2016 April GCEC Florida Currents

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative

A P R I L 2016

Be Sure to Vote

Thanks to a bylaw amendment approved by members last year, voting for Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative trustees now is done by mail instead of in person at the annual meeting. Your voting packet should have arrived in the mail in mid-March. The deadline to have your ballot in the hands of the third-party tabulating the results is April 20—so please plan ahead and follow the directions in your packet. CEO Michael White explains the change in a letter on page 32.

Annual Meeting Schedule PAGE 5 Youth Tour Students Visit State Capital PAGE 6 n

Gulf Coast

Members acknowledge that $3.96, plus actual postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of Florida Currents (USPS8300). Published by Ruralite Services Inc., 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communications needs of consumer-owned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices.

Value starts here.

Postmaster: Please send address corrections to 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124.

HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS

Have a problem receiving your edition of Florida Currents? Utility members should contact the local utility office listed on the back cover.

Nonmembers should contact Ruralite Services, 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124; (503) 718-3717; email info@floridacurrents.com.

Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $12 (U.S.) per year; $25 (foreign) per year. Prepayment required. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive. Order online at www.floridacurrents.com.

Extra copies: $2 each, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Contact Ruralite Services.

Reprint permission: Direct all requests to Ruralite Services.

MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Please do not send unsolicited materials. If interested in writing for Florida Currents, query first. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for writer’s guidelines. Address requests and queries to Ruralite Services.

DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

Contact Jessah Willis National Country Market 611 S. Congress Ave. Suite 504 Austin, TX 98704 (800) 626-1181 or (512) 441-5200 www.nationalcountrymarket.com PRINTED IN FLORIDA

We power your life for less than $5 a day.

Now that’s a bargain.

We value your membership. We value you. www.gcec.com (800) 568-3667

Inside

April 2016 Vol. 5, No. 6

The Backbone of Rural America 12

Trend Offset Printing Services 10301 Busch Drive North Jacksonville, FL 32218

Entrepreneurs find creative ways to bring money home to local communities.

© 2016 Ruralite Services Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Also In This Issue Side Roads 10 In the Kitchen 16 Great Picture Hunt 18

Travel Journal 20 Festival Roundup 22 Parting Shot 30

Your utility pages: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32

A P R I L 2 01 6

3

Gulf Coast

Annual Meeting Preview 2016

Unaudited Financial Reports for Gulf Coast Electric Balance Sheet UTILITY PLANT Utility plant in service Construction work in progress TOTAL UTILITY PLANT Accum. provision for depr. and amort.

TOTAL UTILITY PLANT LESS DEPR. INVESTMENTS Associated organizations Economic development Temporary investments Other investments TOTAL INVESTMENTS CURRENT ASSETS Cash-general Accounts and notes receivable Materials and supplies Prepayments Other current and accrued assets TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS Deferred assets TOTAL ASSETS

4

APRIL 2016

2015

2014

154,901,162

151,329,444

1,286,768

2,194,488

156,187,930 37,385,019 118,802,911

153,523,932 35,004,292 118,519,640

22,673,792 149,644 5,443,138 6,888 28,273,462

3,682,389 4,324,245 1,611,700 2,326,176 513,485 12,457,995 1,058,530 160,592,898

21,748,169 184,936 144,331 4,560 22,081,996

2,787,869 5,134,367 1,279,384 2,400,031 522,005 12,123,656 0 152,725,292

Balance Sheet EQUITIES AND LIABILITIES EQUITIES Memberships Patronage capital Other (loss) marketable securities TOTAL EQUITIES

2015

2014

82,425 42,580,240 0 42,662,665

79,620 39,631,279 0 39,710,899

0 107,917,133 -3,455,777 104,461,356

3,344 102,976,546 -3,420,012 99,559,878

2,446,343 3,455,777 1,827,321 1,272,646

2,538,584 3,420,012 1,795,126 1,439,244

9,002,087 4,466,790 160,592,898

9,192,966 4,261,549 152,725,292

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Operating revenue Purchased utilities Operation and maintenance Consumer accounting and information General and administration Depreciation Interest Other deductions and taxes TOTAL EXPENSES

