Tri-County Rural Living Jan/Feb 2020

TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

TCEC Crews Bring Improvements

Your Co-op in Action Page 6

January & February 2020 Vol. 23 • No. 3

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Rural Living TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Vol. XXIII No. III January & February 2020

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

Albert Thomas

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 Stephanie Carroll, Vice President of Corporate Services Eileen Herndon, Executive Assistant Darrell 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 in partnership with Curtis Media. Postage is paid at Blountstown, Fla.

We Want to Hear From You We live in a device-driven world.

Our smartphones, tablets, laptops and an assortment of other devices help us communicate and connect. Companies spend billions pushing out a steady drumbeat of messages and information, and we are constantly bombarded with one-way communication. But is anyone listening on the other end?

At Tri-County Electric Cooperative, we are not only listening, we are eager to hear from you. Whether you text us, respond to a survey or social media post, send an email or simply stop by and chat in person, we thrive on your feedback. Connecting with you helps us keep pace with our community’s priorities and needs.

Because we are a cooperative, we have a different way of operating. TCEC exists to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to you, the members of the co-op. Equally important is our mission to enrich the lives of the members we serve. We hope you will consider us more than your energy provider, but instead as a local business that supports this community and powers economic development and prosperity for the people.

We are in the midst of significant changes in the energy sector, as technology and the drive for more renewables and a more balanced energy mix is impacting long-term planning. These are complex issues that we will be navigating in the

Julius Hackett, CEO coming months and years. This is why it’s so important that we hear from you and other community members as we plot our course for the future.

TCEC works to continually learn from our members about their priorities so that we can better serve you – because your electric co-op was built by the community, for the community. But we can only improve, adapt and effectively plan for the future if we have two-way communication.

I hope you will connect with us and let us know your perspective. You can always reach me directly at 850-973-8020 or jhackett@tcec.com – I’m listening.

Publication Team

Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer Eileen Herndon, Executive Assistant Kaitlynn Culpepper, Community Relations Director

Publisher

Curtis Media Michael Curtis & Staff Tri-County Electric Cooperative 2862 West US 90 Madison, FL 32340 www.tcec.com 1-800-999-2285

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January & February 2020

Employees Celebrate Milestones!

The world has changed a lot since the days of building a 30-year career at one company was the norm. But TCEC is blessed to have many loyal employees who have decades long careers at the co-op. This past November fifteen employees were recognized for their individual milestones, ranging from five years all the way to 45 years.

45 years - Ellis Anderson

40 years – Darrell Tuten, Carol Timmons and Mark Burnett

35 years - Terry Barrs and Bobby Lundy

20 years - Tom Rucks and Angela Eastabrooks

5 years - Kaitlynn Culpepper, Wendell Williams, Lavonne Browning, Eileen Herndon, Scotty Henderson, Josh Thomas and Antonio Richardson January & February 2020

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TCEC Crews Bring Improvements to Transmission Line

TCEC crews planned their work and then worked their plan to make upgrades to the Cross City to Steinhatchee transmission line.

“A transmission line carries electric energy from a generating site, such as a power plant, to an electric substation and operates at a relatively high voltage, this one at 69kV,” VP of Operations Darrell Tuten explains. “This multi-phase project consists of the replacement of 265 damaged and/or aging wooden poles on the transmission line that has been in service since 1979. We’re adding new structures that are taller to allow for better ground clearance.”

Phase I of the plan commenced on October 28 and included TCEC crews along with a crew from Musgrove Construction.

Scheduled over three days, the project called for the replacement of 40 poles with new steel structures. All of the work was performed without interruption of service to TCEC members.

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The work has been planned for some time. With the arrival of the new poles, crewman worked to frame the steel poles with hardware making sure they would be ready for installation.

Twenty-five linemen and over two-dozen pieces of equipment were used to perform the work. Shortly after sunrise, the power from the Steinhatchee substation was re-routed (or back fed) to the Perry substation, then the transmission line was de-energized.

