The Dispatch by Mary Reed

The

Dispatch

Jackson Energy Authority Newsletter

Gas Division wins prestigious award

July/August 2015

Inside … Internships offer opportunities to minorities p3 Sarah McBride releases album p5 A pat on the back!

Anniversaries p6-7 Promotions

Welcome new employees p6 Student wins trip to D.C. JEA employees accepting the award are, from left, Randy Nipp, Senior Vice President, Gas Division; Lara Coleman, Vice President, Operations; Eric Johnson, Gas System Engineer; and Chris Coughlin, Engineering Projects Manager.

MBA graduate p7 Babies

Recipients of SOAR Award demonstrate excellence in four key areas

EA’s Natural Gas Division earned recognition for safely, efficiently and effectively — distributing energy excellence in utility operations from the American to all customers without being degraded or impaired by Public Gas Association (APGA). its internal or external environThe prestigious System Operament. The past months have brought tional Achievement Recognition System improvement refers to two more awards to JEA … (SOAR) Award is given to public keeping the natural gas system well w Randy Nipp, Senior Vice natural gas systems entrusted by their maintained and up to date through President of the Gas Division, a self-improvement program. In customers to deliver clean and affordwon the Silver Flame Award. able natural gas through a safe and doing so, JEA keeps an eye on the reliable distribution pipeline system. future through research and develw JEA receives TMEPA Out of more than 700 APGA opment, technology integration Community Service Award. members, Jackson Energy Authority and a commitment to system Both stories are on Page 2. was one of nine selected for SOAR improvement programs. by its peers on the APGA Operations Systems that exhibit excellence and Safety Committee. The selection was based on in employee safety include adopting a safety program demonstrated excellence in the four areas of system with policies and procedures for education involvement integrity, system improvement, employee safety and and accountability for all employees, as well as tracking workforce development. safety performance. “Earning this national recognition not only shows Lastly, workforce development focuses on creative the mission of our company, but also the dedication of recruitment, training, education and development our employees to provide the best level of utility service practices that provide a return on investment through in the safest means possible,” said Lara Coleman, Vice increased employee loyalty, motivation, safety and proPresident of Operations. ductivity. “Jackson Energy Authority was highly rated in all System integrity refers to the natural gas distribution system performing its overall intended function Continued on Page 3 ...

With sympathy p7 Rick Webb retires p8 Lineman’s rodeo team p8 Employee Benefits Corner p8

Gas rodeo teams put on expo for families, coworkers p4-5

Page 2 Mission Our mission is to provide exceptional utility services that create value for our customers and our community. Vision JEA will continue to improve the quality of life in our community through the delivery of high-quality services to our customers. • JEA will be an industry leader in providing utility services, exceeding the expectations of our customers. • JEA’s employees will be recognized by those we serve as the most knowledgeable, highly-skilled and customer-focused workforce available. • JEA will be a leader in the economic development of the community we serve. Values The values that reflect our culture and which our employees must possess to ensure our mission and vision are: Integrity • Respect Fairness • Loyalty Innovation

E The Dispatch

is the employee newsletter for Jackson Energy Authority, 119 E. College St., Jackson, TN 38301. 731-422-7500 www.jaxenergy.com

Randy Nipp wins Silver Flame Award

stability. as Division To be nominatSenior Vice ed for the Silver President Flame Award, the Randy Nipp received individual must be the prestigious Tenan employee of a nessee Gas Associadistribution system tion’s 2015 Silver for a least five years; Flame Award during must have assisted in its annual meeting in the advancement of Charleston in June. the association’s proThe award recgrams and goals ognizes Randy’s through service on exemplary support committees, the and dedication to board or as an offithe association and cer; must be active the natural gas in the community; industry. He has and must have disserved on the associtinguished him or ation’s board of herself as a leader directors since 2007, among peers in the and he was its presi- Celebrating with Randy and Becky Nipp, center, are, from left, natural gas industry dent in 2011-2012. Jeannie and Chris Coughlin, Jim Ferrell and Eric and Emily in Tennessee. Under his leader- Johnson. Randy has ship, the Tennessee served in various roles in the JEA Gas Division for Gas Association recognized the need to develop nonprofit status for its scholarship foundation. The organ- more than 35 years, and he’s served in supervisory and leadership roles at JEA for more than 25 years. ization can now allow members to make charitable JEA’s Board congratulated Randy on his award contributions. during a recent meeting. “Randy has extensive expeHe is also the treasurer of the West Tennessee rience in engineering, operations and management of Gas Association Board and has held that position a gas utility and is certainly deserving of this award,” since he became a board member in 2007. Randy said JEA President and CEO Jim Ferrell. was instrumental in the organization’s growth and