46,840,948 26,649,678 4,600,767 1,239,396 2,901,919 4,993,534 4,163,083 157,435 44,705,812

47,321,014 28,361,978 4,211,575 1,306,130 2,501,342 4,862,437 4,563,171 159,874 45,966,507

OPERATING MARGINS Non-operating margins Capital credits and patronage dividends TOTAL MARGINS

2,135,136 234,901 1,101,977 3,472,014

1,354,507 224,106 1,068,541 2,647,154

LONG-TERM DEBT Economic development & other notes FFB and CFC mortgage notes Less current portion of long-term debt TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT CURRENT LIABILITIES Notes and accounts payable Current maturities on long-term debt Consumers’ deposits Other current and accrued liabilities TOTAL CURRENT AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES Deferred credits TOTAL EQUITIES AND LIABILITIES

Official Notice: 68th Annual Members’ Meeting

Entertainment will be provided by The Drummond Family, a gospel group from Chipley. Members, from left, are Ron French, Pat Drummond, Michelle Drummond, Meagan Pledger and Bo Drummond.

Come and Enjoy Gulf Coast’s 68th Annual Meeting!

Schedule of Events (Based on Central Time) 8:15 a.m.

Welcome Invocation

Presentation of colors

Pledge of Allegiance

Announcements 8:30 a.m.

Entertainment by The Drummond Family

9:45 a.m.

Prize drawings

10:15 a.m.

Determination of quorum Proof of mailing of official notice Report of nominating committee

10:30 a.m.

Introduction of trustees

Introduction of special guests

CEO/general manager’s report

Announcement of election results

Adoption of minutes

Remainder of prizes Adjourn

Pursuant to the provisions of the bylaws of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Inc., the 68th annual meeting is Saturday, April 30, 2016, beginning at 8 a.m. Central Time at the cooperative headquarters in Wewahitchka, Florida. The purpose of the meeting is to act upon the following matters: XX

Reports of officers and CEO/ general manager.

XX

Election of three trustees to serve for three years from the district and groups hereinafter set forth.

District Number 1 Composed of Calhoun, Jackson, Walton and Washington counties and consisting of three trustees—two of whom should be elected from Jackson, Walton or Washington counties. Trustees from this district shall be a resident of the group in which he or she is elected: Group 1. A resident of Jackson, Walton or Washington county at large.

Group 2. A resident of Calhoun County east of the Chipola River.

Group 3. A resident of Calhoun County west of the Chipola River.

April 3 0, Wewa 2016 hitchk a

XX

Proposed bylaw amendments.

XX

Any other business that may properly come before the meeting.

A P R I L 2 01 6

5

Gulf Coast

All of the students who competed in Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s Rural Electric Youth Tour contest were invited to travel to Tallahassee for a twoday tour. Pictured in the Senate chambers are, from left, Allison Young, Jackson Vines, Mekena Taunton, Hope Owens, Kelly Watson, Blake Harrison, Anna Benjamin, Bella Hjort, Rebecca Daniels, Matt Houwers, Samantha Pitts, Kelsey Girten, Gavin Harper and Savanna Lowrey.

GCEC Takes Students to State Capital Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative recently held its annual Rural Electric Youth Tour competition.

Each year, the cooperative sponsors the contest for high school juniors whose parents or guardians are members of GCEC. Contestants are interviewed by a panel of three judges from the electric cooperative industry.

Two winners are chosen to travel on an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in June, where they join other rising high school seniors from all across the United States to tour the nation’s capital.

Local civic organizations and high schools play an important role in the contest, nominating the students who vie for the trip. This year’s contestants and the organizations they represented were Anna 6

APRIL 2016

Benjamin, Deane Bozeman School; Rebecca Daniels, Wewahitchka Ambulance GCEC’s Washington, D.C., Youth Tour representatives, from left, Rebecca Daniels, Service; Kelsey winner; Mekena Taunton, winner; and Bella Hjort, alternate.

