October 2011 I Today in Mississippi
Cooperatives offer unique benefits to their members ctober is when the nation traditionally observes Cooperative Month. But this year’s celebration also kicks off the International Year of Cooperatives in 2012. Throughout the coming year I hope you will learn more about the impressive global network of local businesses owned by those they serve. Electric power associations in Mississippi make up the state’s largest cooperative network. You, as a member of an electric power association, benefit in many ways from the power of this network. Electric power associations work together to control expenses, devise solutions to common challenges and restore power during emergencies, just to cite a few examples. How does this cooperation affect you? The short answer: You pay the least amount possible for your electric service. And it is among the most reliable in the world. Here are a few more benefits of being a member of an electric power association: • Local management. You are invited each year to attend your electric power association’s membership meeting where you can talk face to face with top management. You can ask questions or make comments directly to the CEO and the board of directors (which the members elect). How many other businesses are this accessible? Have you ever talked to the CEO of your phone company, TV provider or superstore? • Energy-efficiency leadership. Your electric power association is serious about helping you control energy costs by being more aware of your energy use. Every time you flip a switch on or use hot water, you are buying electricity. Today in Mississippi has a long history of promoting wise energy use to electric power association members. How many other companies actually encourage you to use less of their product or service? • Fast power restoration. Your electric
O
On the cover The friendliest skies may belong to balloonists like Tim Slattery and his wife, Mel Wilson. Sharing their sport with others only enhances its thrill, the Gluckstadt couple says. Take a look at ballooning from their perspective on pages 4-5.
I
Our Homeplace
My Opinion Michael Callahan Executive Vice President/CEO EPAs of Mississippi
power association is poised to respond to any outage, any time of day or night. When the big storms mow down our lines, your electric power association can call on emergency power restoration help from other electric coops in Mississippi and other states. We’ve had co-op crews from across the region pour into Mississippi by the hundreds to repair destruction to lines from hurricanes, ice storms and tornadoes. We’ve returned the favor when our sister cooperatives were similarly stricken. • Legislative watch dog. Electric cooperatives in Mississippi and throughout the nation monitor proposed state and federal legislation with your energy interests in mind. We target any proposal that might threaten the cost, reliability or availability of your electricity. Our government relations team makes every effort to point out potentially harmful legislation to elected officials. We want them to understand the unique nature of not-for-profit electric cooperatives and the needs of our membership. • You are an owner. Your electric power association is owned by the members it serves. Not by stockholders across the globe. Your electric power association is governed by local members (the directors you elect at the annual meeting) and staffed by local employees. The result is a cooperative focused entirely on providing service—not pleasing stockholders—and leading efforts to make your community a better place to live. Cooperatives truly help build a better world.
Today in Mississippi
Vol. 64 No. 10
The Official Publication of the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi
OFFICERS
EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is 601-605-8600 a cooperative newspaper published Acceptance of advertising by Today in monthly by Electric Power Associations Mississippi does not imply endorsement of Mississippi, Inc., P.O. Box 3300 Ridgeof the advertised product or services by land, MS 39158-3300, or 665 Highland the publisher or Mississippi’s Electric Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Power Associations. Product satisfaction Phone 601-605-8600. Periodical EDITORIAL STAFF and delivery responsibility lie solely with postage paid at Ridgeland, MS, and Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO the advertiser. additional office. The publisher (and/or Ron Stewart - Senior Vice President, Co-op Services • National advertising representative: its agent) reserves the right to refuse or Mark Bridges - Manager, Support Services National Country Market, 800-626-1181 edit all advertising. Jay Swindle - Manager, Advertising POSTMASTER: Send address changes Debbie H. Stringer - Editor Circulation of this issue: 451,142 to: Today, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS Abby Berry - Communications Specialist Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year 39158-3300 Rickey McMillan - Graphics Specialist Visit us at: Linda Hutcherson - Administrative Assistant
Darrell Smith - President Kevin Doddridge - First Vice President Brad Robison - Second Vice President Wayne Henson - Secretary/Treasurer
www.todayinmississippi.com
Timothy Laird, 18, of Newton made this picture of a kitty captivated by a flower. We invited photographers up to age 18 to submit their best work for this month’s Picture This feature. See a selection of their work on page 14 and on our website, www.todayinmississippi.com.
Mississippi is . . . . . . where the best of family, relationships and values are united in matrimony with what was, what is and what will be, lovingly crafting a 21st century Mississippi that hasn’t lost sight of or touch with its roots. For my wife, a Mississippi native, and myself, with Mississippi roots dating back to 1839, the state is an escape to a place where life is slower and quality is greater. People know, love and help their neighbors so that we can physically be, at least for a little while, where our hearts remain all year long. — John and Elizabeth Shivers, Magee/Calhoun, Ga. Pink Autumns Just go and sit down near an ole pond Many colors will appear there beyond. All the many shades of pink As if God had spilt His red ink. Pink autumn, you are so beautiful With your charming wind blowing blissful! — Sarah Watkins Hall, Black Hawk Mississippi is a state in which kindness and caring is the norm for our citizens. While recently traveling on I-20, I couldn’t help but notice the numerous loads of hay bales that were being taken from Mississippi to Texas. Because fellow ranchers and farmers there are suffering due to the drought, Mississippians are doing what Mississippians always do: lend a helping hand. — Pat Blankinship, New Hebron
What’s Mississippi to you? What makes you proud to be a Mississippian? What do you treasure most about life in our state? Please keep your comments brief and send them to Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158, or e-mail them to news@epaofms.com. Submissions are subject to editing for space and clarity.
3