November - December 2021 TCEC Rural Living Newsletter

TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Rural Living TCEC Annual Meeting See page 4-5

Welcome New Employees – Page 3 November & December 2021 Vol. 28 • No. 7

TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Rural Living Vol. XXVIII No. VII November & December 2021

Board of Trustees

Bobby Dodd

Donnie Waldrep

Catherine Bethea

District 2

District 3

District 5

President

Vice President

Secretary/Treasurer

Junior Smith

George Webb

Ann Herring

Benny Bishop

Johnny Edwards

Elmer Coker

District 1

District 7

District 4

District 8

District 6

District 9

TCEC Staff

Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer Jeff Brewer, Vice President of Engineering Eileen Herndon, Vice President of Corporate Service John Tuten, Vice President of Operations Wendell Williams, Vice President of Finance Tri-County Electric Cooperative Rural Living, the voice of your member-owned electric cooperative, is published bimonthly — more if necessary — at no subscription cost to the membership. The publication team is comprised of TCEC employees. Postage is paid at Tallahassee, Fla.

Publication Team

Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer Eileen Herndon, Vice President of Corporate Service Kaitlynn Culpepper, Community Relations Director

Publisher

Joanna Forrester Printed on Responsibly Forested Paper Tri-County Electric Cooperative 2862 West US 90 Madison, FL 32340 www.tcec.com 1-800-999-2285

Season’s Greetings from Your Cooperative “The holidays.” I love everything about this time of year. Just the thought of the holiday season brings a smile to my face and evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia. Recalling family gatherings and traditions warms my heart and fills my senses.

It’s a time of reflection. I’m grateful for my own family as well as my coop family. At Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC), we’re driven by a sense of mission and purpose. Our team feels a strong connection to our community and our members, because we live here too.

While many of our community-focused programs and activities such as the Gift of Light ramp up this time of year, we have several programs and services in place to help our members year-round.

I’d like to remind you about some of these offerings in hopes you’ll find them beneficial.

We hope you’ll take advantage of the TCEC FL mobile app, an app that empowers you to monitor, manage and pay your energy bill conveniently through your phone. Another service we offer is prepaid metering, which is intended to help budget your monthly energy costs. TCEC members can pay for electricity before it’s used, then use the electricity until the credit expires.

During the time period paid for, you’ll receive regular feedback on your balance.

In addition to helping members save today, we’re focusing on the future. In our area, we’re seeing increased interest in renewable energy sources. Recent innovations and advances have led to significant cost decreases in renewable energy, making it more feasible and accessible. In recent years, TCEC has been able to adjust our fuel mix by incorporating more renewables. Today, 3% of our fuel mix is comprised of

Julius Hackett, CEO renewable energy sources, including solar and hydro, generated by Seminole Electric Cooperative and Southeastern Power Association on our behalf. Our renewable energy generation is expected to grow to 8% by 2024.

But the most important investment we make is in our local youth. TCEC has logged many volunteer hours supporting schools, youth clubs and programs along with providing more than $25,000 in scholarships for local students in 2021.

Each year, through our Youth Tour program, we send high school juniors to Washington, D.C. for a week-long immersion to experience democracy in action. See page 11 for more information on the 2022 Youth Tour.

At the heart of all of these programs is you––the members we proudly serve.

Looking back, I’m grateful for so many wonderful community partners and for the positive impact we can continue to make.

This holiday season, I wish you and your loved ones peace, joy and prosperity.

Speaking on behalf of our team at TCEC, I know the future will be be bright, because of you.

Board Meetings The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held the second Monday of each month at 3:00 p.m. in the central office building of the Cooperative located at 2862 West US 90, approximately two miles west of the City of Madison.

2

November & December 2021

Welcome New Employees

Albert Head, Safety Director After 8 years as the Operations Manager at Saddle Creek Transportation, Albert Head will be using his knowledge and experience in his new role as TCEC Safety Director.

Ben Waring, Lead Mechanic Ben Waring joined the cooperative in October 2021 as our new Lead Mechanic. His responsibilities include vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair while leading the day-to-day activities of the TCEC mechanic shop. Ben has 8 years of experience at Four Star Freightliner and 10 years with heavy equipment maintenance and operation at Big Bend Environmental.

Ben’s favorite thing about working at TCEC so far is working within the community, and how friendly and welcoming everyone has been. He is a long-time resident of Madison County, and proud to say his family has lived in the area for over 120 years. Ben has been married for 15 years and share 2 children and 3 dogs.

