LREMC Takes the Conference Stage

GIS Supervisor Brett Kinlaw and Manager of Key Accounts

Josh Locklear represented Lumbee River EMC at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Associations’ PowerXchange and TechAdvantage conferences in Nashville, Tennessee.

The two collaboratively presented “Maximizing OMS/GIS I ntegration” during breakout sessions. Afterward, the duo traveled to Winston-Salem to present at the NC Geographic Information Systems (NCGIS) Conference.

PowerXchange is the largest gathering of electric cooperative leaders, designed to embrace the challenges of our ever-changing industry and cultivate futurefocused thinkers. TechAdvantage Expo is the premier conference and expo for electric cooperative engineering, operations, information technology, purchasing and supply management professionals.

“At these conferences, cooperative leaders come together to share ideas, strategies, and best practices,” shared Locklear. “We gain information, insights, and resources that help us better serve our members.”

The NCGIS Conference has brought together professionals from the state to share their experiences and learn about current trends and technologies affecting the GIS community.

“I enjoyed sharing what we’ve implemented at LREMC to find success,” shared Kinlaw. “This exchange of ideas helps electric cooperatives improve.”

Resolution of Appreciation

The NC Electric Membership Corporation Board of Directors presented retired LREMC CEO Randall Jones with a Resolution of Appreciation at their board meeting on Feb. 15, 2023, in Raleigh. The board recognized Jones for his years of unselfish service to the electric cooperative program in North Carolina and wished him the best of health and happiness in his retirement.

Jones dedicated four decades to serving the electric cooperative network through progressive responsibilities. In February 1981, he was hired as the cooperative’s Office Manager. He later assumed the positions of Assistant to the General Manager, Manager of Human Resources, Director of Industrial, Commercial and Community Development, and Vice President of Key Accounts for LREMC. Jones also dedicated his talents to serving as Administrator of Lumbee River Rural Telecommunications Corporation, a subsidiary of LREMC.

During Jones’ tenure as CEO from 2009 to 2012, cooperative membership grew by six percent. Under Jones’ leadership, LREMC made technical improvements to its system, including upgrades to the electric cooperative’s distribution lines, substations, and office technology. These have been instrumental in improving electrical reliability and reducing outage time for LREMC members. Jones successfully led LREMC through restoration efforts following several severe storms, emphasizing employee safety.

Jones has served faithfully on the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation and North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives boards of directors. He has served his community through additional leadership positions, including on the Board of the Education of the Public Schools of Robeson County.

Following retirement in 2012, Jones returned to provide guidance and direction as LREMC’s interim Chief Executive Officer from January 2022 to January 2023. Above all other cooperative duties, Jones has led by his example of genuinely caring for and serving LREMC members with courtesy and respect.

Kayla Mills, LREMC's new Community Relations Specialist, hit the ground running. She spent some time reading to Mrs. McLean's class at Sycamore Lane in Laurinburg for Read Across America Week. Read Across America Week, celebrated from March 2 – 6, begins on the beloved author's birthday, Dr. Seuss.