Tri-County Rural Living Newsletter

January & February 2017 Vol. 20 • No. 3

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The Benefits of Community Solar Have you ever walked out of your house on a sunny day and thought, “I wish I could harness the sun’s energy to power my home”?

I’m sure you have noticed solar panels on top of homes in your community. If you have considered adding solar to your home’s energy mix — but have been dissuaded by high costs or maintenance requirements — we here at Tri-County Electric Co-op are happy to tell you that solar energy is more accessible than you might think!

Community solar programs harness natural energy from the sun and often cost less than installing a solar system at your home or business.

The community solar model is easy to understand. Seminole Electric Cooperative builds a solar array on behalf of their member cooperatives — a group of solar panels in an empty lot or field — then you purchase a share of the energy produced, often in the form of one or more solar panels. The energy is distributed to the power grid and community solar-farm members will be making a positive impact on the environment and will receive credits that offset KWH usage on their electric bills.

Participating in a community solar program also eliminates maintenance

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costs and concerns that can be a hassle for those who own and maintain their own residential solar system. With community solar, Seminole takes care of installation, maintenance, and insurance fees, making it easy for members to participate.

To learn more about community solar and other programs we offer, contact Kaitlynn Culpepper, Community Relations Specialist, at (850) 973-2285, Ext. 206.

Julius Hackett, CEO

January & February 2017

Trustees Earn Latest Director Achievement One of the Seven Cooperative Principals is Education. Your Cooperative Trustees realize that the energy industry is changing and, in order to effectively contribute to the development of your co-op, they need certain core skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully fulfill their fiduciary duties. This is why they continue to invest in their education.

Recently, trustees Catherine Bethea (District 5) and Malcolm

V. Page (District 8) were awarded an NRECA Director Gold Credential (GOLD). The GOLD Credential is in addition to their previously earned Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership Certificates and recognizes their commitment to continuing their education throughout their service on the board.

We congratulate them both on an outstanding job!

Board President Gary Fulford (right) presents an NRECA Director Gold Certificate to Trustee Catherine Bethea (District 5).

Board President Gary Fulford (left) presents an NRECA Director Gold Certificate to Trustee Malcolm V. Page (District 8).

New Face at TCEC:

Josh Williams Please join us in welcoming Tri-County Electric Cooperative’s newest employee, Mr. Josh Williams!

Josh is a graduate of Madison County High School, and furthered his education at North Florida Community College where he received his AA degree and will soon receive his business degree from St. Leo University.

With a strong education foundation and his previous work experience as a farmer, he is the perfect fit for a Lineman at TCEC! In his spare time, Josh likes to hunt and hang out with his 10-year-old brother.

All Tri-County Electric Cooperative offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 16, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We will have standby crews available for power restoration if needed. Please see “To Report Electrical Problems or Outages” on Page 11 of this newsletter. 73127004001

January & February 2017

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Service Awards Ceremony Recognizes 190 Years of Service to TCEC Board members and employees of Tri-County Electric who reached milestone years of service were recognized during the Cooperative’s 26th Annual Safety Day program held on November 11, 2016. These special guests of honor were those employees and board members who achieved 5, 10, 15, 25, 30 and 35 years of service during 2016.

This year nine employees and two board members with a

combined total of 190 years of service to the Cooperative were honored. Each honoree was given a plaque commemorating their years of service. In an era where it seems commonplace for workers to change jobs many times throughout their career, TCEC is fortunate to have such a dedicated group of employees and trustees whose commitment has contributed to the success of the Cooperative throughout the years.

Congratulations to these long-term employees and Trustees (L to R): Marvin Johnston (5 years), Jackie Bennett (30 years), Dustin Fletcher (10 years), Trustee Junior Smith (10 years), Troy Pickles (10 years), Kevin Pryor (25 years), Clint Nash (15 years), Stephanie Carroll (15 years), Tamara Ashley (30 years), Trustee Elmer Coker (10 years), and Michael Haynes (15 years). Not pictured: Trey Barrs (10 years) and Bill Kinsey (35 years).

Find Your Hidden Account Number & Get a $150 Bill Credit!

Hidden somewhere in this issue of Tri-County Rural Living are two member account numbers.