Rusty Smith Rusty Smith, longtime TCEC Safety Director retired in June 2021 after 38 and a ½ years of dedicated service to the cooperative. Rusty’s career at TCEC began as a lineman trainee advancing to a journeyman lineman before his transition to Safety Director in 2009.

He has kept us safe, made us laugh, cooked for us, and lead the co-op in teaching others about how to “Play it Safe” around electricity.

With a new granddaughter to love on and small blueberry operation to tend to, we are certain Rusty’s days in retirement will be full.

November & December 2021

David Allen After 34 years of excellent service to the Cooperative, David Allen, TCEC Staking Technician, has retired as of October 2021. David served cooperative members through various roles including Lineman and Serviceman.

David has played a critical role in providing quality electrical service to our members in Perry and Steinhatchee, and he will be missed.

Albert’s responsibilities include maintaining a safe work environment for all employees as well can providing the necessary training to Cooperative personnel and contracted utilities. He retains all safety records and reports while overseeing the safe and efficient operation of work processes that meet all regulatory standards.

His primary goal as the new Safety Director is getting everyone on board with the cooperative’s safety protocols making sure all employees return home safe each day. Meeting new people and learning a new industry are his favorite things about working at TCEC so far.

Albert resides in Madison with his wife, 2 kids, 1 dog, and 1 goldfish.

He enjoys watching sports especially UGA football and Atlanta Braves Baseball.

Sam Harrison

Troy Pickles

Our Madison and Monticello members are sure to recognize Sam Harrison as the sweet, smiling, and helpful Member Service Representative. Sam served many years as an MSR in the Madison office and retired from the Monticello office. Sam was a patient and understanding MSR who assisted members and new customers to the best of her ability.

Sam loves to travel and spend time with her horses, which she will get to enjoy in abundance now that she is retired.

Troy Pickles proudly served TCEC for over 15 years as a cooperative mechanic. Keeping our crews on the road and power tools in tip top shape were his priority.

Troy will now be pursuing his dream of working in welding full time in a family owned business.

New Adventure Awaits 3

81st Annual Meeting Held in September TCEC was faced with holding its second drive-through and virtual annual meeting in 2021 due to COVID restrictions in place for much of the year. But this year, staff and employees challenged themselves with holding a live business portion of the annual meeting and streamed it live to members on our website and Facebook.

The effort required all employees to lend a hand while many worked the drive-through registration that allowed for 926 members to be registered during the two-hours. Each member who registered received a $25 bill credit and TCEC emblemed cutting board. Each member had their name entered into the drawing for prizes.

Back at the headquarters office building, a small core group of employees were busy setting up the stage to conduct the live meeting that included a message from both the Board President, Mr. Bobby Dodd, and TCEC’s CEO Mr. Julius Hackett. Mrs. Catherine Bethea, Secretary/Treasurer, provided a financial report. The business meeting was conducted by cooperative attorney, Mr. Dylan Rivers of the Ausley McMullen firm.

4

November & December 2021

At the conclusion of the business meeting, a drawing for prizes was held. The following prizes were awarded:

Congratulations to the winners of prizes from our Annual Meeting. *2010 Ford F-150 4X4 - Harvey & Maude Pickles *Generac Portable Generator - Tiffany Morris *Milwaukee Bundle - Robert & Gloria Austin *Ninja Foodie XL grill - Lucile B. Day *$200.00 TCEC bill credit - Mackie Nance *Yeti Bundle - Louise Jenkins *125.00 TCEC bill credit - Rondie Mathis *Nebo 12K Lumen flashlight - Lance Craig *$200.00 TCEC bill credit - Barbara Graves *Die Hard Power Pack - Emily Dickey *$100.00 TCEC bill credit - Reatha Knowles

November & December 2021

5

Member Services, going the extra mile

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Our business is nothing without our members. That is a big reason why delivering great member service is vital to our company’s mission to “Provide Quality-Safe-Affordable Electric Service Powered by Members.” We understand that offering great customer service means we value our members’ time, you expect us to be knowledgeable and resourceful, we want to exceed, not just meet, your expectations. We do that by going the extra mile.

That doesn’t just mean our members have a great experience, but it means something to us too.

When we feel like we’ve listened and helped resolve an issue for our member, it makes us feel good. It makes us feel like we’ve done our job!

TCEC has four district offices in addition to its headquarters office in Madison. Each district office has employees and at least one is a member service representative (MSR).