Girten, Mossy Pond Volunteer Fire Department; Matt Houwers, Ebro Volunteer Fire Gavin Harper, Howard Creek Volunteer Department; Savanna Lowrey, Wetappo Creek Volunteer Fire Department; Fire Department; Blake Harrison, Carli Money, Blountstown High Wewahitchka Woman’s Club; Bella School; Hope Owens, Kinard Volunteer Hjort, Wewahitchka High School;

Fire Department; Samantha Pitts, Wewahitchka Search and Rescue; Mekena Taunton, Wewahitchka Volunteer Fire Department; Jackson Vines, White City Volunteer Fire Department; Kelly Watson, Dalkeith Volunteer Fire Department; and Allison Young, Overstreet Volunteer Fire Department.

This year’s winners are Rebecca Daniels and Mekena Taunton. The alternate is Bella Hjort.

In addition to the Washington, D.C., trip, GCEC takes all of the students who compete in the contest on a two-day trip to Tallahassee. There they tour sites in the state capital with other 11th-graders representing electric cooperatives across the state.

Students visited the Challenger Learning Center, where they observed an electromagnetic demonstration and watched an IMAX 3D movie about robotics. They also participated in a mock Supreme Court hearing and a mock session in the Senate chambers.

They dined at various restaurants and visited Fun Station.

“The Youth Tour contest is a great opportunity for us to reward local students for being outstanding leaders in their communities,” said GCEC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Kristin Evans.

The Washington, D.C., Youth Tour program has been in existence since 1957, when co-ops sent students to Washington, D.C., to work during the summer. By 1964, the program had caught on, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association began to coordinate the efforts of the co-ops.

Since then, thousands of young people have experienced this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit our nation’s capital and learn about our government. n

Report of Cooperative’s Nominating Committee The nominating committee appointed by the board of trustees of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Inc. met at 6 p.m. Monday, February 1, 2016, at the office of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Inc. in Wewahitchka. The committee presented nominations as follows: District 1, Group 1 A resident of Jackson, Walton or Washington County, at large.

Betty Moore District 1, Group 2 A resident of the Calhoun County area east of the Chipola River.

Gary Cox District 1, Group 3 A resident of the Calhoun County area west of the Chipola River.

Kinneth Daniels The meeting was held and the above nominations are submitted in accordance with the bylaws of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Inc.

Committee Members The following members of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Inc. served on the nominating committee: XX

Rory Smith, appointed by Rupert Brown

XX

James Dauphin, appointed by Robert Byrd

XX

Jimmy Yon (absent), appointed by Kinneth Daniels

XX

Joe Lilly, appointed

by Gary Cox

XX

Carl Goodson, appointed by Waylon Graham

XX

Harold Rowland, appointed by Edward Jones

XX

Fletcher Patterson, appointed by Douglas Birmingham

XX

Dawn Spooner, appointed by Betty Moore

XX

Mark Mercer, appointed by Jimmy Black Jr.

Respectfully submitted:

A P R I L 2 01 6

7

Gulf Coast

Doug Birmingham

Jimmy Black

Rupert Brown

Waylon Graham

Betty Moore

Directors Earn Board Leadership Certificates Five Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative trustees—Doug Birmingham, Jimmy Black, Rupert Brown, Waylon Graham and Betty Moore—recently earned the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Board Leadership Certificate.

To fulfill the requirements of this certificate program, candidates first have to earn the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association curriculum consists of five courses designed to provide basic governance

knowledge and skills required of cooperative directors.

The Board Leadership Certificate program consists of 10 courses focusing in greater depth on specific industry and governance issues. Courses provide advanced study in areas such as risk management, ratemaking and policy development.

More than 62 percent of eligible directors nationwide have earned CCD credentials—all GCEC trustees are CCD certified—while just more than 25 percent have obtained BLC distinction. n

Trimming Ensures Safe, Reliable Power Delivery System Do you live in the Ebro area or south of Wewahitchka? In April, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative crews will continue to clear trees and plants from rights of way in that area that threaten your access and other members’ access to safe, reliable power.