JEA wins community service award

EA won a prestigious zation and with employee Community Service involvement. Winning sysaward from the Tentems also had to show a hisnessee Municipal Electory of enhancing the prestric Power Association tige of public power, n (TMEPA) at a banquet in involvement with TMEPA, Publisher: Pigeon Forge in July. and outstanding and consisAletza Boucher The awards were given tent customer service, qualiEditor: Mary S. Reed in three groups based on the ty of service and system number of meters in a sysimprovement. Contributors: Stacy Scoggins tem. JEA won in the large JEA President and Janet Wilbanks system category. Winchester CEO Jim Ferrell accepted Chrissy Vandiver Utilities won the award for the award for the compan small systems and Tullany. The ceremony was Jim Ferrell, right, accepts the Community Service The next “Dispatch” homa Utilities Board won billed as an outstanding Award from TMEPA President Kendall Bear. will be in for mid-size systems. The meeting with dynamic September/October. latter two systems are in Middle Tennessee. speakers and events. The criteria used to choose the winners from the TMEPA is a membership association of 60 municSend items for the next issue to Aletza Boucher by nominees included showing a commitment to enhancipal electric power providers in Tennessee, which serve September 24, 2015. ing the quality of life in the community – as an organi- more than 2.1 million homes and businesses.

Page 3

Internship program offers opportunities

inority students in Jackson have an opportunity to participate in a special internship program offered by JEA each summer. The company provides two internships each year to graduating seniors and partners with 100 Black Men of West Tennessee to provide a third. The company worked with Jackson-Madison Pictured are JEA Human Resource Supervisor Aaron Cooper, Kentoriyas Verser, Shelby County Schools to build a minority internship program. School counselors help identify interested stu- Perry, JEA Training/Development Coordinator Pat Berry, Jarvis Neely and Dr. Jerry dents who meet JEA’s qualifications criteria, and JEA Woods, a representative of 100 Black Men of West Tennessee. company assesses their progress during periodic meetings throughinterviews the applicants. Company representatives spoke with 22 out the summer, she added. applicants this year. The hope is that students will learn more about skilled trades JEA offered internships to Shelby Perry to work in Telecom and found in the utility field and continue to pursue their education in cathodic protection and to Jarvis Neely to work in Engineering. these areas. The long-term goal is to develop their skills so they can Kentoriyas Verser earned the 100 Black Men of West Tennessee be viable candidates for future job opportunities at JEA or within internship, and he worked in Marketing and Communications and the utility industry. also with the EPlus TV6 crew. “It’s been a very positive program,” Pat said. “Our goal is for “If we can, students are given internships based on their interthem to learn and to get some experience with JEA.” ests,” said Training and Development Coordinator Pat Berry. The

From left, Shelby Perry goes into the field with Elizabeth Thomas, Gas Utility Technician; Jarvis Neely works with GPS Technician Mike Ward; and Kentoriyas Verser is in the EPlus studio with Thomas Varughese.

Gas Division wins prestigious award

... continued from page 1

four areas that are required of SOAR,” said APGA President and CEO Bert Kalisch. “Jackson Energy Authority consistently demonstrates a commitment to providing natural gas safely and efficiently to all those in their community, and as such, serves as a model for all other natural gas utilities in the country. APGA is proud to recognize Jackson Energy Authority and is confident in their continued success.” Attaining the APGA SOAR recognition

“JEA’s Gas Division and our customers should be proud of this recognition in that our natural gas industry peers across the nation determined the recipients of this award and found JEA deserving,” said Randy Nipp, Senior Vice President, Gas Division. “This is an achievement of not only all of JEA’s employees who touch gas operations and safety, but is also a tribute to those JEA employees who came before us and made this gas system what it is today.”

shows board members, community leaders, service providers and customers that a utility is committed to operational excellence. It is similar in stature to RP3 recognition from the American Public Power Association. JEA has won the top RP3 recognition five times in a row. JEA earned silver recognition, which means the company scored between 90 percent and 96 percent. The SOAR recognition continues for three years.

