POWERED BY PURPOSE
At Jackson EMC, community involvement is not just something we do — it’s who we are.
Every day, our employees show what it means to be part of a cooperative. They restore your power after storms and answer your call when you have a question about your account, but they also give their time and energy to make a difference in our community. They do it because they care about you.
That care was on full display during our recent month of service. Across our 10-county service area, employees volunteered with local nonprofits to meet real needs. They packaged essential baby items for families in need, built garden beds at a food bank and assembled outdoor tables for a camp serving those with disabilities.
Throughout April, Jackson EMC employees contributed more than 1,100 volunteer hours. That kind of teamwork and compassion doesn’t just happen — it reflects the spirit and purpose that drives our cooperative.
We say often that we’re not just an electric utility — we’re a community partner. Our employees live and work in the same neighborhoods we serve. You can expect them to act as your friendly neighbor –because they are. They shop at the same stores, cheer for the same school teams and support the same causes. When they volunteer, it’s not for recognition — it’s because they know a stronger community benefits us all.
What inspires me is how often our employees ask, “How can we help?” That question says everything about who
we are. We’re a cooperative — built to serve, powered by people and grounded in values that go beyond the wires and meters.
We’re grateful to be part of a community that believes in showing up and helping others. Thank you for allowing us to serve — both through reliable electricity and through meaningful connections that strengthen where we live.
Do you have a story to share about our employees volunteering in the community? Share it with me at chip@jacksonemc.com.
CHIP JAKINS President & CEO
Smart Supplies FOR STORM SEASON
We care about your safety. When severe weather knocks out power, your safety comes first. That’s why we encourage you to have a basic emergency kit ready to keep your family safe and comfortable. Here’s
LIGHT
Use a battery-powered lantern with extra batteries. Avoid using candles — they can be a fire hazard.
WATER
Store 1 gallon per person, per day, for at least three days.
FOOD
Keep nonperishable, ready-to-eat items like canned fruit, tuna, peanut butter and crackers. Don’t forget a manual can opener.
RADIO
Have a portable radio with extra batteries for local updates and a NOAA weather radio for alerts. Charge your devices before a storm so you can let loved ones know how you’re doing.
MEDICAL
Plan ahead if someone relies on electricity for medical equipment, including an alternate location until an outage is resolved. Keep extra prescriptions, medical supplies and a first-aid kit ready.
Jackson EMC Linemen
Rank Among Georgia’s Best at Lineman’s Rodeo
Jackson EMC linemen once again proved that serving our members with skill and heart starts with training, teamwork and care. At the Georgia Lineman's Rodeo on May 3 in Fort Valley, Ga., three Jackson EMC journeyman teams earned top-five honors — ranking among the best in the state.
Jackson EMC sent 21 apprentices and eight journeyman teams to the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo, where they competed in a series of events in traditional lineman skills and tasks. A total of 136 apprentices and 27 journeyman teams from electric utility providers across the state participated in the competition. Apprentices compete as individuals, while journeymen compete in teams of three.
Apprentices and journeyman teams compete in the hurtman rescue and a “known skill” challenge, as well as two mystery events revealed the day before the competition. Apprentices also complete a written exam that’s separate from their overall score. Competitors are scored on skill and speed for completing tasks for each event.
The top performers from Jackson EMC will represent the electric cooperative at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas in October.
Watch this video with our linemen in action:
Journeyman Teams:
Ben Brissey, Ben Adams and T.J. Witherell, of Jefferson, finished third overall, third in the cooperative division and third in the single-phase tap event.
Easton Tuggle, Cody Watson and Brandon Sanders, of Neese, finished fourth overall, fourth in the cooperative division, second in the hurtman rescue event and second in the riser pole switch change event.
Ben Campbell, Austin Lewis and Brandon Carter, of Neese, finished fifth overall and fifth in the cooperative division.
Kaleb Chapman, Jeff Sutton and Justin Roper, of Oakwood, finished first in the riser pole switch change event.
Apprentice:
Shawn Thurston, of Gwinnett, placed second in the insulator change event
HANDS-ON HELP
CAMP TWIN LAKES
At Jackson EMC, serving our community goes far beyond keeping the lights on. Our employees recently rolled up their sleeves and gave their time, energy and heart to local organizations across Northeast Georgia. Whether it was packing food boxes for families in need, cheering on Special Olympics athletes, or building benches for outdoor learning, our team showed what it means to live — and give — like neighbors. Together, we contributed 1,100 hours of hands-on help to make our communities stronger.
LEGACY YOUTH MENTORING
Packed 560 goodie bags for mentors and student mentees participating in Legacy Youth Mentoring's annual volunteer recognition event.
Built 10 garden beds at Camp Twin Lakes in Winder, so children living with serious illnesses, disabilities and life challenges can enjoy fresh produce during their camp experiences.
HELPING MAMAS
Assembled 250 care packages distributed by Helping Mamas, which provides essential baby items to families in need.
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT
Coached middle school students at Junior Achievement's JA BizTown, which is a simulated economy, and take on the challenge of starting and running a business.
CAMP HOORAY
Assembled seven picnic tables and two round tables for ESP’s Camp Hooray, which is designed with accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
GEORGIA MOUNTAIN FOOD BANK
Rebuilt a staircase and garden beds for the Georgia Mountain Food Bank to make the area more accessible and refreshed for a new growing season.
Encouraged athletes at the Special Olympics by cheering them on during events and celebrating their accomplishments.
MADISON OGLETHORPE ANIMAL SHELTER
Assisted with various tasks at the Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter, including daily feedings, cleaning animal areas, and spending quality time with the animals to improve their social skills and reduce stress.
