2018 March GCEC Florida Currents

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative

M A R C H 2018

Investing in Our Students Students representing Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative toured the Governor’s Mansion during their visit to Tallahassee in February. Read more on page 4.

Project Helping Hand PAGE 8 Open Usage Tracking Tool Available Online PAGE 28 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.

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

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LET’S

POWER SAVINGS

Saving begins with a well-maintained heating and cooling system. Change air filters monthly and check for obstructions around your outdoor compressor unit. www.gcec.com (800) 568-3667

We value your membership.

We value you.

Inside

March 2018 Vol. 7, No. 5

The Buzz About Pollinators 12 Feed the workhorses responsible for our food production.

Also In This Issue Side Roads 10 In the Kitchen 16 Outdoor Pursuits 18

Travel Journal 20 Festival Roundup 22 Parting Shot 30

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

MARCH 2018

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Gulf Coast

Investing in Our Students GCEC rewards Youth Tour applicants with a visit to the Florida state capital

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative representatives got to sit in the chairs of State Supreme Court justices during the visit to Tallahassee.

Each year, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative sponsors the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour contest for high school juniors whose parents or guardians are members of GCEC. In late February, contestants are interviewed by a panel of three judges from the electric cooperative industry. Two winners are chosen to travel on an allexpenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in June, where they join other high schoolers from across the nation who are entering their senior year.

Local civic organizations and high schools nominate students who vie for the trip. This year’s contestants and the organizations they represent are: • Daniel Bozeman, Wewahitchka Woman’s Club.

• Beau Brown, Wetappo Creek Volunteer Fire Department.

• Madison Hall, Wewahitchka Ambulance Service.

• Kade Hawkins, Wewahitchka Search and Rescue.

• Caitlyn Hurst, Blountstown High School.

• Ashten Lolley, Wewahitchka High School.

• Kyndell Moore, Port St. Joe High School.

• Rayanna Penix, Wewahitchka Volunteer Fire Department.

• Makenzy Perkins, Scotts Ferry

Daniel Bozeman

Madison Hall

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M A R C H 2 0 18

Beau Brown

Kade Hawkins

Volunteer Fire Department.

• Aubrie Rounds, A. Crawford Mosley High School.

• Joshua Schneider, Kinard Volunteer Fire Department.

• Alex Wiggins, Deane Bozeman School.

GCEC took all of the students nominated for the Washington, D.C., trip on a two-day trip to Tallahassee, where they toured sites in the state capital with other 11th-graders representing electric cooperatives from across the state.

Students toured the governor’s mansion and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. They also toured the Supreme Court, had a mock session in the House chambers and visited the Fun Station arcade, with miniature golf and more.

“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 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 NRECA began coordinating 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

Caitlyn Hurst

Ashten Lolley

High school juniors selected to compete for a trip to the nation’s capital in June were treated to a two-day trip to Tallahassee in February. Among their stops was the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.

Kyndell Moore

Rayanna Penix

Makenzy Perkins

Aubrie Rounds

Joshua Schneider

Alex Wiggins MARCH 2018

5

Gulf  Coast

GCEC Employee News Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is proud to announce the addition of an employee to its staff, and the promotion of two employees.

Teresa Chase joins the cooperative as collections representative. She worked for Bay Medical for 17 years.

Josh Pitts has been promoted from lineman II to foreman of construction.

He has worked at the cooperative since 2010. Josh started out in the Teresa Chase right-of-way department and then became a line technician trainee. He is a graduate of A. Crawford Mosley High School and attended Tallahassee Community College, Alabama Southern Community College and Troy University.

He has an associate degree.

Right-of-Way Trimming Ensures Safety, Reliability Do you live in the Bayou George, Crystal Lake or Fountain areas? Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative will be clearing rights-of-way in those areas during March.

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 GCEC works to bring you quality, reliable service. n Right, vegetation management is critical to a reliable power system.

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Josh Pitts

Ashley Watkins

Ashley Watkins has been promoted from cashier/ receptionist to member service representative.

She has worked at the cooperative since 2017.

She previously worked for Comcast for 11 years. n

Meet Your District III, Group 2 Trustee Jimmy Black represents members in the Green HillsFountain area, bounded on the west side by the centerline of North Bay, Deer Point Lake and the Econfina Creek, on the north and east by the Bay County line and on the south by the township line dividing Township 2 South and Township 3 South.

He joined the Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees in 2008.

Jimmy has a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Texas A&M University and a master’s in public administration from

Golden Gate University. He retired as a major from the U.S. Air Force in 1994 and has been a teacher for Bay District schools since that time.