Look carefully, one might be yours. If you find your account number exactly as it appears on your bill for electric service, we’ll credit your bill up to the amount of $150!* You have until Feb. 28, 2017, to claim your credit by calling Carol Timmons at (850) 973-2285, Ext. 203 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You must contact the TCEC representative before the deadline to collect your prize.

Congratulations to last issue’s winner: Peggy T. Moss * Total credit on bill will not exceed $150.00. This one-time credit is valid only on the current balance. Any balance remaining after the $150.00 applied credit is the member’s responsibility.

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January & February 2017

Learn how to

Suspect a scammer?

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DON’TFALL FALL FOR FOR THE DON’T THE CALL! CALL!

DON’TFALL FALL FOR FOR THE DON’T THE CALL! CALL! DON’T FALL FOR THE CALL!

DON’T FALL FOR THE CALL!

DON’T FALL FOR THE CALL!

DON’T FALL FOR THE CALL!

January & February 2017

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DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Welcome to the

FINANCE

DEPARTMENT where everybody counts!

When you think of the finance department, you may think of debits and credits and the counting of numbers. But in reality, the finance department has a lot of wheels in motion at the same time that consists of purchasing, accounting, billing, revenue and materials management. It also includes keeping of financial records and preparing financial statements, budgeting and anticipating financial needs, safeguarding and management of financial assets, complying with federal and state reporting requirements, and ensuring accountability and integrity in all transactions.

Wendell Williams, CPA, is the Finance Manager. He is assisted by Fiscal Assistant Sharon Boothe and Staff Assistant Tamara Ashley. Another branch of the finance department is comprised of Billing Supervisor Carol Timmons and Billing Assistant Kisha Tolar, who maintain daily billing records, Capital Credit records, and accounts payable.

These employees represent more than 92 years of combined finance and accounting experience. Together, they apply processes and policies to ensure the financial goals of the Cooperative are reached.

Finance Team (L to R): Sharon Boothe, Carol Timmons, Wendell Williams, Tamara Ashley and Kisha Tolar 6

January & February 2017

Wendell Williams, Manager of Finance Wendell, who manages and directs the daily activities of the Finance department, says, “I enjoy the preparation of the financial statements because they reveal the direction in which the Cooperative is going and what corrective measures are necessary to keep it on course.”

Sharon Booth, Fiscal Assistant

Tamara Ashley, Staff Assistant

Sharon likes working with numbers and states, “They reveal areas of success and strength as well as hardship and weakness.” She also enjoys automating and integrating systems as displayed with the merger of the co-op’s fleet management and fuel systems that eliminated manual tracking of odometer and fuel readings on Cooperative vehicles.

Tamara likes the diversity of her job and says, “I enjoy everything from preparing a RUS (Rural Utilities Service) loan package to working with the Engineering Department on a Work Plan to completing the paperwork from the Operations Department when construction crews complete any type of work, such as new member installations, pole change-outs, etc.”

Kisha Tolar, Billing Assistant-Accounts Payable Kisha acknowledges she enjoys working on both sides of the finance department and says, “Working with accounts payable and billing allows me to do something different every day. I like some of the more challenging aspects of my job, such as processing service orders, to the more routine tasks of making sure the Cooperative’s bills are paid in a timely manner.”

Carol Timmons, Billing Supervisor Carol supervises the billing department and maintains the Capital Credit records and distribution of those funds. She shares that one of her favorite things about her job is problem solving. “I enjoy research, so if a member calls me with a question about their bill, I enjoy searching until I find the answer for them. I like to help people.”

All of us who work with Carol know that’s a true statement because we’ve all received her help at one time or another; she is our go-to person for all types of questions.

January & February 2017

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63rd Annual

North Florida Livestock Show and Sale Madison County Agricultural Center SHOW SCHEDULE Monday, Feb. 20 8–11am: Receive swine entries only 1–3pm: Receive steer entries only 4pm: Exhibitors’ Meeting 6pm: Youth Swine Show Tuesday, Feb. 21 9am: Livestock Judging Contest Noon: Scramble Forms Due

Tuesday, Feb. 21, cont.

7pm: Awards, Gain-inWeight, Best Record Book Contest, Pee Wee Scramble, Pig Scramble Wednesday, Feb. 22 6pm: Youth Cattle Show Thursday, Feb. 23 5:30pm: Buyer’s Dinner 6:45pm: Herdsmen Awards 7pm: Auction

Chili Annual

Challenge

8th Annual Chili Challenge Sat., Feb. 18, 5– 11 PM The Old Apron Factory 2077 S. Jefferson St. Monticello, FL 32344 Sponsored by Simpson Nurseries The Chili challenge is from 5–7 PM, then The Chaotics (a very popular North Florida band) will be playing until 11 PM, so break out your dancing shoes.

