2017 April GCEC Florida Currents

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative

A P R I L 2017

GCEC Rewards Students With State Capital Visit 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 two-day tour. The Florida Supreme Court was among the stops. See the story on page 6.

Saving Starts With Energy Use PAGE 4 Thank a Lineman on April 18 PAGE 28 n

Gulf Coast

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Inside

April 2017 Vol. 6, No. 6

And the Question is ... 10

Florida college student Mari Hanley rubs shoulders with Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek during her appearance on the game show.

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

APRIL 2017

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Gulf Coast

Saving Starts With Energy Use Your electric bill reflects the co-op’s ability to deliver however much power you demand at any given time

The cost of generating electricity constantly changes—and the kilowatt-hour delivered at dinnertime costs more to generate than the one delivered at midnight.

Two major factors affect the price of electricity: the price of fuel needed to generate power, such as coal or natural gas, and the demand for power at any given time.

When demand for energy goes up, so do the costs.

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative works to reduce these peaks, helping to lower the cost of energy for members.

Along with its wholesale power provider, GCEC must match the amount of electricity generated to the amount being used 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. As consumers use more electricity, the amount of resources available to supply that energy must increase.

By changing when you use electricity, you can level out the peaks. That helps Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative reduce its wholesale power supply costs—and keeps your rates low.

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APRIL 2017

How You Can Help During peak hours: XX Don’t take showers or baths.

XX Avoid using the dishwasher.

XX Use only the cold water cycle on your clothes washer.

By reducing the amount of power consumed during peak times, we can reduce our wholesale power supply costs and help keep your rates low.

For us, saving starts here. We value your membership. We value you. n

For GCEC, peaks are most likely to occur on the hottest afternoons of the summer between 2 and 7 p.m. and in the winter between 5 and 9 a.m. This is when members use the most energy in their homes.

Because peak demand has a great influence on energy rates, all members have a stake in reducing the peak. They can help lower peak demand by changing when they use electricity.

By changing patterns of use, we can work together to lower energy costs.

One simple way to reduce peak demand is by managing the times when water heaters work the most.

H2O Plus is a program that shifts when water heaters use electricity to times of lower demand on the system, when electricity is less expensive. The small device installed on members’ water heaters allows GCEC to cycle it off during peak hours and turn it back on after the critical hours have passed.

Since water stored in the tank is already hot, homeowners do not even notice a difference in the amount of hot water available for baths and household tasks. n Contact Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative for information on the H2O Plus program. Eligible households receive a $25 electric bill credit.

Don’t Forget to Mark Your Calendar!

May

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative 69th Annual Members’ Meeting

SUNDAY

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Saturday, May 6, 2017 7

Headquarters office: 722 West Highway 22, Wewahitchka

In addition to the business meeting and voting, enjoy: XX Live music XX Informative booths XX Children’s activities XX Complimentary food and beverages XX Prizes. Don’t forget to bring the ticket enclosed in your registration packet so you are eligible to win!

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Registration begins at 8 a.m. CST

MONDA Y

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TUESDA Y SDAY

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THURSD

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WEDNE

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FRIDAY

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We hope to see you there!

Meet Your District II, Group 3 Trustee Eddie Jones joined the Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees in 1995, representing Gulf County.

A retired railroad engineer, Eddie is an honorary member of the Wewahitchka Volunteer Fire Department and a charter member of the Wewahitchka Lions Club.

He earned the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Credentialed Cooperative Director certification. The program requires attendance and demonstrated understanding of the basic competencies contained in five core

courses: Director Utilities and Liabilities; Understanding the Electric Business; Board Roles and Relationships; Business Planning; and Understanding Financial Planning.

Eddie also earned NRECA’s Board Leadership certificate.

That 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.

In recognition of his commitment to continuing education throughout his service

on the board, Eddie also has earned the Director Gold certificate from NRECA. The designation recognizes directors who have earned both their Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate and Board Leadership certificates.

Eddie is secretary of the board of trustees. Throughout his tenure on GCEC’s board, he also has served as president, vice president and treasurer.

