WATT’S UP SUWANEE VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE EMPLOYEE AND RETIREE NEWSLETTER | SUMMER 2017
from the ceo Time flies. It’s hard to believe that July is already here, but seeing that we’re halfway through the year, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on how things are going. I’m pleased to say that our focus on our five core values — Safety, Member experience, Outreach to community, Reliability and Economic viability — seems to be paying off. For example, with a little help from the weather, we’re being successful in our efforts to reduce both the number and lengths of outages. In fact, we’re on pace to achieve some of our best reliability metrics ever. Also, by keeping safety our number one priority, we’re rapidly approaching 1,000 days without a lost-time injury. As I hope you know by now, “Safety is the only way at SVEC” is more than just a motto. Many of us think of SVEC as a family, and the phrase reminds us to continually look out for one another. As it is with every family, life at SVEC is marked by changes. In this edition of Watt’s Up, we welcome new arrivals, wish James Black the best as he heads into retirement, and celebrate a number of personal milestones. I feel lucky to be part of the SVEC family and thank each and every one of you for living our values while serving our members. I hope you enjoy reading this quarter’s newsletter. Best wishes, Mike
SMORE
Safety Member Experience Outreach to Community Reliability Economic Viability
Safety
Safety Improvement Plan »»
Reduce minor vehicle incidents/liability
»»
Speak up, listen up
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Improve on the little things; they matter
Quarterly Safety Rule Employees share with the employer the responsibility for safety. Each employee is responsible for his own safety, the safety of his fellow worker and the general public. Employees shall become familiar with and use all the protective equipment and devices provided for their protection.
Vehicle Liability Incidents Claims
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3 5
Jan-Jun 2017 Jan-Jun 2016 Continued on next page
Continued from front
Member Experience
Each month, a third-party research firm surveys 40 randomly selected members who have had recent contact with SVEC related to bills, account maintenance, right of way work or service orders. Surveyed members are asked to rate their satisfaction with several aspects of their experience on a scale of one to five, with five being the best score. On the whole, members have been very satisfied with their customer service experience.
4.98
Average rating of overall customer service experience May Surveys
Outreach to Community
On the morning of Saturday, June 17, four employees and three family members worked to give some much-needed TLC to the Vivid Visions shelter for victims of domestic violence.
Reliability
In the previous edition of Watt’s Up, we described the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI), which represents the amount of time over a defined period that the average consumer is without power. We are on pace to beat our 12-month 2017 SAIDI goal, which is 205 minutes or less. Another measure of reliability is the System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI). SAIFI represents how many times the average consumer experiences a power interruption of more than five minutes. We are also on pace to beat our 12-month 2017 SAIFI goal, which is 3.0 interruptions or less.
SAIDI: 104.8 MINUTES
through June 30
SAIFI: 1.2 INTERRUPTIONS
through June 30
Painters Leslie Grinnell and Mason, Denny and Madyson Tomkins.
Economic Viability
One measure of financial strength is the equity-to-total-assets ratio. Equity refers to membership patronage (i.e., capital credits), and assets include all resources with economic value (trucks, substations, poles, cash, property, investments, etc.). SVEC’s Financial Management Plan directs us to maintain an equity-to-assets ratio of between 35 percent and 45 percent. Additionally, our lenders — Rural Utility Services (RUS) and Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) — require us to maintain minimum ratios of 30 percent and 20 percent, respectively. If these requirements are not met, our ability to retire capital credits could be restricted. n
EQUITY/ASSETS = 42.96% Ramp refurbishers Joe and Laura Barclay.
through May 31
Welcome... Electrical Engineer in Training Braxton Hicks has returned to SVEC after graduating from Thomas University in May with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a concentration in environmental science and a minor in geographic information science. Braxton will pursue a degree in electrical engineering at Florida State University while working full time. Braxton is no stranger to SVEC, having worked two summers in the Engineering Department. Apprentice Lineman Hunter Ash comes to SVEC from Clay Electric, where he worked the past one-and-a-half years as a meter reader. Hunter grew up in Lake Butler and likes to hunt and fish.
Beware of an email that appears to be sent from someone you know but is very unusual or out of character. Before opening the email, contact the person through a different form of communication (such as by phone) and ask them if they sent it.