When you come into our lobbies, our MSRs are there to greet you. Other times they are the voice on the other end of line, handling everything from routine questions or accepting payments. Need to establish new service? See a MSR. Have a question about your bill? Ask a MSR. Have a complaint?

Tell a MSR and they’ll do what they can to resolve the problem or help you work through the matter.

Often our MSRs serve as a link between our members and our employees who work in the field.

Our MSRs work hard to understand our members’ perspective to make sure we identify your specific concerns. We know your time is important and they are knowledgeable and they are equipped to answer questions and provide solutions. Our MSRs are here for you, to listen, and to be solutions-focused.

Get to know your Member Service Representatives: day and having that conversation in my office helped to change her outlook. It was at that moment that I realized just how important the ‘listening’ aspect is for my job. Outside of work, it’s Go Noles!!! As well as taking care of our five dogs who take up a lot of our time but we couldn’t image life without them.

Angela Eastabrooks Member Services Supervisor

Tina Batton Member Services Representative

What I most enjoy most about my job is the ability to actually help members who may be struggling with paying bills.

Being able to offer payment options and make arrangements for members can sometimes have a huge impact on them.

I started my career at TCEC on June 29, 1992. I enjoy meeting new members coming onto the line and seeing our established members. I appreciate the conversations I have with them.

Anytime I feel like I can brighten up someone’s day or maybe someone makes mine brighter is always a good feeling. I remember working during the Storm of the Century in 1993, we all came together, members as well as employees, to get through it and we did! There were friendships made and those memories will never go away. I appreciate being able to spend time with my grandchildren when not working, or taking mini-vacations with my husband, and having the opportunity to deer and turkey hunt.

I feel that having the ability to listen is a big part of being a good MSR. I find that its better to listen to members and acknowledge their concerns. After more than twenty-two years of service at TCEC, there is an instance that has stuck with me for years. I had a member in my office who was visibly upset and had family issues going on in addition to her electric bill. She probably stayed more than 30 minutes talking to me about all sorts of things. Weeks following our conversation, she came back to see me and told me thanks for helping her that day. She was in a bad place that first 6

Keith Ruff Member Services Representative II I appreciate the friendships I’ve made while working here. I enjoy working in general and having the ability to help members and make them happy makes me feel good. When I am not in the office, I’m busy working in my shop or working in my yard. I love riding my motorcycle and fishing. I am an active member of the Madison Rotary Club, and Madison Lodge #11 F&AM and member of Fellowship Baptist Church.

Keith has worked at the co-op for 10 years.

November & December 2021

my time off, I enjoy spending time with my family. I love going to the beach and watching football, especially college ball. Oh yes, and I love Florida State. Go Noles!!

Sandy Wilson Member Services Representative I enjoy helping members that are new to our area. Whether they are building a new home or buying a new home, I feel the excitement they feel and try to share my enthusiasm with them. My goal is to always make the process as stress free as possible and be sure to make them feel welcome. One of my favorite things about working here is when Ms. Jean brings us the best homemade pecan brittle. When I am not at work, I love to travel and being outdoors kayaking or camping. I also enjoy quilting.

Sandy has been employed at the co-op for six years.

Lavonne Browning Member Services Representative I enjoy meeting new people and look forward to seeing my regulars every month when they come in to pay their bill. It’s always a nice surprise to see someone that I knew from years past. I am thankful for having great co-workers which makes the job go smoothly. We are a real team and we rely on each other. During my ten years of employment, one of my best memories is receiving an award for the work I did during the height of the COVID19 pandemic while working in the office to keep our lobby open for our members in the Steinhatchee district office. It was a complete surprise to me to receive recognition for my efforts. On November & December 2021

Robbie Coker Member Services Representative I have been a full time MSR for over six years working in the Perry office. I have learned a lot from our Taylor county members and I enjoy interacting with all our members and being able to assist them. I appreciate the conversations I have with members and I hope they feel I am more than just a cashier in a branch office to them. I have great memories from my work as a MSR, our members are so thoughtful and I appreciate their kind words and gestures. I feel good when they share stories with me about special things taking place in their lives.

Outside of the office, my favorite pastime is spending time with my family or being on a boat. I have a passion for sewing and I find it both therapeutic and a way for me to be creative. My grandmother always said “Keep your hands busy” and that is what I try to do. God blessed me with my family, my job, and all our members that I look forward to seeing each day.

