July 2023 Co-op Comments

C o-op Co-op C omments Comments

Sonny Harrison appointed to fi ll vacant Board Member seat

After holding the District 3, Office 2 Board of Trustees seat for 30 years, Charles Crawford submitted his letter of resignation in January 2023. To fill the open seat, a nominating committee was

formed by REC members, and began the process of nominating and interviewing members for the open position.

While Emmett “Sonny” Harrison IV, may have only been an official REC member for 20 years, he grew up with REC all his life. Harrison is the fourth generation to live on his family’s land which has been in their family for over 100 years.

“I was initially surprised when I received the call to see if I was interested,” Harrison admits. “However, it didn’t take long for me to want to know more and see how I would be able to give back.”

Harrison, his wife Jamie and their daughter Baylor live in the Cox City area on his great, great grandparents’ property. Sonny and Jamie have been married for nine years and their daughter is five years old.

Harrison owns a small oil and gas company along with a small service company. He grew up in the oil and gas industry. After the initial call, Harrison reflected on what he knew about REC and knew he wanted to be a part of the Board of Trustees.

“I have always been impressed with how REC is not only thinking about their current members, but how they can leave things better for future generations,” Harrison adds. “The way the Cooperative looks at the future is the same way I approach my business. I am looking forward to learning more about the Cooperative and helping where I can.”

Closed Tuesday, July 4 for Independence Day

Board of Trustees President Gary Jones watched as Emmett "Sonny" Harrison IV signed the Oath of Office and Loyalty Pledge to fill the District 3, Office 2 open position. Harrison was appointed to the Board of Trustees during the May board meeting.

CEO’s MESSAGE

Here to serve you

information on a broad range of energy topics. For example, if you are looking for ways to save energy, check out our website for energy-saving tips and ideas to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Consider scheduling a free energy audit with one of our energy experts to identify ways you can save energy at home. Understanding how your home uses energy can help determine the best ways to modify energy use and keep more money in your wallet.

July 2023

Co-op Comments

Official publication of Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. CO-OP COMMENTS is owned, controlled and directed by Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. It is printed monthly and mailed to members in Garvin, McClain, Comanche, Stephens, Grady and Carter counties in Oklahoma.

“We are here to serve you.” We have all heard this phrase countless times. These words may sound generic, but to us – your local electric cooperative – they mean everything.

Rural Electric was created to serve our community. Back in the day, neighbors banded together and formed our Co-op for the common good. In our case, it was the only way the community could bring electricity to the area where there was none. In doing so, REC helped the community thrive. Our mission-focused heritage is the golden thread woven throughout the history of cooperatives.

Today, we are continuing to power the community. While our focus has remained steady on providing reliable energy to our members, today’s energy landscape and consumer expectations are far different than they were decades ago. This is why we are adapting, to keep pace with changing technology, evolving needs and new expectations of our members.

Serving as your trusted energy advisor means we want to help you save energy (and money) and provide advice and

If you are considering a rooftop solar installation, our energy advisors would give you an unbiased view of the pros and cons. Investing in a solar system is a major decision, and it is important to fully understand the costs, responsibilities and potential energy savings. Unlike a solar company with one objective – to sell their products and services – we will look at the total energy picture and help you determine the best options for your home. We understand homeowners must undertake their due diligence, and we are here to help you through that process.

In a similar vein, we recognize many members are considering electric vehicle options. REC can provide information to our members so you can make informed decisions about EVs. We can provide a candid assessment of residential and business charging requirements for all types of EVs. No matter what our members drive, we want to help you achieve energy savings.

So, the next time you hear REC use the phrase “we are here to serve you,” we hope you know we mean it. Service is deeply ingrained into who we are. We continue to evolve with the times, and in return, we have found additional ways to serve you and provide more options for you to power your life.

We are here whenever you need us. Connect with us online on our website, in person, through the SmartHub app or our social media channels. However you choose to connect, please let us know how we can serve you better.

Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. 13942 Highway 76 • P.O. Box 609 Lindsay, OK 73052 405-756-3104 • 800-259-3504

Outage Number: 855-399-2683

www.recok.coop

Board of Trustees

Gary Jones, President, District 1

Scott Christian, Vice President, District 1

Brent Bacon, Sec./Treasurer, District 1

Larry Anderson, District 2

Johnny Harrel, District 2

Terri Hays, District 2

Mark Finch, District 3

Randy Griswold, District 3

Sonny Harrison, District 3

Lisa Whitman, Attorney

Management and Staff

Dusty Ricks, Manager/CEO

Linda Ray, CFO

Kelli Lindsey, Administrative Assistant and Staff Coordinator

Elaine Gilreath, Manager of Customer Service and Data Processing

Jon Jones, Manager of Engineering

Mitch Gilreath, Manager of Information Technology Services

Megan Lawrence, Manager of Member Services and Marketing

David Crull, System Superintendent

Jason Mays, Operations Superintendent

Board of Trustee member receives Director Gold certificate

Recently, REC’s Board of Trustees member, Randy Griswold received his Director Gold Certificate.