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Apprentice Lineman Matt Dickerson joins us from PCS Phosphate, where he worked as a contractor. Before that, Matt was a ranger for the Florida Forest Service. Matt has a six-month-old daughter, Raelyn.
CYBER SECURITY TIP
Please send feedback, information and photos you’d like to be included in the next edition of Watt’s Up to Jon Little at jonl@svec-coop.com.
Congratulations...
Special Days Independence Day.................................................................July 4 National Ice Cream Day.........................................................July 16 Blood Drive.............................................................................July 18 James Black’s Retirement Lunch...........................................July 28 U.S. Coast Guard Day.............................................................August 4 National S’mores Day............................................................August 10 Left Handers Day...................................................................August 13 Labor Day................................................................................September 4 National Hug Your Boss Day..................................................September 9 Patriot Day..............................................................................September 11 National Peanut Day..............................................................September 13
Craig Ragan was promoted to service supervisor. Craig began his career at SVEC in 1989 as a meter reader. Since that time, he has worked in the Service Department and the Construction Department, where he has been a foreman since January 2013. Jason Carroll was promoted to construction foreman. Starting in 2003, Jason was a foreman with SVEC Services for about 10 years. Following that, he worked in SVEC’s Right of Way Department before becoming a journeyman lineman in January 2015.
from our retirees
Happy Birthday Hunter Ash ........................ July 3 Luke Milton........................ July 3 Danny Daniels................... July 4 Patrick Swinney................ July 5 Derek Fillyaw..................... July 7 Janice Goodman................ July 7 James Bell........................July 12 Jodi Hughes.....................July 13 Bruce Branche.................July 22 James Black.....................July 27 Christine Moor.................July 31 Jessica Graham............ August 3 Billy Starling................ August 6 Alex Fountain.............. August 7 Debbie Roberson......... August 8 Jessy Preston .............. August 9 Bill Roberts.................. August 9
My son-in-law Mike McAndrew started a boiled peanut business in San Antonio, Texas. Believe it or not, 99 percent of the people here do not know what boiled peanuts are. Most of the folks here who have had boiled peanuts before are transplants or are in the military. There are four or five military bases located in San Antonio, and many servicemen and servicewomen know what they are. We even have to show folks how to eat them! Just two weeks ago, we met Linda Ware, who wrote the story at http://bit. ly/2rt1Z1F. Within the story, there are links to others who have also written about Lil’ Red’s Boiled Peanuts. Also, here is a link to an article about our daughter Lacy. Lacy has been on the radio and featured in Action Magazine here in San Antonio. http://bit. ly/2srpCZu. She is a federal prosecutor for Homeland Security by day and a singer by night! She sang several times at SVEC Christmas parties. We are just having fun and helping take care of our two red-haired grandsons, enjoying life, while “working for peanuts!!!” – Tony Brinson
Denny Tompkins........ August 10 Paul Schneider.......... August 23 Ryan Ratliff............... August 26 Erin Skeen............September 13 Codey Guynn........September 27 Kelli McKinley......September 28
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Bob and I went to New Mexico this May and stayed at our favorite guest ranch “Geronimo Trails” located in the Gila National Forest. Lots of riding and good food. We plan to go again next year. – Peggy Raulerson
Farewell... James Black will retire on July 28, after serving SVEC’s members for over 40 years. Hired as a right of way technician on March 5, 1973, James moved up through the organization as journeyman lineman, foreman and construction supervisor before landing his current position of service supervisor in September 2007. James says he’ll really miss storms and the challenges of getting everyone’s power restored. He’s looking forward to spending more time with his family and catching up on home projects. James also hopes to do some traveling with his wife, Marolyn.
Support our Family Businesses
Owned by Vicky Talmadge’s son Will.
Owned by Kenneth Bryant’s son William.
Owned by Jessica Graham’s mom and dad.
Family News Accountant Annette Bonds became a grandma for the first time upon the April 26 arrival of her grandson, Fletcher Thomas Wilton. Fletcher, who was born to Annette’s daughter Constance, weighed in at 7.1 pounds and was 20 inches. Annette says, “The family could not be more proud or blessed with this little man!!”