He has been an alternate on the board of trustees for the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association and the PowerSouth Energy Cooperative. n

Eddie Jones

APRIL 2017

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SATURD AY

Gulf Coast

Co-op Partner Launches Program for Veterans With Disabilities CoBank—a cooperative bank serving Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative and other rural businesses throughout the United States—seeks your help to identify veterans with disabilities who live in America’s rural communities.

In partnership with its customers and the nonprofit group No Barriers USA, CoBank will sponsor up to 50 veterans from rural areas across the U.S. to participate in outdoor expeditions that challenge them mentally and physically, and help them transform their lives.

GCEC is eligible to nominate one veteran. If selected, CoBank will cover all travel and participation costs.

“Every American owes an enormous debt of gratitude to the men and women who serve in the armed forces and protect our country,” said CoBank CEO Bob Engel.

“Those who are wounded or injured in the course of duty are even more deserving of our thanks.”

Engel noted that more than 5 million of the nation’s 22 million veterans are live in rural areas.

No Barriers was co-founded by Erik Weihenmayer, an internationally renowned mountain climber and the only blind person in history to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

“We’ve seen the transformation that takes place when veterans are able to overcome the mental and physical challenges involved in one of our expeditions, and then apply the skills they’ve learned to the challenges faced in their day-to-day lives,” said Weihenmayer.

Nominations close on May 1. To recommend a participant, contact Kristin Evans right away at kevans@ gcec.com or (850) 913-3731. n

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APRIL 2017

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s Rural Electric Youth Tour representatives, from left, alternate Savannah Harrison and winners Savannah Gardner and Savanah Parker.

GCEC Rewards Students With State Capital Visit Savannah Gardner and Savanah Parker will represent Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative in Washington, D.C., for the annual Rural Electric Youth Tour.

The two were selected in the cooperative’s recent competition.

Savannah Harrison is the alternate.

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 high schoolers entering their senior year from across the United States to tour the nation’s capital.

Local civic organizations and high schools nominate students who vie for the trip. This year’s contestants and the organizations they represented were: • Holley Bailey, Kinard Volunteer Fire Department.

• Jonah Bidwell, Wewahitchka Woman’s Club.

• Mariah Brown, Overstreet Volunteer Fire Department.

• Savannah Gardner, Deane Bozeman School.

• Brook Haddock, Wewahitchka Volunteer Fire Department.

• Savannah Harrison, Wewahitchka High School.

• Brooke Hysmith, Wewahitchka Ambulance Service.

• Lauren Martin, Altha Public School.

• Jocelyn Minchew, Wewahitchka Search and Rescue.

• Savanah Parker, Dalkeith Volunteer Fire Department.

• Antonio Rodriguez, Vernon High School.

• Anna Setterich, Wetappo Creek Volunteer Fire Department.

• Nick Smith, Greenhead Volunteer Fire Department.

• Selena Stone, Mossy Pond

Volunteer Fire Department.

• Sarah Lynn White, Blountstown High School.

• Jacob Yon, Scotts Ferry Volunteer Fire Department.

In addition to selecting students for the Washington, D.C., trip, GCEC takes all of the nominated students on a twoday trip to Tallahassee, where they tour sites in the state capital with other eleventh-graders representing electric cooperatives from across the state.

Students toured the governor’s mansion and visited the Challenger Learning Center, where they observed an electromagnetic demonstration. They also witnessed a Supreme Court hearing and had a mock session in the House chambers.

They dined at various restaurants and visited Sky Zone.

Joining GCEC’s Youth Tour group to Tallahassee were Breanna Brackin, a junior at Chipley High School, and Kendall Cook, a junior at Rutherford

High School. As the child and grandchild of cooperative employees, they were not eligible to compete in the local contest.

Instead, they submitted essays in a statewide contest for children and grandchildren of cooperative employees and board members.

“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 Rural Electric Youth Tour program got its start in 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 effort.

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

All of the students who competed in GCEC’s Rural Electric Youth Tour contest were invited to travel to Tallahassee for a two-day tour. Pictured in the House Chambers, from left, Mariah Brown, Selena Stone, Nick Smith, Kendall Cook, Holley Bailey, Jacob Yon, Sarah Lynn White, Savanah Parker, Jonah Bidwell, Brooke Hysmith, Savannah Gardner, Brook Haddock, Jocelyn Minchew, Antonio Rodriguez, Anna Setterich, Savannah Harrison, Breanna Brackin and Lauren Martin.