GCEC has about 2,600 miles of distribution line. If vegetation comes into contact with power lines, it can interfere with your electric service and cause a dangerous situation. Vegetation must be cleared from power lines to provide reliable electric service and prevent a hazardous condition.

When a person signs up to be a member of the cooperative, there is an agreement between the member and GCEC to allow right-of-way maintenance. The agreement gives GCEC the legal right to remove from the right of way anything that could interfere with safe, reliable electric service for all members.

The co-op realizes most people regard trees as an asset, but if the cooperative’s right-of-way clearance is not maintained, tree limbs and other growth coming into contact with power lines could increase the number of power outages. GCEC tries to work with landowners to preserve landscaping when maintaining rights of way. However, federal law requires GCEC to eliminate hazardous conditions.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to bring you quality, reliable service. n 8

APRIL 2016

Gulf Coast

Trading Post For Rent Four-bedroom, one-bath, 1,800-sq.-ft. home in Scotts Ferry. Rents monthly. (850) 265-0872 or (850) 674-6409.

Horse barn with five stalls, paddock and about 4 acres of pasture in Wewahitchka, one block from the old courthouse. Lease by the stall, with discount for multiple horses. (740) 334-0341.

Three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home in Lynn Haven. Great room with fireplace, two-car garage, privacy-fenced backyard and shaded, private patio. Quiet, friendly neighborhood on low-traffic street. Lease/purchase possible. $1,275/month. (850) 271-0289.

Three-bedroom, two-bath home in Lynn Haven.

Garage, ceiling fans and inside laundry room.

On a cul-de-sac with a wooded area behind the backyard. $1,035/month. (850) 271-0289.

For Sale 25 ft. Proline. All electronics included, twin 140 Johnsons, trailer. $15,000 OBO. (850) 326-5577 after 5 p.m. or (850) 522-0680 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

2013 Xpress 19-ft. bass boat. 200 Yamaha Sho V Max motor; Atlas hydraulic jack plate; Lowrance HDS 8 Humminbird 160 on front; MK315D3 bank on-board charger; 101 36-volt Minn Kota Fortrex easy-lift trolling motor; all aluminum trailer; dual axle with brakes. $27,000. (850) 612-3932.

2005 travel trailer by Kodiak. Ends fold down for two queen beds. Complete bathroom and kitchen area with stove and microwave. Needs minor work and a new awning. Easy to pull, lightweight. $4,500. Can be seen at 10229 SW CR 275, Blountstown. John, (850) 643-7819.

1992 GMC Sierra pickup. Runs great, starts quick and easy, dependable. Good battery, tires, body and upholstery. $1,500 firm. (850) 274-0687.

Black wrought iron-look corner baker’s or knickknack rack, 5 ft. tall, $25. JBL Synchros E40BT Bluetooth wireless, new in box, $60; Nikon Ultra WideView binoculars, new in box, $55; ladies’ large Columbia snowsuit, black and hot pink, worn once, $20; ladies’ scrubs, seven sets and one white lab coat, various colors/prints, sizes large to extra-large, freshly laundered, $20 for all; Garmin Nuvi car GPS, $15. (850) 773-1970.

Pomegranates, figs and lemons. (850) 639-9698.

Miniature donkeys. Jacks and Jennys, black, brown, gray and paints. All ages. $300 and up.

Make great pets. Also standard donkeys. Betty, (850) 899-7424.

Dining room set: table with six chairs and lighted china cabinet. Cherry finish; like new. $800. Also, Baldwin piano with bench, $300; entertainment center, $40. (850) 785-1750.

Quarter horses. Ride well on trails, gentle, good for lessons. (850) 773-1957.

Trees: pomegranate, 10 varieties of figs, Japanese snowball, dwarf sweet lady finger banana and lemongrass. (850) 639-9698.