The wooden structures were cut and removed and steel poles were placed back in the same location to avoid any disturbance to existing utilities.

It was a highly coordinated effort, and all aspects of the project were discussed: switching assignments, job tasks and the full scope of work to be done, including traffic hazards, crew make up and special equipment assignments as well as the location of the nearest medical aid facility.

Phase II of the project is set to commence in the fall of 2020.

January & February 2020

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Community Relations: Working for the Greater Good Kaitlynn Culpepper launched her career at the co-op in 2014. Although new to the electric co-op industry, she was already a veteran in public relations. Using her previous experience working for a local sports publication, she hit the floor running, focusing on the management of a well-coordinated and sustainable community relations program for the co-op. She has worked to foster strong ties to the communities served by TCEC. Cooperative Principle #9 “Commitment to Community” – Culpepper’s role at the co-op is specifically dedicated to helping TCEC fulfill its communications, community and public relations goals.

TCEC has learned being a good corporate citizen is not something that is done sporadically but rather something that is done consistently. The co-op is committed to being a good neighbor, along with a single goal of being responsive to its members concerns and welfare. Using her communication skills, Culpepper is often found in the local community familiarizing herself with our members and working to establish and maintain strong, professional relationships with business, key account and residential members.

Under the management of the Vice President of Corporate Services Stephanie Carroll, Culpepper is responsible for the development and implementation of marketing, energy management, economic development and communications programs to promote the Cooperative vision and difference. She makes the co-op’s legislative affairs one of her top priorities. Besides coordinating promotional appearances, member meetings and media interviews, she also oversees TCEC’s online presence including the website and social media.

As 2019 came to a close, TCEC employees volunteered more than 1,000 hours on community volunteer projects that ranged from collecting and donating school supplies to building ramps for members with mobility concerns. Culpepper manages the scheduling and orientation of employees for the dozens of volunteer activities carried out during the year.

Her role as Community Relations Director keeps her busy, but not too busy that she still doesn’t find time to involve herself in other activities to help promote her community. She is the Board Chair of the Madison Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of the Madison County Development Council, Vice President of Public Relations of the Mad Talkers Toastmaster Club in Madison and a member of North Florida Economic Development Partnership.

Born and raised in Valdosta, Georgia, after graduating from Lowndes High School Culpepper earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Speech Communication from Valdosta State University. In 2017, she earned the designation of Certified Cooperative Communicator through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

Married to Jay Culpepper, she has two sons, Rigby (8) and Kade (3). When not working, she loves being home with her sons or traveling with her husband. Her children are involved in sports so she and her husband are often found on the ball field.

Culpepper loves her job and it shows. She admits she has a lot to learn about the electric utility industry and public relations, but from the outside it is hard to think she hasn’t already mastered her craft. She works hard and is passionate about her role as Community Relations Director at TCEC.

January & February 2020

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January & February 2020

Your Co-op in Action With the guidance and support of TCEC leadership, our employees have reached their goal of volunteering within the communities we serve for over 1,000 hours in 2019.

The employee volunteer program at TCEC empowers and encourages employees to volunteer and give back to their communities. Projects are scheduled throughout the year for employees to participate in. Employees can also choose projects of their own that are important or special to them.

Ways that we have been able to give and serve are community this year include building ramps, reading to local students, serving veterans, mentoring engineering and business classes on the high school and college level. Food drives, school supplies donations, road side clean up, and serving the game day dinner to our hometown sports teams are among some of the favorite activities for employees.

Strong partnerships with service organizations in our community are key to achieving this exciting goal. By working with organizations such as Ability 1st, Rotary, Kiwanis, Chambers of Commerce, and more, we are able to reach even more people.