Corporate Services and becoming a MSR. I enjoy all my coworkers; we are like a family. We have great members too. One morning on my way to work my car ran out of washer fluid, so when I arrived at the office I popped my hood and went inside to get some water. When I came outside, two of our members in the Greenville area were standing next to my car. They just wanted to check on me and make sure I didn’t need any help with anything. It is wonderful to make a connection with members and feel like they care about me. I really appreciate having them in my life.

Katie Wetherington Member Services Representative There are so many things I enjoy about my job, but meeting new people and being able to turn someone’s day around is my favorite part. I strive to make what can be an extensive process easier by being quick and efficient when connecting a member to a new service or transferring a service for them. It’s rewarding to think I somehow play a small part in a member’s life. It’s a good feeling. One of my memorable moments is when a member realized that I could conversate with them through sign language. It was good to realize that the member reacted with joy when I unexpectantly met his expectations. I am a very artistic person and enjoy painting and singing. All my free time is devoted to my family and being a good mom to my two daughters and bonus daughter. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Business.

Candice Gray Member Services Representative I have been working at the co-op since 2016. I originally started in the engineering department as a weekend system operator before transferring into 7

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Summary for March 8, 2021

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Summary for April 12, 2021

With all Trustees present, key cooperative personnel and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, March 8, 2021, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, Florida. Reports to the Board included the Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and CEO. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the March 8, 2021 Board Agenda; the February 8, 2021 Board Meeting Minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included: the WPCA for March 2021 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for January 2021; the list of new members for January 19, 2021 – February 14, 2021; and Work and Accident Report for January 2021 along with the System Outage Reports. Other action taken by the board included authorization of the uncollectible fourth quarter electric receivable accounts for appropriate accounting designation; acceptance and approval of the CoBank Resolution and Incumbency Certificate; approval of Authority to Submit or Grant Access Data together with Secretary’s Certificate for USDA Rural Development Data Collection System RD Apply Intake System; adoption of the Capital City Bank Resolution and signature cards for officers and staff; and acceptance of the 2020 audit performed by Nichols, Cauley and Associates and new audit engagement letter.

With all Trustees present, key cooperative personnel and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, April 12, 2021, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, Florida. Reports to the Board included the Seminole Electric Cooperative March Board Meeting, Florida Electric Cooperatives Association March Board Meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and CEO. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the April 12, 2021 Board Agenda; the March 8, 2021 Board Meeting Minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included: the WPCA for April 2021 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for February 2021; the list of new members for February 15, 2021 – March 18, 2021; and Work and Accident Report for February 2021 along with the System Outage Reports. Other action taken by the board included approval of revised Policy 115 “Cooperative Redistricting,” revised Policy 606 “Line Extension Policy,” revised Policy 700 “Cooperative Planning,” and revised Policy 800 “Cooperative Vehicles.” The board designated the sum of $15,000 of the unclaimed capital credits for the retirement year 2017 be donated to the cooperative’s educational scholarship fund; and authorized the CEO to have a feasibility study performed on the costs and considerations for providing broadband service to the membership. The attorney updated the board on legal matters.

Bobby Dodd, President

Catherine Bethea, Secretary/Treasurer

Bobby Dodd, President

Catherine Bethea, Secretary/Treasurer

Community Relations Director Receives National Recognition Kaitlynn Culpepper has earned recognition as a professional key accounts manager in a nationwide program offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

She recently met the requirements to become a Certified Key Accounts Executive (CKAE). Since 1998, when the program began, over 520 rural electric marketing professionals have attained their CKAE. In order to earn the certificate, she had to complete coursework, pass an exam, and submit business and marketing plans for evaluation. Her written plans were judged by an outside business professional for content and strategic acumen.

Julius Hackett, TCEC CEO, said “The CKAE certificate is offered

by NRECA in order to improve service to commercial and industrial accounts. This is done through the establishment of business goals, identification of key-account profiles, the practice of professional sales management, and the application of sound decision-making processes.”

All of us at the cooperative congratulate Kaitlynn on earning her newest certification through NRECA. 8

November & December 2021

Things we are grateful for in 2021

Home.

Family.

Whether coming home after a long day at work, or school, or returning from vacation. There is no place like our home.

It’s our foundation and they are always there when we need them.

The kindness of others.

Forgiveness.

When someone reaches out in kindness or love, it’s no small thing.

Changing seasons.

From the first buds of spring to the first chill in the air.

Giving and receiving forgiveness is one of the best feelings we can get as humans.

Give forgiveness every chance you can and you will receive it when you need it.