10 cleared 40 ft. x 100 ft. lots (1 acre). NW corner of Calhoun County, just off Highway 274. Grew garlic the past five years. Low taxes. $10,000.

(850) 303-1460. ½-acre corner lot. (850) 639-2220.

Ruffle neck scarves, lots of colors, $15. Doll dresses that fit American Girl/18-inch dolls, $20$25. (850) 648-1104.

Two- or three-bedroom cabin. About 1,200 sq. ft. with large screened porch. 150 ft. on West Arm Creek in Meeks subdivision. (850) 271-9040.

1949 Schwinn bike, all original and in good shape. Black platinum; only made from 19491951. $1,200 or trade. (850) 870-9991.

90 acres of hunting land near Ebro. Access to mega-acres of water management property.

(850) 832-3123.

Real Estate 1.5-acre lakefront property in Altha with threebedroom, two-bath mobile home. New metal roof, fireplace, front and back decks, shed and greenhouse. $155,000. (850) 896-3188.

Two bedroom mobile home on 1 acre with frontage on Highway 274. $69,000. Owner financing available with $15,000 down. (850) 896-3633.

Two beautiful lots in New Hope, one with a singlewide mobile home. In gated community on Holmes Creek with boat ramp and pavilion.

Asking $50,000 for one lot, $40,000 for the other or $80,000 for both. (850) 832-2695.

FSBO. Two adjacent lots, about 2.5 acres on paved road, 10 miles north of Wewahitchka, 45 minutes from beaches. Borders the Chipola River and Cypress Creek. Cleared and ready to build.

Quiet and peaceful; no neighbors. Deeded restrictions. Underground utilities, deep well and many fruit trees. $69,900. (850) 648-4214.

60 acres just south of Owenwood Road in Fountain with 1,000 ft. of Highway 231 frontage.

Great hunting. $150,000. 60 acres on Highway 231 in Fountain. Good for hunting or business. $170,000 OBO. (850) 832-2695.

Two cleared adjoining lots, each 50 ft. x 135 ft., near post office and stores in Fountain. $18,000 for both lots. (850) 387-3214.

Trading Post is a FREE service to members of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative.

GCEC reserves the right to edit or reject ads. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY OR TYPE. Please circle the category that applies: For Rent

For Sale

Real Estate

Free

Miscellaneous

Trade

Wanted

Items:

Name: Address: City:

Phone:

Mail your ad to: The Trading Post; Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; P.O. Box 8370; Southport, FL 32409; return with your electric payment; or email ad information to tradingpost@gcec.com. ** Due to press deadlines, please expect up to 60 days from submission for your advertisement to appear.

A P R I L 2 01 6

25

Gulf Coast

GCEC Vice President of Operations Francis Hinson, left, presents a plaque to Frank Bailey in recognition of his completion of the TVPPA Line Technician Apprenticeship Training Program.

GCEC CEO/General Manager Michael White, right, presents a plaque to Baylen Price in recognition of his completion of the TVPPA Line Technician Apprenticeship Training Program.

Line Technicians Complete Certification Training program teaches proper construction and safety procedures

26

APRIL 2016

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative employees Frank Bailey and Baylen Price recently became certified through the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, completing the Line Technician Apprenticeship Training Program.

In addition to four correspondence courses and three climbing, construction and operations laboratories (on-site classes), the training consists of four years of on-the-job training under a lead line technician.

The correspondence courses consist of independent study of math, electricity and alternating current fundamental principles that are the groundwork for understanding the hows and whys of the profession.

Students learn the basic tools and equipment used in everyday operations, as well as applications such as stringing and sagging wire; underground distribution systems; transmission and distribution line maintenance; transformer connections; meter applications; substation operations; and phasing and measuring voltage and current.

The three laboratories enable students to apply the knowledge learned from correspondence units.

