OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF CANOOCHEE ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION
Canoochee EMC Celebrates 2025 Washington Youth Tour Delegates
Pamela Chihuahua
CCanoochee EMC is proud to announce the students who will be participating in the 2025 Washington Youth Tour (WYT), a prestigious annual event that sends four exceptional high school juniors to Washington, D.C. This year’s delegates are:
• Pamela Chihuahua, Long County High School
• Chad Allen Irie, Tattnall County High School
• Haleigh McWilliams, Pinewood Christian Academy
• Aubrianna Stewart, Bryan County High School
These students have demonstrated outstanding leadership potential and a commitment to community service. They will represent Canoochee EMC and their schools during a weeklong trip to the nation’s capital this summer, where they will gain a deeper understanding of the democratic process and the importance of civic engagement.
A Journey of Leadership and Learning
The Washington Youth Tour is more than just a trip; it’s a transformative experience. Since the 1960s, electric cooperatives across the country have sponsored more than 50,000 students to participate in this national program. It offers young leaders an up close look at their government in action and opportunities to meet with their representatives, engage with leaders and explore significant historical and cultural sites.
During the tour, participants will also learn about the history of electric cooperatives and their role in community development. This aligns with Canoochee EMC’s commitment to fostering leadership and service among young people.
Representing Diverse Communities
This year’s group is notable for its diversity, with each student hail-
ing from a different high school. This highlights the widespread impact and accessibility of the WYT, ensuring that students from all parts of our service area have the chance to participate in this incredible learning opportunity.
Canoochee EMC is excited to see what these young leaders will bring back from their experience and how their perspectives will grow. We believe that programs like the Washington Youth Tour are essential in developing the next generation of leaders who are informed, engaged and passionate about serving their communities.
We wish Pamela, Haleigh, Chad and Aubrianna an enlightening and inspiring journey to Washington, D.C. They are not just traveling as tourists; they are embarking on a journey to become more empowered citizens and leaders of tomorrow.
Chad Allen Irie
Haleigh McWilliams Aubrianna Stewart
Celebrating New Beginnings: Pembroke Office Grand Opening
WWe are thrilled to share the excitement from the grand opening of our newly remodeled Pembroke office. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a vibrant celebration, thanks to the wonderful turnout from our community members and partners. Your presence truly made the event memorable.
A New Chapter for Canoochee EMC
The Pembroke office has undergone a significant transformation to better serve our members and accommodate our growing workforce. Key updates include the addition of a drive-thru to enhance member experience, expanded office spaces for our team and an improved staging area for materials and equipment.
A Day of Community and Collaboration
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Canoochee EMC Board President Connie Thrift, who expressed her gratitude and shared some history about the Pembroke office.
“This location has been pivotal in the history of Canoochee EMC. Rec-
ognizing the need for an office in Pembroke since the 1980s, it has served us and our community well for nearly 40 years,” Thrift says. “The rapid growth in recent years underscored the necessity for modernization to keep pace with our members’ needs.”
The ceremony featured heartfelt invocations by Tommy Smith, Senior Pastor at Pembroke First Baptist, and a patriotic presentation of colors by the Bryan County High School Junior ROTC during the national anthem.
Remarks were also made by Summer Beal, CEO of the Bryan County Chamber of Commerce, and Bryan County Commissioner Alex Floyd, both of whom highlighted the office’s importance to the community’s growth and development.
A Ribbon Cutting to Remember
The highlight of the event was the official ribbon cutting led by Connie Thrift and joined by members of the Canoochee EMC Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer Michael Wasson. This symbolic act marked the beginning of a new era for the Pembroke office.
Gratitude and Acknowledgments
We extend our deepest thanks to the Bryan County Chamber of Commerce, Selena’s Sweet Treats, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Pastor Tommy Smith and Commissioner Alex Floyd for their invaluable support in making this event a success. We are also grateful to our members for their patience during the renovation.
As we move forward, the Pembroke office stands ready to meet the evolving needs of our community with improved services and a commitment to excellence. We look forward to continuing to serve our members from this modern facility.
Georgia’s Linemen Honored at the Capitol
n recognition of the extraordinary efforts of Georgia’s linemen—particularly following Hurricane Helene— Sen. John Kennedy (R–Bolingbroke) hosted a Linemen Appreciation Day at the capitol. More than 100 linemen from Georgia’s EMCs, Georgia Power and municipal utilities gathered in Atlanta to be honored for their hard
work and long hours in restoring power to communities across the state.
Sen. Kennedy sponsored Senate Resolution 253 to recognize March 11 as Georgia Linemen Day at the capitol, highlighting the crucial role these skilled professionals play in keeping the lights on for Georgia families. Among the honorees were lineworkers
Jeremiah Taylor and Cody Denmark of Canoochee EMC, who were proud to represent the dedication and resilience of linemen everywhere.
Please note that this event was separate from the traditional Lineworker Appreciation Day, which EMCs will celebrate on Monday, April 14, this year.
Touchstone Energy Senior Citizen of the Month
Congratulations to Bonnie Williamson of Collins for being selected as the May 2025 Touchstone Energy Senior Citizen of the Month.
The Transformer
Official Publication of Canoochee EMC
P.O. Box 487
Reidsville, GA 30453
(800) 342-0134
Joseph A. Sikes, Editor
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Connie Thrift District 3
President
Bob Floyd District 4 Vice President
Kim Blocker District 9 Treasurer
LaNell M. Oliver District 6
Secretary
Ed Bradley Jr. District 5
Robert Dasher District 8
Kenneth L. Durrence District 7
Lavanda Lynn District 2
Bernard Purvis District 1
Michael Wasson, Chief Executive Officer
Andy Whiten, Chief Operations Officer
Mat Olson, Chief Financial Officer
Patrick Burkhalter, Chief Administration Officer
Kyle E. Durrence, Member Services Manager
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR POWER IS OFF . . .
1. Check your fuses or breakers.
2. Check with your neighbors.
3. Call (800) 342-0134 or (912) 557-4391.
There is a dispatcher on call 24 hours a day for your convenience.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays
Branch offices
Highway 196 West Hinesville, GA 31313
Highway 280 East Pembroke, GA 31321
Foundation Awards $5,000 Donation
he Canoochee EMC Foundation recently supported Kiwanis Kids Camp at Jack Hill State Park with a $5,000 donation. This contribution will help provide enriching outdoor experiences and create lasting memories for children in our community. The foundation believes in investing in our youth and is excited to see the impact this camp will have.
Holiday Office Closure
Canoochee EMC’s offices will be closed Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.