In 2005, Jimmy earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director certification. In 2016, he was awarded his Director Gold Credential. He currently serves as vice president of GCEC’s Board of Directors.

Jimmy and his wife, Lorie, have three children.

In his spare time, he enjoys sports, particularly umpiring baseball and softball games.

He attends Hiland Park Baptist Church. n

Jimmy Black

Don’t Forget to Mark Your Calendar!

April

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative 70th Annual Members’ Meeting

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Saturday, April 28 Headquarters office: 722 West Highway 22, Wewahitchka Registration begins at 8 a.m. CST

SUNDAY

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MONDAY

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TUESDA Y WEDNE

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THURSD

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24 In addition to the business meeting and voting, 2 enjoy: 9 30 XX Live music by The Drummond Family 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!

SDAY

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AY FRIDAY

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SATURD AY

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We hope to see you there!

MARCH 2018

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Gulf Coast

Project Helping Hand Pledge Name: _________________________________________ GCEC account number: ___________________________ Mailing address: ________________________________ ___________________________________________ Telephone number: ______________________________

In 2017, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative members contributed $10,717.27 to the Project Helping Hand program, started in 2004 for members who temporarily need assistance paying their electric bills.

While most of those funds were raised through regular contributions—members have the option of adding $1, $3 or $5 to their bill each month—nearly $4,500 was raised between Thanksgiving and Christmas when paper “lightbulbs” were sold in GCEC offices. Members bought the lightbulbs and inscribed them with a name. They were displayed in cooperative office lobbies during the holidays.

Family Service Agency determines who receives assistance.

“We are proud to be in partnership with the Family Service Agency on our Project Helping Hand program,” says GCEC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Kristin Evans. “Family Service Agency ensures that the funds raised for this program go directly to benefit members who are truly in need.”

Family Service Agency is a nonprofit organization funded

by United Way, private contributions, fundraising projects and in-kind donations. Founded in 1945 under the Bay County Community Chest, which later became United Way, the mission of Family Service Agency is to socially and economically assist and direct disadvantaged families to resolve immediate problems by providing assistance with food, rent, utilities, medication, clothing and referral to other agencies. All services and goods are distributed without cost to the community. n To learn more about how to donate to the Project Helping Hand program, call 265-3631, 481-1188 or 639-2216. To inquire about receiving assistance from the program, call 785-1721.

Signature: _____________________________________ I pledge to have the following amount added to my utility bill each month and deposited into the Project Helping Hand account. I understand this is a perpetual agreement, and I must notify Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative by phone or mail to remove this recurring donation from my bill.

Select donation amount: ____ $1 ____$3 ____$5 Cut out, complete and return this form with your electric payment or mail to: Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; Attn. Kristin Evans; P.O. Box 8370; Southport, FL 32409.

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M A R C H 2 0 18

In appreciation of their work on the Project Helping Hand lightbulb promotion, GCEC Vice President of Member Services Justin Barnes presented gift cards to Member Services Representatives Sheila Alston, left, and Shannon Hill. They collected the most donations during the 2017 holiday season fundraiser.

Gulf Coast

Trading Post For Rent Beautiful ¼-acre country lot for RVs. $350 a month, includes all utilities. Indian Bluff area.

(850) 387-9966.

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 Heavy-duty pallets used once, like new, 40 inches by 48 inches. $7 each or $120 for all 24.

John, (850) 387-5536.

Two gravesites, side by side, in Evergreen Memorial Gardens on Highway 231. $5,000 for both. (850) 763-1492.

1995 18-ft. aluminum Lowe boat with 115 hp Suzuki with aluminum trailer. Runs well. $2,500.

(850) 866-3425.

Adult motorized three-wheeled electric bicycle with batteries. Excellent condition. Asking $500.

(850) 381-8900.

Glass table, $10; six-person hot tub, $800; arc welder and tools, $100; riding lawnmower, 42-inch cut, $250; top and dye set, $100; three construction shovels, $25; new toaster oven in box, $15; full-size camcorder with case, extra battery and charger; 21-inch color TV, $35; small boom box radio, $5. (850) 762-8607.

Apartment-size dryer and front-loading washing machine. $375. (850) 722-4910.

Exotic and Persian cats, $100 rehoming fee.

Must be neutered and spayed. (850) 265-5373.

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

Wanted

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.

Horse trainer. (850) 762-8607.