Participants learn basic knots and safe climbing techniques, as well as pole-top rescue—skills necessary for overhead line construction. They build and frame lines according to specifications, and learn grounding and preparation of stress cones for underground cable. Effective job briefing and basic troubleshooting steps for overhead and underground systems are demonstrated, as well as transformer banking, bucket truck pre-trip inspection and bucket truck rescue.

Laboratories last one week each and were in north Alabama. Written and physical tests were required.

Although not all electric cooperatives require their line technicians to be certified, GCEC management believes the training ensures the cooperative’s line technicians use proper construction techniques and follow safety procedures to prevent harm to themselves, co-workers and consumers.

“Gulf Coast Electric lineworkers are not promoted to the line technician position title until they are certified,” said GCEC Vice President of Operations Francis Hinson. “Certification enhances not only employee knowledge, but also safety practices.” n

Gulf Coast

Annual Meeting Preview 2016

Minutes of the 2015 Annual Members’ Meeting The 67th Annual Meeting of the members of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Inc. convened at the headquarters building in Wewahitchka on Saturday, April 11, 2015.

The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. by CEO/General Manager Michael White, who welcomed everyone to the meeting. The invocation was given by Service Supervisor Perry Flowers. The Port St. Joe High School Naval ROTC presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Manager of Marketing and Communications Kristin Evans announced the food booths: Wewahitchka Search and Rescue serving sausage biscuits, coffee, pastries and other treats; the VFW serving hamburgers and hot dogs; the Wewahitchka Woman’s Club serving salty snacks; and Gulf Coast Electric providing drinks.

She encouraged members to stop by the Florida Rural Electric Credit Union booth, Gulf Coast Electric Marketing Department booth, Safety City and Van de Graaf Generator sponsored by PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, the Wewahitchka Ambulance Service for free blood pressure checks in the conference room and the Project Helping Hand booth. She also announced the children’s bounce house.

Mrs. Evans introduced The Gann Family, who provided the entertainment.

Immediately following the entertainment there was a short break. Mrs. Evans reminded the members to visit the food booths, as well as the displays and booths set up in the conference room. Mrs. Evans then gave away early-bird prizes.

Mrs. Evans introduced Attorney Pat Floyd, master of ceremonies. Mr. Floyd announced at 10:45 a.m. a quorum of members were present at the meeting.

(Total registration: 495 members). He exhibited a copy of the annual meeting notice and announced to the membership, as required by the bylaws, that we had received certification and verification 28

APRIL 2016

of mailing of the Official Notice of the Annual Meeting to the members.

Mr. Floyd presented the minutes from the Nominating Committee, which met Monday evening, January 19, 2015.

Nominations were presented by the Committee as follows: • District 3, Group 1 – Rupert Brown • District 3, Group 2 – Jimmy Black • District 3, Group 3 – Robert Byrd Since there was no opposition, Mr. Floyd asked for and received a motion and second to elect Rupert Brown, District 3, Group 1; Jimmy Black, District 3, Group 2; and Robert Byrd, District 3, Group 3 for the next three-year term.

The motion passed by an affirmative vote of the members.

Mr. Floyd reminded members to cast their vote for the proposed bylaw amendment change if they had not already done so and that the polls would close at 11 a.m.

Mrs. Evans then recognized and presented plants to the oldest person present, Vilas Pope of Blountstown, 941/2 years old; youngest person present, Jacob Hollingsworth of Wewahitchka, 4 months old; the couple married the longest, Edith and Charles Doyle of Wewahitchka, 68 years; and the couple married the shortest time, Kelly and Robert Diehl of Sandy Creek, 3 months.

Mr. White then announced each member of the board of trustees and told which areas they represented. He reported that Trustee Gary Cox and Trustee Betty Moore were not able to attend the meeting due to illness.

Mr. Floyd came forward and asked for adoption of the minutes of the 2014 Annual Members’ Meeting as printed in the Official Notice of the Meeting and the printed agenda handed out at registration. On a motion duly made and seconded, the minutes were approved by an affirmative vote of the membership.

Mr. Floyd asked for ratification of board actions from April 5, 2014,

through April 10, 2015. On a motion duly made and seconded, the board actions were approved by an affirmative vote of the membership.