APRIL 2017

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Gulf Coast

Barfield Completes Certification Program Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s Cole Barfield recently became certified through the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, completing the line technician apprenticeship training program that teaches proper construction and safety procedures.

The training consists of four correspondence courses; three on-site climbing, construction and operations laboratories; and 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 intricacies 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 the 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.

Chief Operating Officer Francis Hinson, right, congratulates Cole Barfield for completing the TVPPA line technician apprenticeship training program.

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 Chief Operations Officer Francis Hinson. “Certification enhances not only employee knowledge, but safety practices.” n

Cooperative Makes Staffing Changes Two Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative management staff members have transferred into new positions.

Francis Hinson was promoted to chief operating officer.

Hinson was hired as manager of operations in 2012 after working for PowerSouth Energy Cooperative for 26 years. He was promoted to vice president of operations in 2015.

In 2016, Hinson was the first recipient of the Tomica Lowery Memorial Award, which recognizes an employee who appreciates fundamental human needs of fellow employees; communicates

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APRIL 2017

Francis Hinson

John Bartley

clearly with co-workers; and increases organizational commitment, which encompasses employee satisfaction, enjoyment at work, and lowering negative efforts leading to lower absenteeism and stress.

In his new position, Hinson will continue to oversee operations, as well

as the engineering and military affairs departments.

John Bartley, chief financial officer, will continue to manage the accounting staff and will oversee the member services and marketing departments.

Bartley was hired in 2014 as manager of accounting and finance and was promoted to CFO in 2015.

He has an extensive background in accounting, business analysis, finance, human resources and planning. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration and accounting.

Bartley is also a CPA and a certified fraud examiner. He has also completed the Rural Utilities Service borrower accounting course. n

Gulf Coast

Trading Post For Rent Three-bedroom, two-bath home in Mowat Highlands in Lynn Haven. Split bedroom plan with separate dining room, fireplace, inside laundry room, two-car garage and privacyfenced backyard with greenway behind. $1,535 a month. (850) 271-0289.

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.

For Sale Floor plate for woodchuck chipper. New, with u-bolts and gib bolts. (850) 960-4233.

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.

Stackable washer/dryer with rack. Excellent condition. $600 OBO. (850) 722-4910.

1912 Case steam traction engine, $45,000 OBO or trade for antique car/truck. 1935 steel-wheel Farmall F-12 (have fenders), $3,000. Allis Chalmers “G,” $3,000. Grist mill, $1,200. Burr mill, $200.

International 300 propane tractor with factory dual wheels, $1,800. John Deere 1010 diesel bulldozer, $3,000. John Deere 350 bulldozer, $3,000.

International P-12 power unit, $300. Colt model N NO. 5 SN 104721 acetylene gas generator (never installed), $700. Continental power unit, $600.

John Deere 110 power unit, $4,500. John Deere A tractor, $2,500. Economy tractor, $1,800. Mighty Mouse bulldozer, $3,000. McCormick Deering Farmall regular tractor, $1,500. Pictures available.

John, (850) 827-2426, after 5 p.m. Central.

Women’s Fox Creek leather biker jacket. New, size large, top quality, made in the U.S.A. Paid $550; asking $250. (850) 260-2045.

Large dresser with mirror, six drawers and matching nightstand, $200. Antique solid wood teacher’s desk, $125. Weight bench with weights, $100; without weights, $50. (850) 447-2117.

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

2012 Honda Civic LX sedan. 43,000 miles. $11,500. (850) 722-6004

Miscellaneous Home service installations: child protection devices, pet doors, shelving/organizers, TV mounts and surround sound, surveillance equipment, digital thermostats, whole-house water filters, washer/dryer hook-ups, showerheads, weather-stripping, curtain rods and blinds. Home maintenance: replace filters, clean A/C coils, flush water heater, clean dryer vent and drains. Lubricate hinges, locks and doors. Inspect fireplace, fire extinguisher, garage door opener/motor, well pump and sprinkler system. Free estimates. (850) 722-4619 or (850) 596-2788 or proactivems@outlook.com.

Real Estate Chipola riverfront in Scotts Ferry. 2,700 sq. ft. brick home (heated and cooled) on 200x170 lot.