January & February 2020

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Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Summary for August 12, 2019 With all Trustees present (except three), key cooperative

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Summary for September 9, 2019 With all Trustees present (except one), key cooperative

personnel, guest and the attorney present, the regular monthly

personnel and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting

meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric

of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative,

Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, August 12, 2019, in

Inc. was held on Monday, September 9, 2019, in the Tri-County

the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in

Electric headquarters office building located in Madison,

Madison, Florida. Reports to the Board included the Florida

Florida. Reports to the Board included the Finance Committee,

Electric Cooperatives Association 2019 Summer Leadership

Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and CEO.

Conference, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and

Action taken by the Board included the following: approval

Land Committee, and CEO. Action taken by the Board included

of the September 9, 2019 Board Agenda; the August 12, 2019,

the following: approval of the August 12, 2019 Board Agenda;

Board Meeting Minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written

the July 8, 2019, Board Meeting Minutes; and Consent Agenda

and recommended by the CEO, which included the WPCA for

items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included

September 2019 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for

the WPCA for August 2019 as established by resolution; RUS

July 2019; the list of new members for July 19, 2019 – August 18,

Form 7 for June 2019; the list of new members for July 9, 2019

2019; Work and Accident Report for July 2019 along with

– July 18, 2019; Work and Accident Report for June 2019 along

the System Outage Reports. Other action taken by the Board

with the System Outage Reports. The results of the elections of

included: second quarter 2019 charge offs; employees’ benefits

trustees held during the District Meetings in Districts 1, 5 and 6

with NRECA; acceptance and presentation of a Resolution of

were discussed. Miscellaneous information included the proposed

Appreciation to Board Chair Gary Fulford for his 29 years of

expansion of the Suncoast Parkway toll road and plans for

service on the Board of Trustees. Final Plans for the 2019 Annual

the 2019 Annual Meeting.

Meeting were discussed. Miscellaneous information included

Gary Fulford

Catherine Bethea

President Secretary-Treasurer

the request of a member for an early payout of capital credits; Hurricane Dorian; and economic impacts of the co-op to the State over the 5-year period of 2013 – 2017.

Gary Fulford

Catherine Bethea

President Secretary-Treasurer

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 the Cooperative located at 2862 West U.S. 90, approximately two miles west of the city of Madison.

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in such meeting, please contact Julius Hackett, at 2862 West US 90, Madison, Florida 32340, telephone: (850-973-2285 x. 201, at least 2 days prior to the meeting date, if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

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January & February 2020

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 202509410, 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.

January & February 2020

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Southwestern Black Bean Salad Looking for a good appetizer to serve with chips or need a toping for taco salad for the Super Bowl?

This Southwestern black bean salad may be just what you’re looking for. You can even serve this salad with grilled meat and fresh tortillas. Another bonus?

Besides being versatile, its ready in minutes.

Ingredients 15.5 oz can black beans (rinsed and drained) 9 oz cooked corn (fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen)) 1 medium tomato (chopped) 1/3 cup red onion (chopped) 1 scallion (chopped) 1 1/2 - 2 limes (juice of)

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1 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp fresh minced cilantro (or more to taste) salt and fresh pepper 1 medium Hass avocado (diced) 1 diced jalapeno (optional)

Instructions: 1. In a large bowl, combine beans, corn, tomato, onion, scallion, cilantro, salt and pepper.

2. Squeeze fresh lime juice to taste and stir in olive oil.

3. Marinate in the refrigerator 30 minutes.

4. Add avocado just before serving.

Recipe source Skinnytaste.com

January & February 2020

Holiday Schedule Reminder All Tri-County Electric offices will be closed January 20, 2020 in observance the Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. We will have standby crews available for power restoration if needed.

Welcome Baby Holden!

Congratulations to TCEC Journeyman Lineman Cody Holden and his wife Jennifer who welcomed home a new baby boy, Hunter Holden, on November 27, 2019. Hunter weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Be strong and let your heart be courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord.

Psalm 31:24

January & February 2020

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TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Page 5

Employee Milestones Page 3

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

Department Spotlight – Community Relations Director