The Director Gold program was created to recognize directors committed to continuing their education beyond the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate and the Board Leadership Certificate and who demonstrates their on-going commitment to advancing their knowledge.

All the director certificate programs are specifically designed to help electric cooperative directors, at every stage of their service, understand their roles and responsibilities. These programs help the directors stay-up-to-date on key issues and trends in the electric industry and prepare them to meet the challenges facing electric cooperatives today and in the future.

To earn this certificate, Griswold had to complete both the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and the Board Leadership Certificate (BLD)and three additional credits from the BLC series of courses.

Free Wooden Pallets and Poles for Members

"The Director Gold certificate is geared towards directors who are committed to continuing their education beyond CCD and BLC and who desire a tangible credential reinforcing their stature as part of an experienced and educated group of directors," said Dusty Ricks, CEO. "Director Gold also demonstrates to co-op members those directors' ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability."

For Griswold to maintain his Director Gold certificate he will continue education requirements including earning three credits of approved course work and/or attend conferences every two years. 569400

“I am encouraged by our Board's desire to continue to learn and seek additional education about the electric industry which only makes our Cooperative better,” Ricks concludes.

Retired employee passes away

REC employees, family and friends were saddened to hear of the loss of long-time employee Kenny Scruggs. Scruggs worked at REC for 30 years and was the Manager of Member Services and Market-

ing from 1988 to 2012. He was a dedicated employee and was always quick to offer a helping hand. His passion for serving others is a lasting memory for many. Scruggs will be greatly missed by all.

Randy Griswold (left)receives his Director Gold certificate.

For more infomation call our Warehouse Department at 405-756-3104.

MISCELLANEOUS

FOR SALE: Metal toolbox for a Ford Ranger, $100. PH: 580-585-7228.

FOR SALE: Trail Boss 15k fifth wheel hitch and bipod stabilizer stand $250. PH: 405-207-0228.

FOR SALE: 2 large hair salon mirrors $50 each. PH: 405-756-4277.

FOR SALE: Used candle jars, most with lids, $1 per piece. PH: 405-756-4277.

FOR SALE: Vintage Contello accordion made in Italy in original case, $75. PH: 405-207-0228.

FOR SALE: New 55-gallon drum barrel rack, $25. PH: 405-207-0228.

FOR SALE: Like new Gearench Manufacturing Company 67 tongs reversible titan chain, 2 to 12 in. pipe, $500. PH: 405-207-0228.

RECREATIONAL

FOR SALE: 18 ft Bass Tracker, 115 hp mercury motor, 24 volt spot lock trolling motor, Garmin fish finder, $12,500. PH: 405-344-6496.

FOR SALE: Like new 16 ft Long Star deep V-boat, stick steering and power trim, 24 volt trolling motor, Garmin fish finder, 20 hp, mercury motor only ran approximately 7 hours, $6,500. PH: 405-344-6496.

FOR SALE: 1999 Rockwood Premier pop up trailer with slide out, fully self-con-

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month

Summer is a prime opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. To reduce home energy use, avoid using your oven and use a grill instead. Not only will cooking outdoors eliminate the electricity used to power the stove, but it will also avoid raising the temperature inside your home, reducing the need for air conditioning or cooling.

You can also avoid using the oven with tasty no-bake recipes. Get creative in the kitchen (or the backyard) and find new ways to save energy.

Learn more at www.energy.gov.

tained, sleeps six, lots of storage, heat and air, kitchen sink, microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, toilet, shower, inside or outside three burner stove, new propane tank, new tires, and new spare, ready to

go, $4,000 or would considered a trade for dual axle enclosed trailer with rear ramp and side door, leave a message if needed.

PH: 405-207-0228.

REC employees volunteer at the 2023 Special Olympics Oklahoma State Games

Local Co-op Connection Card Deals

A-U-Store It, Purcell$5 off first month rent

Backroads Boutique, Lindsay5% off everything excluding special order and sale items

Best Western, Chickasha15% Off Regular Room Rate

Blue Moose Outdoor

Portable Rentals, Elmore City -

5% Off Septic Tank Pumping, Tent Rental and Special Event Toilet Rentals

Chickasha Diesel Services, Chickasha$50 off any big diesel oil change

Edwards Canvas, Pauls Valley - 5% Off

Jenny’s Pics Photography, Lindsay10% Off $50 or More Purchase of Pictures

Lindsay Tire and Lube, Lindsay$5 Off Any Full Service Oil Change

M & M Furniture, Chickasha10% Off Any Purchase

Mazzio’s Italian Eatery, Purcell10% Off Purchase

Photos by Ginger, Pauls Valley1 Free 8x10 Print With First Order of $25 Pharmacy Discounts -

Check out the discounts available using your Co-op Connections Card at participating pharmacies throughout our area. For a complete list of pharmacies, visit REC’s website to see if your pharmacy is offering discounts to Co-op Connections Card holders.

REC employees Jacob Trammell, Brandon McCaskill and Justin Jones volunteered at the 2023 Special Olympics Oklahoma State Games along with the other 147 co-op volunteers across the state.