Accountant Jessica Graham welcomed a new niece, Isabel Rose Masters, on May 25. Baby Isabel weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces.
Madyson Tomkins, daughter of Member Service Representative Denny Tomkins, completed her first year in Suwannee High School FFA. She was reporter for the 2016-17 school year. At the FFA end-of-year banquet, Madyson was awarded the Work Horse Award, Parliamentary Award and the Green Hand Award, along with her pin for being reporter.
Jimmie Taylor III, son of Construction Foreman Jimmie Taylor, graduated from Rider University in New Jersey. Jimmie is pursuing a career in professional basketball.
Lukas Miller, son of Engineering Director Kurt Miller, graduated in May from Florida Gateway College with an Associate of Arts. His career interests are music and library science.
Rachel Miller, daughter of Engineering Director Kurt Miller, graduated summa cum laude from Baptist College of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She hopes to be an English professor and writer.
Ms. Plummer Goes to Washington By Kimberly Plummer
Earlier this year, SVEC had a drawing for a four-day and three-night trip to the Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. I was so excited when my name was drawn. At first, I was a little skeptical about the trip because of the flight. I had only flown once before. With a lot of prayer, I was just fine. We met with several senators and representatives. We spoke with them about issues that we have as cooperatives. It was an awesome experience. The one thing that stuck with me was when Senator Bill Nelson was asked if there was anything we could do for him. He responded, “Yes, pray.” After the meetings were over, I had time to explore Washington a little. My first stop was the Washington Monument, then on to the African American Museum. To make getting around easier, I rented a bike; it had been a long time since I rode one. It was fun even though it was raining and cold and I was dressed in my Florida attire — flip flops and a dress. Next time I visit Washington, I will be sure to check the weather before I pack. Lesson learned. Overall, I had a great experience and encourage those who have never been to Washington to definitely visit. When we have the next drawing for this trip, my name will surely be in it.
Carolina on My Mind By Christine Moore
My husband, David, and I have always wanted to visit Charleston, South Carolina. We finally decided to make it happen on our sixth wedding anniversary! What has always attracted me to Charleston is all the southern charm, history and FOOD the city has to offer! We stayed in downtown Charleston and walked many miles while exploring, trying new restaurants and visiting the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point. Some of our favorite culinary experiences were dining at Poogan’s Porch, Hominy Grill and Eli’s Table. Even though the Yorktown is almost 75 years old, we were awed by the ship and everything on it. We were sad to leave Charleston, but we are already planning our next visit!
»» Andy Lawrence likes to fish. He really, REALLY likes to fish. Word is, he’s pretty good at it, too.
service anniversaries
Trevita Riley July 5, 23 years
Tray Boatright July 5, 17 years
Daniel Carver July 7, 17 years
Jessy Preston August 10, 2 years
Ronda Ellison August 12, 19 years
Luke Milton August 14, 11 years
Danny Daniels August 18, 23 years
Trevor Touchton August 19, 4 years
Jared Clark August 21, 11 years
Jon Little August 22, 1 year
Leslie Laffoon August 23, 28 years
Jimmie Taylor August 27, 27 years
Codey Guynn August 31, 2 years
Doug Wynn August 31, 2 years
James Humphrey August 31, 2 years
Brad Boswell Brenda Pryce Janice Goodman Alicia Ellmore September 3, 18 years September 6, 6 years September 7, 45 years September 15, 25 years
Stay connected with SVEC facebook.com/sveccoop
@SVEC_COOP_FL
We miss you, Butch!
FAVORITE RECIPE
Banana Smoothie Muffins From Annette Bonds 3 ripe bananas 2 cups packed baby spinach 8 strawberries 1½ cups whole wheat flour 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg 1/4 cup canola oil 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon salt
Heat oven to 350 F. Puree bananas, spinach and strawberries in a blender. In a medium-size bowl, combine flour, sugar, egg, oil, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Pour the smoothie mixture into a bowl and mix well. Put paper or silicone muffin cups in a muffin pan (you’ll need two pans for 14 muffins). Spoon in the batter filling each cup about three-quarters full. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool on a rack, and enjoy!