JACKSON EMC EMPLOYEES
Contributed more than 1,100 volunteer hours in the community to 29 organizations for 42 projects, including:
Built 22 garden beds to grow fresh produce for a food bank and camp
Collected 140 pounds of recycled towels to donate to an animal shelter
Coached 130 students during an immersive experience about living and working in a community
$73,975 IN GRANTS RECENTLY AWARDED
The Jackson EMC Foundation Board of Directors recently awarded a total of $73,975 in grants, including $68,975 to organizations and $5,000 to an individual.
Organizational Grant Recipients:
$10,000 to Camp Kudzu to support 26 children and teens with diabetes from Gwinnett, Barrow, Clarke, Franklin, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin and Madison counties for its camp program.
$10,000 to Corners Outreach, Norcross, for its educational literacy program serving underserved students of color and their families in Gwinnett, Barrow and Clarke counties.
$10,000 to Extra Special People, Watkinsville, to provide 20 participants with special needs in Clarke, Banks, Barrow, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe counties with a camp experience.
$10,000 to the University of North Georgia Foundation, Dahlonega, for its Steps to College Program, which provides summer high school courses for English learners in Hall and Banks counties to earn credit toward graduation.
$9,975 to Camp Amplify, Winder, to provide 21 children from Barrow, Franklin, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe counties with a weeklong camp experience
combining mentorship, community support and spiritual growth.
$9,500 to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Foundation, Suwanee, for its Opportunities Academy Program to educate rising 10th and 11th grade students in Gwinnett County in medicine, health and behavioral sciences.
$8,000 to Young Women’s Christian Organization (YWCO) of Athens to help enable children in Clarke, Barrow, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe counties to participate in its summer day camp program.
$1,500 to CSP of Northeast Georgia, Royston, for its camp programs, which provide a camp experience for teens and young adults who have social, emotional, or developmental disabilities in Banks, Franklin and Madison counties.
Individual Grant Recipient
$5,000 for an all-terrain wheelchair for a Banks County child with a disability.
COMMUNITY IMPACT: LOVE.CRAFT ATHENS
As a middle school special education teacher, Susan Fontaine saw how few resources existed for her students once they graduated. Determined to create a meaningful space for them, she launched Love.Craft Athens, starting with just four individuals. Today, the organization serves 40 adults, providing them with creative outlets and job development.
Love.Craft Athens serves Clarke, Jackson and Madison counties, offering programs for adults with developmental disabilities in three areas: Work Studio, Creative Expression and Customized Employment. The Work Studio focuses on job skill training through pottery and art, teaching fine and gross motor skills, as well as task sequencing. Creative Expression includes music therapy, acting, improv and dance classes to help participants develop communication skills, confidence and emotional regulation. Through Customized Employment, Love.Craft facilitates volunteer and job placements to encourage community integration.
A recent $8,303 grant from the Jackson EMC Foundation supported Love.Craft Athens to fund some of its music therapy program. The grant funds a portion for a certified music therapist and a musician, providing a supportive environment where participants can develop soft skills, practice emotional regulation, build self-confidence and express themselves creatively.
“This grant has allowed us to provide high-quality music therapy, giving our participants the confidence and skills to thrive — whether in jobs, internships or even out in the community,” said Grace Tozer-Rich, director of development.
Get Rewards with Sync to Save
Want to earn extra rewards with little effort? With Jackson EMC’s new Sync to Save program, you’ll get a $50 incentive when you enroll your smart thermostat — plus a $25 credit on your bill each year you stay in the program.
It’s an easy way to enjoy real savings, help the cooperative lower energy costs and put your smart thermostat to work for you!
How It Works
• Enroll your qualifying smart thermostat
• Receive alerts during extreme weather events
• We make small adjustments (up to three degrees) to help reduce demand
• You stay in control and you can opt out anytime and your settings return automatically
• Enjoy your rewards
Sync to Save is a voluntary program for residential members.
Member Benefits
• $50 enrollment incentive
• $25 annual bill credit
• Help keep electric service reliable and affordable for everyone
Qualifying smart thermostats include models from Google Nest, ecobee, Emerson Sensi and Honeywell Home. Need a smart thermostat? Save $50 when you buy one in the in the Jackson EMC Marketplace (jacksonemcmarketplace.com) and enroll at checkout.
Already have a qualifying smart thermostat? Enroll and get a $50 gift card at jacksonemc.com/synctosave or scan this QR code
A PUBLICATION FOR JACKSON EMC MEMBERS
JACKSON EMC OFFICES
1000 Dawsonville Highway Gainesville, GA (770) 536-2415
85 Spratlin Mill Road Hull, GA (706) 548-5362
850 Commerce Road Jefferson, GA (706) 367-5281
825 Buford Dr Lawrenceville, GA (770) 963-6166
EMC SECURITY
55 Satellite Blvd., NW Suwanee, GA (770) 963-0305 or (706) 543-4009
Your Best Recipe Could Be Our Next Winner
We’d love to see what you’re cooking! The recipes featured in JEMCO News are from members like you – neighbors who love to share a good meal. If your favorite recipe gets rave reviews, send it to us! Selected winners receive a $200 grocery store gift card. To submit your recipe, send your name, address and phone number to: Cooperative Cooking, Jackson EMC, P.O. Box 38, Jefferson, GA 30549 or send an email to JEMCO News editor Kerri Testement at recipes@jacksonemc.com.
MEMBERS MAKE IT DELICIOUS
PeanutButter Fluff Pie
DIRECTIONS:
Cream together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar, then add peanut butter and stir together. Fold in Cool Whip and mix well.
Place filling into the crust. For variations, garnish with mini chocolate chips or chopped peanut butter cups.
Place in freezer for at least two hours before serving.
"This recipe was handed down to me years ago from a dear family member. She didn’t have daughters, so I have passed this down to my daughters-in-law in her memory. It is easy to make and everyone loves it.”
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