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Gas rodeo teams stage Expo for families, coworkers

n a hot, humid Friday morning in July, employees, family and supporters gathered at the Short Street practice yard and watched JEA’s three gas rodeo teams compete in JEA’s Jim Ferrell and Monte Cooper show they still know how to set a meter. inaugural Natural Gas Rodeo Expo. The idea to put on the Expo came from Joe Baumgardner, Super- who wanted to give them a try. Gary Dorris and Mike Zowada, both retired from the Gas Diviintendent of Gas Distribution, and Chad Harris and Mark Welch, sion, served as official judges for the event. both Gas Foremen. The intent was to showcase the talents of JEA’s Each team is required to have a unique name used for reporting rodeo teams to employees, families and other supporters. results. JEA’s three teams are: The Tennessee Sharpshooters – the “Since the National Gas Rodeo is going to be in Colorado this four-man team consisting of Drew Ferguson, Brian Cornelison, year, families and supporters may not be able to attend,” Mark said. Richard Watson and John Amos Coley; Caution: High Pressure – “We thought it would be a great family event to show off the teams’ the two-man team of Gerald “Bubba” Plemons and Jason Compton; hard work. Plus, it gives them a practice session in front of an audiand Pipeline Punishers – the two-man team of Jason Gable and Wes ence.” Davis. Rick Scales serves as an alternate for all three teams. The National Gas Rodeo began as a means to promote the skills These teams, along with their coaches, will travel to Colorado and teamwork of those working in the natural gas delivery industry. August 27-29 to participate in the 25th annual National Gas Rodeo. It has since become an intense competition for elite gas crews from Once the “official” teams completed the events, a surprise team across the United States that focuses on safe, time-efficient performcame from out of nowhere to prove that they’ve still got it. Jim Ferance of jobs skills. It offers competitors a sense of camaraderie and an rell, JEA President and CEO, and Monte Cooper, Vice President of opportunity to showcase their skills and professionalism. Operations, formed the Tennessee Patriots and showed up to provide Qualifying events for the National Gas Rodeo include gas service a little “friendly” competition in the meter set event. installation, meter sets, pipe cut and hand digs. The relay event Coached secretly by Joe Baumgardner, the Tennessee Patriots includes truck and trailer backup, egg pickup, pipe squeeze, mini proved themselves with a time just over a minute and zero penalties. excavator challenge, regulator bypass and water cooler. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the participation that we had out To stay within a manageable timeframe, JEA’s Natural Gas here, especially Jim and Monte with their involvement,” Joe said. “I Rodeo Expo featured timed qualifying events only. Relay stations that feel like it was good for the guys to see them getting involved.” featured the egg pickup Because this national competition draws gas crews from any size and mini excavator utility from all over the United States, it gives an insight as to those challenge were utilities who can be called upon in a moment’s notice. set up for “You build those relationships with other utilities, and you get a those feeling of who can be there for you in the event that you do have a natural disaster,” said Jim. “That relationship is key when needing to call in help quickly.” Besides the qualifying events and relay stations, a corn hole game, an inflatable jumper and even snow cones were available to help make Jason Gable does a the Rodeo Expo a family event. service installation. With the success of the first JEA Natural Gas Rodeo Expo, Welch, Harris and Baumgardner all hope to see the event grow annually. “It’s exciting to see families getting involved and coming together,” Joe said. “My goal for our group as a whole is to be more like family. It makes it a lot more enjoyable in the workplace when you’ve got men who want to come together to participate in these events and have fun while we’re doing our work.”

Page 5

Sarah McBride releases first album

From the top, the four-man team of Drew Ferguson, Brian Cornelison, Richard Watson and John Amos Coley do a hand dig; Jason Compton and Gerald Plemons show how a pipe cut is done; and Richard Watson and Brian Cornelison do a service installation.

arah McBride, who has been singing publicly since she was 8 years old, released her debut album this summer with her band, Sarah McBride and Something New. Music is her passion, and the songs she performs range from county and pop to gospel and Southern rock. She has entertained people at events across West Tennessee, including fundraisers for Relay4Life, the Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, American Heart Association and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She’s also performed at events like the Jackson Freedom Festival, International Rockabilly Hall of Fame Festival, Kentucky Opry, and barbecues and weddings throughout the region. “I enjoy performing for people of all ages and knowing they are enjoying what I love,” said Sarah, the daughter of JEA Serviceman III John McBride. “My true passions in life are God, family and friends, and music.” Her album, Dime a Dozen, is available for purchase for $10 at Facebook.com/sarahmcbridemusic and sarahmcbridemusic.com. People also can send her an email at sarahmcbridemusic@bellsouth.net or find the album on major digital platforms, such as iTunes and Spotify. Sarah took voice lessons for five years from local country and blues singer Kimberlie Helton, who helped

Singer Sarah McBride her write songs for her album. Sarah wrote or co-wrote all but one song on Dime a Dozen. She wants to continue creating her own music, and she’s planning to release her second album next year, said John. He calls himself more than Sarah’s father; he says he is also her roadie, fishing partner and sound man. And he’s learning to play bass. “I’m extremely proud of her,” John said. “I’m really enjoying watching her in her career. She loves music, and she can express herself in her songs. Her goal is to be a singer/song writer and represent her country and the state of Tennessee wherever she goes.” Sarah McBride and Something New will be the featured entertainment at the downtown Heart Walk for the American Heart Association on Sept. 26. She plans to sell her CD at the event and donate $2 to the organization for every unit sold. “She loves entertaining,” John said. “She’s a good-hearted person and likes to help anybody she can.”

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Anniversaries July John Coley 7/24/78 Garey Cupples 7/21/83 Michelle Albea 7/23/90 Mike Diggs 7/13/92 Rodney Stegall 7/27/92 Paul Chapman 7/05/94 Monte Cooper 7/10/96 Richard White 7/23/97 Ken McCorkle 7/28/97 Don Chatman 7/03/99 Keith Bond 7/24/00 Judy Phelps 7/24/00 Clifton Love 7/30/01 Steve Berkley 7/01/02 Tom Exum 7/31/03 Thomas Varughese 7/31/03 Jason Compton 7/19/04 Angie Stafford 7/26/04 Sandra Mullins 7/03/05 Courtney Bingham 7/10/05 Charlie McCurry 7/17/05 Ashley Martin 7/17/06 Adam Phillips 7/17/06 Karen Johnson 7/31/06 Delisa Love 7/01/07 James Wells 7/23/07 Ryan Collins 7/25/11 Wes Davis 7/01/13 Beth Wilson 7/04/13 Jim Oakley 7/29/13

Bobby Holley

Quarteze Martin

Matt McKenzie

Promotions

ongratulations to the following employees on their recent promotions … w Bobby Holley was promoted from a Telecom Installation Tech to a Telecom Serviceman I. w Quarteze Martin is now a Temporary Water and Wastewater Pipelayer. He previously worked as a Summer Worker in Treatment Operations.

Blake Abercrombie

Garrett Ferguson

Judd Wilbanks

w Matt McKenzie was promoted from Billing Supervisor to Manager of Customer Accounts. w Jennifer Melugin, previously a Customer Service Representative, was promoted to Billing Supervisor. w Judd Wilbanks was promoted from a Telecom Stores helper to a Telecom Serviceman I.

Michael Gordon

Wanda Spann

Regina Stegall

Welcome these new employees

w Blake Abercrombie, Temporary Gas Pipelayer, previously worked for USIC, LLC. w Garrett Ferguson, Temporary Grounds Worker in Pro Gas, came to JEA from Taylor Farms. w Michael Gordon, Temporary Gas Pipelayer,

Student wins trip to Washington, D.C.

Jennifer Melugin

iver Scoggins, son of Human Resources Coordinator Stacy Scoggins and retiree Mark Scoggins, attended the Washington Youth Tour this summer. The weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., was jointly sponsored by Southwest Electric Membership Corporation, the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Tennessee’s electric cooperatives sponsor a short story contest

for high school juniors. River was awarded River Scoggins a spot on this summer’s tour for his short story. Each year more than 10,000 short stories are written by high school juniors across Tennessee about the advantages of electric cooperatives. In all, more than 1,400 young people from across the nation gather in Washington each year for the event.

came to JEA from Appalachian Railcar Services. w Wanda Spann, Part-time Work Order Coordinator, previously worked for Venale Corporation. w Regina Stegall, Part-Time Custodian, was previously self-employed.

A pat on the back!

w Senior Pipelayers Matt Tyler and Jacob Bridger, and Pipelayer Donald Goodman, from Water Distribution passed the State Grade 2 Collection Certification Exam in May.

Matt Tyler

Jacob Bridger

Donald Goodman

Page 7

Congratulations, graduate!

aitlin Roach graduated with her master’s degree in business administration from Union University in May. While completing the program, she co-authored a teaching case study with two of her professors and participated in the honors program. Her thesis was titled, “To Make Us Truly Human: Does a CEO’s Humanities Undergraduate Education Impact Corporate Social Responsibility?” Caitlin graduated with a 4.0 and was inducted into the inaugural class of Union’s Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society chapter, as well as the American Marketing Association. She had previously earned her bachelor’s degree

in English and history from Union in 2012. She worked as a graduate assistant before accepting her current position as a marketing services coordinator at Younger Associates, an advertising agency and Caitlin Roach economic development firm in Jackson. Caitlin is the daughter of Jackie and Reba Roach. Jackie is a retired Wastewater Maintenance Foreman.