Call 850-997-5552 for more information.

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Fri–Sun, Feb 17–19, 2017 Chili Cook-off Event Parade Food Vendors Music Over 100 Arts & Crafts Fiddler Crab Race And Much More!

www.steinhatcheeriverchamber.org

January & February 2017

TCEC, Geared Up for Safety Can you imagine working a job that requires you to lift heavy are tested at 30,000 volts. equipment and perform detailed tasks near deadly high voltage?

Hard hat. Insulated hard hats are worn at all times to protect Now imagine doing this 40 feet in the air, and sometimes in them from blows and falling objects. extreme weather. This is the life of a lineman.

Steel toe boots. These heavy-duty boots are typically 16 These brave men answer when inches tall and designed with extra called — and they do so to ensure support in mind. The height of the that you are provided with safe, boot shields linemen from gouges, and reliable electric service. But how do serrated heels provide a better grip they stay safe when working in these when climbing poles. The steel toe conditions? provides sturdier support and protects Tri-County Electric Cooperative from objects that could potentially linemen are required to wear personal pierce the feet. protective equipment (PPE) at Safety goggles. Linemen must all times when on the job to keep wear protective goggles or glasses, them safe. whether working on electrical lines or Let’s take a look at a clearing rights-of-way. lineman’s PPE. While working on electrical lines, Fire resistant (FR) clothing. While they also may be required to wear our linemen do everything possible equipment belts, tool pouches, safety to prevent them, unexpected fires can straps and other types of equipment. happen. Fires typically occur with an A lineman’s gear usually weighs about arc flash — an explosion that results 50 pounds — that’s a lot of extra from a low-impedance connection to weight when working in hazardous a ground phase in an electrical system. conditions.

FR clothing will self-extinguish, thus So, the next time you see a limiting injury due to burn. lineman, be sure to thank him for Insulated gloves. Linemen must keeping the lights on. But more wear insulated rubber gloves when importantly, thank them for the hard working on any type of electrical — and often times dangerous — work line. These gloves provide protection they do, day in and day out. against electrical shock and burn, and Source: Abby Berry, NRECA Bailey Stewart, Journeyman Lineman

Venison Chili Ingredients • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 onions, chopped • 1 green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and chopped • ¼ cup chili powder • 1 tbsp cumin • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper • Salt and pepper • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 2 lds ground venison • 2 (15.5 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed • 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained • 1 (28 oz) can tomato puree • Shredded cheese, sour cream, and scallions for serving (optional)

January & February 2017

Directions simmer for 30 mins longer, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with 1. Heat oil in large stock pot over salt and pepper. medium-high heat until simmering.

5. When ready to serve, add toppings Add onions, bell pepper, chili of cheese, sour cream and scallions. powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Cook Recipe Source: Food Network until vegetables have softened (about 7–10 mins).

2. Stir in garlic until fragrant (about 30 secs). Add venison and cook, breaking up the clumps with a spoon, until the venison is no longer pink (about 5 mins).

3. Stir in kidney beans, tomatoes and tomato puree. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 mins, stirring occasionally.

4. Remove lid and continue to

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Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Notes for Oct. 10, 2016

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Notes for Nov. 14, 2016

With all trustees, key cooperative personnel, guests and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, Oct. 10, 2016, in the Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. headquarters office building located in Madison, Fla. Reports to the Board included those of the Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and the CEO. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the Oct. 10, 2016, Board Agenda and the Sept. 12, 2016, Board Meeting Minutes. The Policy Committee recommended and the Board approved new Policy 531, “Volunteer Time Off,” and revised Policy 110, “Cooperative Committees.”

Approval of Consent Agenda Items as written and recommended by the CEO included the WPCA for October 2016 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for August 2016; the list of new members for Sept. 13–19, 2016; and Safety and Accident Report for August 2016 along with the System Outage Report. Miscellaneous items discussed included the 2016 Annual Meeting and estimated damage costs associated with Hurricane Hermine. The attorney discussed capital credits of a deceased patron.

With all trustees, key cooperative personnel, guests and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, in the Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. headquarters office building located in Madison, Fla. Reports to the Board included those of the Seminole Electric Cooperative October 2016 Board Meeting, 2016 NRECA Regional Meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and the CEO. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the Nov. 14, 2016, Board Agenda and the Oct. 10, 2016, Board Meeting Minutes; the retirement of 100% of 1989 and 75% of 1990 capital credits to patrons; Consent Agenda Items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included the WPCA for November 2016 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for September 2016; the list of new members for Sept. 20–Oct. 24, 2016; and the Safety and Accident Report for September 2016. The Policy Committee distributed to the Board proposed revised Policy 200, “Allocation and Retirement of Capital Credits,” and proposed revised Policy 515, “Employee Drivers Licenses,” to take home for further study and possible action at the December 2016 meeting. The Board reviewed and discussed the results of the 2016 Cyber Security Audit. Upcoming meetings and events were discussed.

Gary Fulford Catherine Bethea President Secretary-Treasurer

Gary Fulford Catherine Bethea President Secretary-Treasurer

Is Your Outdoor Light Out? We Need to Know!

We strive to keep all our outdoor lights in good working order. At times, an outdoor light can malfunction or become inoperative. If this happens, please contact Tri-County Electric Cooperative using these three easy steps: 1. Call us at (850) 973-2285 or 1-800-999-2285.

2. Identify the outdoor light, give us the six-digit pole identification number or tell us where it is located. If there is more than one light in the area, please tell us which light it not working.

3. Provide your contact information in case our technician has trouble finding the correct light. This helps us make repairs quickly.

To report an inoperative or malfunctioning outdoor light on TCEC’s lines, call (850) 973-2285 or 1-800-999-2285.

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BOARD MEETINGS The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri‑County Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held the second Monday in each month at 3:00 p.m. in the central office building of t he C o op erat ive located at 2862 West U.S. 90, approximately two miles west of the city of Madison.

January & February 2017

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. is the recipient of federal financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, and is subject to the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture which provide that no person in the United States on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs), shall be excluded from participation in, admission or access to, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any of this organization’s programs or activities.

The person responsible for coordinating this organization’s nondiscrimination compliance efforts is H. Julius Hackett, CEO. Any individual, or specific class of individuals, who feels that this organization has subjected them to discrimination may obtain further information about the statutes and regulations listed above from and/or file a written complaint with this organization; or the USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Complaints must be filed within 180 days after the alleged discrimination. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible.

Tri-County Rural Living Vol. XX No. III January & February 2017 TRI-COUNTY RURAL LIVING, the voice of your member-owned, taxpaying electric utility, is published bimonthly — more if necessary — through the auspices of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. as a service to its member-owners. Postage is paid at Blountstown, Fla.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Junior Smith, CCD, BLC D-1 Bobby Dodd, CCD, BLC D-2 Donnie Waldrep D-3 George Webb, CCD D-4 Catherine Bethea, CCD, BLC, DGC Secretary-Treasurer, D-5 Gary Fulford, CCD President, D-6 Albert Thomas, Jr., CCD, BLC, DGC Vice President, D-7 Malcolm V. Page, CCD, BLC, DGC D-8 Elmer Coker, CCD, BLC, DGC D-9

EDITORIAL OFFICES 2862 West US 90 Madison, FL • (850) 973-2285 PUBLICATION COMMITTEE Julius Hackett CEO Eileen Herndon Executive Assistant Kaitlynn Culpepper Community Relations Specialist Michael Curtis, Madison Media Group Writer STAFF Jeff Brewer Manager – Engineering Stephanie Carroll Manager – Corporate Services Darrell Tuten Manager – Operations Wendell M. Williams Manager – Finance

Send CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICES to: Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. 2862 West US 90 Madison, FL 32340

January & February 2017

This Publication’s Inspirational Moment

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others.

Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT) 5321001

According to the Consumer Electronics Association, the average household owns 24 consumer electronics products, which are responsible for 12 percent of household electricity use. ENERGY STAR-certified audio/video equipment is up to 50 percent more efficient than conventional models.

Source: EnergyStar.gov

To Report Electrical Problems or Outages Please Call:

850-973-2285 or 1-800-999-2285 24-HOUR SERVICE THANK YOU

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Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. 2862 West US 90 Madison, FL 32340