One bedroom, one bathroom, kitchen and living room downstairs; two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen and living room upstairs. 20x24 garage, 8x36 covered glass sunporch, fireplace. $143,000. (850) 933-6150.

Four Chipola riverfront lots for sale. High and dry. $90,000. (850) 933-6150.

Three-bedroom, one-bath 888 sq. ft. home on two lots at 1234 7th St., Southport. $54,000.

(317) 254-1984.

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.

Two- or three-bedroom cabin. About 1,200 sq. ft. with large screened porch. 150’ on West Arm Creek in Meeks subdivision. (850) 271-9040. ½-acre corner lot. (850) 639-2220.

10 40x40 cleared lots north of Fountain, ½ mile off 231 on paved road. $10,000. (850) 303-1460.

10 acres at 11025 Lawrence Road in Fountain.

Surveyed. $49,900. Owner financing with $1,800 down. (850) 832-5652.

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:

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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.

APRIL 2017

25

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Offer subject to credit approval. Refinanced applies to boats financed at other institutions. Current FRECU loans do not apply.

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APRIL 2017

Gulf Coast

Thank a Lineman on April 18 Lineworkers serve on the frontlines of our nation’s energy delivery system. On April 18, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative will honor the employees who work in challenging and often dangerous conditions to keep the lights on.

We are proud to recognize all electric lineworkers for the services they perform around the clock in difficult conditions to keep power flowing and protect the public’s safety.

“Lineworkers are the first responders of our electric cooperative, and they’re always ready to get the job done, day or night,” said GCEC CEO/General Manager Michael White. “Whether they’re restoring power after a major storm or maintaining critical infrastructure to our electric system, lineworkers are at the heart of everything we do.”

GCEC is proud to honor the lineworkers who maintain more than 2,600 miles of power lines in our service territory, and will recognize them with a luncheon to celebrate Lineman Appreciation Day. All co-op members are invited to take a moment and thank a lineworker for the work they do.

On April 18, use #ThankALineman on social media to show your support for the men and women who light our lives. n

Jacob O’Bryan pepares his climbing equipment for pole-top rescue training.

GCEC crews assist Talquin Electric Cooperative following Hurricane Hermine.

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APRIL 2017

After taking a ride in the bucket truck, Jacob O’Bryan, left, and Chad Brackin give Deer Point students a closer look at the bucket and the tools inside.

Right-of-Way Trimming Ensures Safety, Reliability Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative will clear rights-of-way in Crystal Lake and Fountain during April.

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 the cooperative’s ability to ensure safe, reliable electric service for all members.

If the cooperative’s right-of-way clearance were not maintained, tree limbs and other growth coming into contact with power lines would greatly increase the number of power outages experienced by members.

The cooperative tries to work with each landowner to preserve landscaping when maintaining rightsof-way. While most property owners regard trees as an asset, 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

Left, Brennis Smith prepares to descend the pole after “rescuing” the dummy as T.J. Davis looks on from the bucket, and Chris Pippin watches from the ground during pole-top rescue training.

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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.

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APRIL 2017

GCEC President’s Message

69th Annual Meeting Around the Corner Complete and return the mail-in ballot sent to you and get a $5 bill credit

By now, your ballot for the 2017 annual meeting should have arrived in your mailbox. We encourage you to complete and return it. Your voting package includes a postage-paid envelope.

In appreciation for your participation, every member who returns their ballot will receive a $5 credit on their electric bill.

Each ballot has a unique PIN. In appreciation for participating in your annual meeting, the third party who is handling the election for the cooperative will randomly select ballot PINs. These members will receive $25 gift cards in the mail.

GCEC also will randomly select 10 members to receive $100 electric bill credits. These members will need to come to one of the cooperative’s offices to redeem the credit.

The election closes 10 days before the annual meeting, which is Saturday, May 6, at Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s headquarters office in Wewahitchka. The meeting begins at 8 a.m. Central and ends around 11 a.m.

We will have complimentary refreshments, children’s activities and live music.

Don’t forget to bring the ticket enclosed in your voting packet so you can register to win prizes given away at the meeting.

I encourage you to take a part in the meeting. Each member has a voice in the operations of GCEC, and those voices need to be heard.

Waylon Graham