nuclear Cluster, commissioned the research to obtain a clear measure of the economic effects of the nuclear industry. The total economic impact tops $20 billion. In the Carolinas, the nuclear industry directly provides some 29,000 jobs. The industry has more than $2.2 billion in direct payroll, and more
than $950 million paid in state and local taxes. Total direct impacts are from employment associated with the generation of power at seven nuclear stations in North and South Carolina (including the Catawba Nuclear Station in York County, S.C., partly owned by North Carolina’s electric cooperatives), as well as corporate nuclear functions, new construction and employment at the Savannah River and Barnwell sites in South
Carolina. Researchers used purchases and payroll data from these businesses in their evaluation. The study not only looked at the impact of the operating nuclear plants but also producers of nuclear fuel, engineering and procurement companies, suppliers and subcontractors, and others. Researchers at Clemson University’s Center of Economic Excellence in Supply Chain Optimization and Logistics conducted the study.
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