The meeting was turned back over to Mr. White so he could address the membership.

Mr. White opened by welcoming everyone to the meeting and said the annual meeting gave him the opportunity to reflect on the previous year and report to the owners.

Mr. White said he was proud to report the cooperative is strong and financially stable. He stated that each day, he and the staff thought of ways to improve service, meet industry changes and add programs that add value to cooperative membership.

Mr. White said cooperative employees are committed to safety and that employees have adopted work practices that are paying off. From participating in monthly safety meetings to being certified in CPR, employees continue to stay in compliance with the latest regulations. He asked the membership to join him in congratulating employees for a job well done.

Mr. White announced that as the economy is still recovering, the cooperative remains financially sound. He said that once again, we witnessed a decline in energy sales from the previous year.

Mr. White stated the board and management team have worked together to make sound business decisions to post strong margins for 2014, and this is extremely important in keeping us in compliance with the financial requirements our lending institutions mandate. He let the membership know our audit firm has completed our financial audit for the 2014 year, and the financial statements printed in the April Florida Currents magazine remain unchanged.

Mr. White announced that in 2014, we continued our commitment of retiring

CEO/General Manager’s Message Continued from page 32

capital credits, and the board approved to increase the amount by 15 percent this year. We retired a total of $400,000 back to our membership.

We have added Flex Pay as a valueadded service. This allows our members to pay a very small deposit and prepay their electric bills. This service is very helpful in budgeting and becoming more familiar with members’ everyday use.

The cooperative received high marks again in member satisfaction. It had an 82 ACSI score, while the national average of investor-owned utilities was only 77. Employees received high marks again in being courteous, professional and knowledgeable.

One of the largest tasks we have undertaken is reclaiming our rights of way. The cooperative is cutting in the Wewahitchka area now. Our efforts are producing results by lessening outages and blinks and cutting costs as it relates to overtime. Mr. White encouraged members to continue working with staff as we increase reliability.

This is the fifth year into our utility privatization of electric and water service for Tyndall Air Force Base. It continues to be a successful venture that has assisted the cooperative in improving its bottom line.

The management team and board are continuing to work hard to drive costs down and keep electric rates competitive. The cooperative sells 1,000 kilowatthours a month cheaper than our closest investor-owned utility.

Mr. White explained that the election was to amend the bylaws to allow the members of the cooperative to participate in mail-in and electronic voting. This would allow more people to participate in the operation and guidance of GCEC. Currently, members must attend the annual meeting to vote and have their voice heard. Unfortunately, there are many members who have to work, who

By no means does this mail-in voting process replace your annual meeting. It simply removes the business portion to the balloting system to give more members the opportunity to participate and replaces members standing in line in order to register and vote. For those that enjoy the festivities, we will still have children’s activities; complimentary food and beverages; informational booths; and live music.

As an added bonus, we included a prize ticket with your ballot. If you attend the meeting, make sure that you bring this ticket to the event. We will have a place where you can turn in half the ticket in order to be eligible to win additional prizes at the event. If you do not bring this ticket, you will not be eligible for the prizes that we give away at this year’s event, so don’t forget your ticket!

The election will close on April 20, 2016. If the third party does not receive your ballot by this date, it will be rejected, so please be mindful of the deadline.

Should you have a question about the ballot, please feel free to contact us. As always, it is a pleasure to serve you.

Sincerely, Michael E. White CEO/General Manager are elderly or who have other situations that don’t allow them to attend. We conducted a straw poll last year of the membership, and 92 percent of respondents were in favor for allowing mail-in and/ or electronic voting. Therefore, the board decided to put it on the ballot for members to vote on this year. By voting “yes,” more of our membership would participate in the cooperative.

Mr. White said he appreciated the members attending the annual meeting.

The annual meeting is an integral part of our identity as a nonprofit. Cooperatives are different from any other electric utility. Here you have a voice because you are an owner. Cooperative employees are here to meet the needs of our members.