Life’s challenges.

It’s what helps make us stronger.

November & December 2021

Friends.

Friends who feel like family can’t be beat.

Freedom.

Living in a country where we can speak our minds, practice our faith and vote how we feel.

Change.

As hard as it is to accept sometimes, it is what keeps us from being stuck in a rut.

Pets.

A good laugh.

Electricity.

Clean water.

They provide unconditional love and companionship.

Light at the flick of a switch!

Music.

Music is a universal language and good at making people relax or jump, cry or think.

Maybe it’s a good joke, or funny moment, or even a good comedy scene in a movie. A good and hearty laugh is always welcome and makes you feel good.

If we don’t have to worry about what we are drinking, we are blessed.

Love.

All we need is love.

Enough said.

9

Sweet Potato Casserole Nothing says holiday meals like sweet potatoes. Whether you are a fan of the sweet marshmallow version, or prefer an extra savory dish, you can adapt this recipe and make it your own.

Recipe adapted from Delish.

Sweet Creamed Corn Casserole This easy recipe is made with a store-bought Jiffy cornbread mix. It is creamy, corny, custardy, and sweet. It’s the perfect complement to a holiday meal.

Ingredients •

1 stick butter

•

1-15 ounce can whole kernel corn, drained

Sweet Potatoes

•

1-15 ounce can creamed corn, not drained

•

•

1 cup sour cream

•

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

•

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

•

8 ounces Jiffy cornbread mix, 1 box

2 1/2 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes

•

4 tbsp. butter, softened

•

1/2 c. milk, preferably whole

Topping

•

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

•

1/2 c. all-purpose flour

•

2 large eggs

•

4 tbsp. melted butter

•

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

•

1/2 c. chopped pecans

•

1/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract

•

1/4 c. packed brown sugar

•

1 tsp. kosher salt

•

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350° and grease a medium casserole dish with cooking spray. Place sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to boil then reduce heat and simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly then transfer to a large bowl.

2. Add butter to sweet potatoes and use a potato masher, or two forks, to mash. Add milk, brown sugar, eggs, nutmeg, salt and vanilla and stir until smooth. Transfer to prepared casserole dish.

Directions 1. Preheat your oven to 350º and add stick of butter to a 8x8 or 9x9 inch glass pan. Put it in the microwave and melt it right in the pan.

(If you only have a metal pan, melt it in a bowl and then transfer to the pan.*) Use a spatula or pastry brush to spread the butter up the sides of the pan, so that it doesn’t stick while baking.

2. Drain a can of whole corn kernels and add the drained corn to the butter in the pan.

3. Add the can of creamed corn to the pan.

4. Add 1 cup of sour cream, 3 tablespoons of sugar and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt.

5. Add an 8 oz. box of Jiffy cornbread mix.

Notes: If you are pro-marshmallow, feel free to throw some on top of the pecan crumble.

6. Using a spatula, stir all ingredients together until well combined and scrape down the edges. Bake 35-40 minutes until edge turn golden brown and pull away from the sides. Use can use a toothpick and insert in the center, if it comes out with no wet batter, it’s done.

Cool for a few minutes. Serve warm.

Notes: Corn casserole baked in a metal pan will cook a couple minutes faster than in a glass pan, so check it early if you’re using a metal pan.

Finish with flaky sea salt. After the casserole comes out of the oven, sprinkle some flakey sea salt on top. It helps balance the sweetness of the crumble-like topping perfectly.

You can double this recipe and bake in a 9x13 inch pan! It will probably take closer to 45 minutes to bake. A 9x13 inch pan will serve 16-20 people.

3. In a medium bowl, add all of the topping ingredients and mix until combined.

4. Sprinkle the topping mixture over the sweet potatoes and bake until warmed through and golden on top, 25 minutes. Serve warm.

10

November & December 2021

This Publication’s Inspirational Moment

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

Holiday Schedule Reminder All Tri-County Electric offices will be closed Nov. 25 & 26 for Thanksgiving; Dec. 24 & 27 for Christmas; and Dec. 31 for New Year’s. We will have standby crews available for power restoration if needed.

The TCEC staff and employees are thankful to have the honor of serving you and wish you hope, peace and joy this Holiday Season.

Applications Due 1/14/2022

Visit www.tcec.com/youth-tour for more information!

November & December 2021

11

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

Presorted Std. U.S. Postage P A I D Tallahassee, FL Permit No. 706

Rural Living TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE