Companies that Care Ownership of the company matters Studies have shown that communities where owners occupy the majority of homes are more successful academically, are more physically fit, and have a stronger sense of community. While owning a home may not be possible or desirable for everyone, ownership does matter. It just seems to make sense that we treat things we own with greater care. Chances are you probably don’t think too often about your ownership role with your electric cooperative. Every member of Tri-County Electric can take pride in the fact that you are an owner of your electric co-op. While at times it may seem easy to take the provision of electricity for granted, we are working 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to make sure you, the member-owners of the co-op, are well taken care when it comes to your electricity needs. Locally-based cooperatives believe this special bond and obligation to be an integral part of the community. Tri-
County Electric understands that you can’t sell electricity to a business that has closed its doors, or to people who have left the community because there are not enough local opportunities. Electricity is a critical need, but it takes more than poles, wires and kilowatt-hours to make a community. We all have a role to play. As your local electric cooperative, we promise to do our part for the community. If you have thoughts about how we can do a better job, please contact me at jhackett@tcec.com or by telephone at 850-973-8020. You are the owners of the co-op, and we welcome your active participation. This issue of Rural Living is all about healthy living and making changes to live your best life. Inside you’ll find tips on how to sneak exercise into your day, the benefits of having a clean diet, and hear from an employee who shares his yearlong journey on getting fit. The Florida
Julius Hackett, CEO Department of Health offers tips on becoming a more active family and being a healthy influence on our children. We hope as you read through this issue that you’ll be motivated to get outside this summer, whether you choose to ride a bike, walk on a trail, play in the pool, or swim in the many springs, lakes and rivers in our community. We hope you have a safe and fun summer and spend it living your best life!
Making a Lifestyle Change
A real-life story from Antonio Richardson, TCEC System Engineer Mother’s Day 2016, I knew it was time for a change when I visited my sweet grandmother in the hospital with flowers in my hand, and the first thing she said to me was “You’re going to need to buy you a truck; you’re getting too fat for that little car you’re in.” That led me to joining a local CrossFit gym, and I’m so glad I did. For me, the hardest part of starting a workout program was to actually start. Now, working out five days a week for about an hour a day has easily become a way of life for me. Another obstacle for me to overcome was my eating habits. Since I consider myself not much of a cook, 99.9% of my meals came from fast food restaurants or buffets, which does not really mix well with CrossFit. I’ve since then found a meal prepping program that works well, and I still 2
don’t have to cook, which is a plus. Becoming more active and eating healthier has helped me to lose over 50 lbs. in less than a year, and I’m on pace to being in the best shape of my life.
My advice to someone who may be thinking of starting an exercise program: Say yes before you can say no. Commit by pre-paying for a one-month gym membership. If you hesitate at the thought of being a newbie at the gym, enlist a friend to go along with you. Expect to not do well at first, it takes time to learn a new skill. You’ll get better if you stick with it. And remember more than anything to have fun! Grandma update: I went to visit her at home the other day and she looked me up and down, then walked me to her bathroom scale. I’m happy to report that I no longer need to buy a new truck.
July & August 2017