Members of GCEC set our priorities.

Electric leaders from among membership ranks lead the co-op.

In summary, Mr. White said he appreciated the opportunity to work for the membership, but said the true backbone of the cooperative was its employees. He said we have a great group of employees who are dedicated to this cooperative and to the members. He said the employees

will continue to strive to deliver members the service they deserve and expect. He closed by saying it was a pleasure to serve the membership.

Mr. Floyd asked for any unfinished business. There was none.

Mr. Floyd asked for new business.

There was none.

Mr. Floyd announced the election results as follows: bylaw amendment passed with 352 “yes” votes and 100 “no” votes.

There being no further business, a motion was made and duly seconded to close the business portion of the meeting.

Mrs. Evans came back to draw for the grand prizes.

The 67th Annual Meeting of the Members adjourned at 11:45 a.m.

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Inc.

A P R I L 2 01 6

29

FL-154

Offices 722 West Highway 22 P. O. Box 220 Wewahitchka, FL 32465 (850) 639-2216 or (800) 333-9392

9434 Highway 77 P. O. Box 8370 Southport, FL 32409 (850) 265-3631 or (800) 568-3667 6243 East Highway 98 Panama City, FL 32404 Phone: (850) 481-1188 www.gcec.com

CEO/General Manager Michael E. White

Trustees President Waylon Graham Vice President Jimmy Black Secretary Eddie Jones Treasurer Rupert Brown Doug Birmingham Robert Byrd Gary Cox Kinneth Daniels Betty Moore Trustees normally meet the third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. CST. The board meets at the Wewahitchka office in even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October and December) and the Southport office in odd-numbered months (January, March, May, July, September and November).

The mission of GCEC: Fulfilling the changing needs of our membership and communities by providing cost effective, reliable and safe utility services through a dedicated and responsive workforce.

32

APRIL 2016

CEO/General Manager’s Message

68th Annual Meeting Ushers in Voting Change Valued GCEC Member: It is my pleasure to invite you and your family to our 68th Annual Members’ Meeting on April 30, 2016, beginning at 8 a.m. at our headquarters office in Wewahitchka.

At last year’s meeting, the board elected to propose a bylaw amendment to the membership. This amendment allows for mail-in voting versus voting at the annual meeting.

As a member-owned electric cooperative, it is imperative that the members participate by voting on changes that will improve their cooperative, bringing it closer to being the ideal Michael White electric utility. We have many members that cannot attend the meeting due to health, and others would like to participate, but cannot afford the time. Therefore, the mail-in process makes voting fair for everyone.

Returning the ballot is a way of guaranteeing your voice is heard.

Those in attendance voted 4 to 1 to allow for mail-in voting. Therefore, you received this year’s ballot to complete at your convenience and return by mail. Your elected board of directors and staff are enacting the voice of the members with this change.

Please read the material, select your responses, enclose the ballot in the postagepaid envelope, and place in the mail. As you will see, your ballot will be mailed to a third party that is conducting the voting process on behalf of the cooperative. The third party is conducting this process for us so that we do not have access to the completed ballots. Therefore, please make sure that you mail your ballot. We are unable to accept ballots hand-delivered to our offices.

This year, District 1 trustees are up for re-election. The incumbents are Betty Moore, Group 1; Gary Cox, Group 2; and Kinneth Daniels, Group 3. None of the incumbents faced opposition. Therefore, following Robert’s Rules of Order, there is no need for a formal vote. The matter is decided by “Acclamation” or by “Unanimous Consent.” Because there will be no voting brought before the membership on the day of the event, you will need to check the “Acclamation” box in order for us to install the three trustees.

In appreciation of your time, we will credit $5 to your electric bill for participating.

The cooperative will also work with the third party to obtain a random selection of members to receive prizes. Those who are randomly selected will receive a gift card with a value of at least $25. Also, 10 lucky members will be randomly selected to each receive a $100 electric bill credit for a total of $1,000 of FREE ELECTRICITY! Continues on page 29