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

Real Estate FSBO. Beautiful, move-in ready, 2,840-squarefoot four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath brick home on a half acre at 225 Old Transfer Road in Wewahitchka. Formal living and dining rooms; huge kitchen with center island; den with fireplace; breakfast area; large Florida room; real hardwood flooring; laundry room; oversized garage; large storage building; boat shed; surround sound throughout; lots of fans and lighting. Master bedroom has his-and-her walkin closets and a large bathroom. All ceilings are 10 feet with decorative molding. Reduced to $329,900. Lloyd or Gail, (850) 568-1021.

Check Out GCEC On the Following Social Media Channels “Like” our Facebook page by visiting www.facebook.com/ GulfCoastElectric “Follow” us on Twitter: @GulfCoastEC “Follow” us on Instagram: @gulfcoastelectric

½-acre corner lot. (850) 639-2220.

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.

“Watch” us on YouTube at www.youtube.com/ gulfcoastelectriccooperative

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:

Phone:

Address:

City/zip:

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.

MARCH 2018

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Gulf  Coast

Considering Solar Energy?

Before you make the investment, please talk with us to understand requirements for inspection and installation We know some Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative members are considering installing solar panels. Please be aware all solar applications must be pre-approved and inspected to ensure they meet certain engineering codes and criteria.

If you are considering a solar energy installation, please contact GCEC’s Peyton Gleaton at (850) 265-3631. n

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M A R C H 2 0 18

Gulf Coast

Open Usage Available Online Track and manage your energy use with this tool Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative offers a tool to assist members in tracking their energy use. Open Usage is available at www.gcec.com.

To access the program, log on to our website and click the “Account Access” link on the left side of the homepage. From there, you will be prompted to enter your email address and password.

If you are not registered to view your account(s) and pay your bills online, you must click the “Register Now” link to access Open Usage. Once signed in, select “Open Usage” from the menu on the left side of the screen. If you have multiple accounts, you can select the account you wish to view from the dropdown menu at the top of the screen.

Enter a date range for the data you wish to view, or select a timeframe of the last two weeks, a month, three months or yearto-date. Once you make your selection, a chart will appear that shows both the high and low temperatures and your energy use in relation to the weather. If you hold your mouse over each bar on the chart, your daily energy use will appear. Weekdays are depicted by blue bars. Weekends are shown in gray.

You also can view this information in a list format at the bottom of the screen. Scroll down to see your average consumption, total consumption, lowest use and highest use during the selected timeframe, as well as the highest and lowest outdoor temperatures. Data can be saved as a PDF or exported to a spreadsheet for your records.

“Open Usage is a great tool available to GCEC members,” said GCEC Vice President of Member Services Justin Barnes. “By combining crucial weather and meter data, members can better track and manage their usage.” n 28

M A R C H 2 0 18

1234567- Electric- 1111 Main St (Residence)

1234567

1234567- Electric- 1111 Main St (Residence)

Electric

1111 Main St (Residence)

Current

$162.92

1234567- Electric- 1111 Main St (Residence)

1234567

MARCH 2018

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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 John Bartley

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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GCEC President’s Message

2018 Residential Member Satisfaction Survey Coming

At Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, our mission is to meet your needs while providing you reliable energy services at the lowest possible cost. To serve you better, we need a little feedback. That’s why we are conducting the 2018 Residential Member Satisfaction Survey the first quarter 2018. We want to find out how well we currently meet your needs and how we can improve.

GCEC has partnered with research firm Inside Information Inc. of Kansas City, Missouri, to conduct the survey via telephone and online to measure your: • Attitudes and perceptions toward GCEC. • Satisfaction with and loyalty to your cooperative.

• Perception on energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental issues.

• New product/service offerings.

• Use of technology/personal communication opportunities (social media, texts, mobile apps, etc.).

• Demographics.

During the survey, a randomly selected group of members will be asked to respond to questions that will allow us to determine ways we can enhance our member service to better suit your needs. Randomly selected members will receive postcards in the mail asking them to complete an online survey, or take part in a telephone interview later.

The survey includes a series of questions that rate the reliability, value and quality of our service; our commitment to community; our concern for the environment; our ability to restore power following an outage; how well we communicate with you; and other questions to help us gauge the quality of our service.

All information we gather during the interviews will be kept strictly confidential and not be shared with third parties.

By participating in this short survey, you will help us by providing your thoughts about GCEC, while helping us make important decisions about providing you reliable power and exceptional member service.

After all, at Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, our members are the owners, and we are here to serve you.

For questions about the 2018 Residential Member Satisfaction Survey, contact Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative at 639-2216.

Waylon Graham