Births!

w Cindy Knievel, Manager of New Accounts, and retiree John Nelson, are firsttime grandparents. Raeleigh Brooke Nelson was born June 28. Her parents are Tiffany Hargett and Spencer Nelson. w Steve Thomas, Plant Maintenance Technician II, and his wife, Donna, have a new grandson. Charles William Spencer was born July 7. His parents are Lindsey and Josh Spencer. w Electric System Engineer Hameen Harris and his wife, Jamilah, are the proud parents of a baby boy. Amir Louis was born July 27.

With sympathy to:

w Al Jackson, whose mother-in-law, Iayan Malone, died on June 23, and whose wife of 26 years, Katie Jackson, died on July 25. Al is a Telecom Installation Technician in Telecom Operations. w Lynn Ivy, Drafter in Engineering, whose brother, Dave Ramsey, died June 24.

At top left, Grandmother Cindy Knievel holds Raeleigh Brooke Nelson, who also is at far left. Above, Grandparents Donna and Steve Thomas are with daughter Lindsey and grandson Charles William Spencer. At left, Amir Louis Harris sleeps.

w Keir Smith, whose father, Earnest Bond, died June 25. Keir is a Telecom Serviceman I in Telecom Operations. w Barry Cross, whose mother, Maritza Delosangeles Cross, died on July 2. Barry is Vice President of Human Resources. w The family of retiree Artist Fields, who died on August 2. Artist retired from the Gas Division in December

Anniversaries August Billy Maness 8/12/80 Tim Faulkner 8/25/80 David Middlebrooks 8/11/83 Bill Taylor 8/03/87 Steve Stanfill 8/17/87 Mike Ward 8/13/90 Larry Maness 8/25/90 Kelley Bane 8/17/92 Cheryl Rogers 8/12/93 Mechele Williams 8/30/93 Perry Givens, Jr. 8/30/93 Steve McKinnie 8/01/94 Mark Welch 8/04/97 Kenny Merritt 8/05/97 Amy Hollowell 8/02/98 Wes Autry 8/03/99 Kelly Jones 8/09/99 Chrissy Vandiver 8/19/99 Holly Parham 8/07/00 Richard Clark 8/14/00 Tom Price 8/06/01 Khayyan Henning 8/27/01 Brock Wilson 8/19/02 Deborah Tosh 8/12/03 Jared Gowan 8/23/04 Linda Waynick 8/03/05 Pat Berry 8/23/05 James Prescott 8/06/07 Lori Phillips 8/21/09 Beth Wilson 8/08/11 Aletza Boucher 8/30/11 Dustin Alexander 8/26/12 Tiffany Collins 8/27/12 Jay Martin 8/26/13 Kevin Moss 8/11/14 Nathanial Hill 8/18/14

2000 with 27 years of service to Jackson Utility Division. w Jay Moody, whose brother, Jerry Moody, died on August 6. Jay is a Customer Service Representative in Customer Service. w Pat Berry, whose father-in-law, L.G. Berry, died August 11 at the age of 94. Pat is the Training and Development Coordinator in Human Resources.

Page 8

More than 30 gas employees and retirees gathered at the Old Country Store to wish Rick Webb good luck in his retirement. Rick and his wife, Sherri, are center front in the above photo. Rick, who retired as a Gas Foreman, started working at JEA in January 1976.

Rick Webb sees retirement as bittersweet

t was 40 years ago that Rick Webb started work at JEA as a Welder. He was promoted to Gas Foreman three years after that and has been a Foreman ever since. “It’s been fun,” said Rick, as he counted down his days to retirement on August 31. “JEA has been a good place to work. If I had to do it over again, I wouldn’t change anything.” He liked his job. “It was challenging. I met new people every day.”

Rick grew up in Bemis and graduated from South Side High School. He has four children. He and his wife, Sherri, are looking forward to his retirement. His plans, he says, are “to do anything I want to.” Still, leaving is bittersweet, Rick added. At a “goodbye” breakfast with his coworkers, he told them, “I’m not going to cry because it’s over, I’m going to smile because it happened.”

Did you know?

Employee

EA pays a life insurance premium for you each month to cover two times your salary? The company also pays an additional premium to cover four times your salary in case of accidental death (car wreck, fall off your roof, etc.). And when you retire, you keep one times your salary in life insurance for the REST of your life! All of this can be found in the “Benefit” section of your check. Call Chrissy Vandiver at ext. 242 if you have questions about life insurance.

Be n ef i ts Co rner

Winning linemen

EA linemen brought home perfect scores in several events after participating in the Tennessee Valley Lineman Rodeo in Sevierville in June. Pictured, back row, are Luke Cain, Josh Gabert, Zack Zehner, Miller Pounds and Wes Alexander; and front row, Justin Alexander and Mike Diggs.