Tri-County Rural Living Newsletter

TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Co-ops on the Hill Pg. 3

Meet Your Board Candidate Pg. 5

July & August 2019 Vol. 22 • No. 6

A

Rural Living TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Vol. XXII No. VI July & August 2019

Board of Trustees

Gary Fulford

Bobby Dodd

Catherine Bethea

District 6

District 2

District 5

Vice President

President

Junior Smith

Donnie Waldrep

District 1

District 3

Albert Thomas District 7

Secretary - Treasurer

Johnny Edwards District 8

George Webb District 4

Elmer Coker 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.

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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Electric Co-op Policy Priorities for the New Congress When a new Congress convenes, electric cooperatives have the opportunity to educate new lawmakers on issues that matter most to their consumermembers and the communities they serve.

The 116th Congress kicked off in January with more than 100 new members in the House and Senate.

Since then, co-ops have been working with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the national service organization that represents more than 900 not-for-profit electric cooperatives, to introduce ourselves to new members on Capitol Hill. Here are several priority issues that we’re bringing to lawmakers’ attention.

Energy Policy and Infrastructure The potential for energy and infrastructure legislation presents a significant opportunity as electric cooperatives work to meet the growing needs of their local communities. NRECA will work to ensure that any infrastructure package focuses on more than roads and bridges, including opportunities to modernize the electric grid and expand rural broadband access. This is critical to ensuring that rural America is not left behind in the 21st century economy.

Environment NRECA will promote and encourage bipartisan support for renewable energy research and development programs — including programs that focus on finding a viable use for carbon capture, utilization and storage, which comprise a suite of technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Cooperative renewables use has increased substantially in recent years, more than doubling since 2010.

Broadband Expanded rural broadband access remains a priority for NRECA. As electric co-ops engage the new Congress, we will work to ensure that all rural broadband discussions include the electric co-op perspective on the need to expand highspeed internet service in rural areas.

According to the Federal Communications Commission, 23 million rural Americans lack access to broadband — millions of

Julius Hackett, CEO them are members of an electric co-op.

That’s why roughly 100 electric cooperatives are working to close the digital divide by bringing broadband to their communities, and more are exploring the option.

Tax Policy The 2017 tax reform law included a provision that treated federal grants as income. This threatens the tax-exempt status of some electric cooperatives, because many co-ops rely on government grants to maintain and expand their infrastructure and provide services to their local communities. America’s electric cooperatives will seek to fix this unintended consequence of the tax law.

Grid Resilience Protecting our nation’s vast power grid is a national priority and focus for electric cooperatives. Ensuring appropriate information sharing and preserving existing partnerships and structures are essential to these efforts. We will advocate for resources and technologies that meet the unique cybersecurity and recovery needs of small and medium-sized utilities to help protect our systems.

With such a large freshman class of lawmakers, educating them about electric cooperatives and the issues we care about will take time and perseverance. Advocating for the interests of our consumer-members and the communities in which they live is at the very heart of our business.

July & August 2019

Co-ops on the Hill NRECA welcomes co-op grassroots advocates to Washington for the annual Legislative Conference. Directors and employees of memberowned electric cooperatives come from across America to spend time on Capitol Hill talking to their congressional delegations and congressional staff about legislative issues affecting electric cooperatives and their member-owners.

TCEC board members Catherine Bethea, Elmer Coker, Donnie Waldrep, George Webb and Elmer Coker, along with Stephanie Carroll, Kaitlynn Culpepper and Eileen Herndon, joined over 2,000 electric cooperative leaders in Washington, D.C., to discuss priority issues with our members of Congress and administration officials. This is a great opportunity to meet policymakers where they are and educate them on the unique benefits of the locally-controlled, consumer-owned, cooperative business structure.

Thank you to the following offices for taking time out of your busy schedules to meet with us: Congressman Al Lawson Congressman Neal Dunn Senator Rick Scott Senator Marco Rubio (staff)

July & August 2019

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Your Trustee, Your Community TCEC employees and board members love volunteering in their communities. Whether you see them coaching your child on the ball field or picking up trash along the roadways in a county beautification drive, we live here and work here, right alongside our members. We’re neighbors, and we help out when and where we can.

HOW TO SPOT

A SCAM

Don’t become a victim.

In one of the most common scams, a caller may:

Pretend to be from your utility.

(Your caller ID may even display your utility’s name.)

Elmer Coker Mentors in Schools District 9 Trustee Elmer Coker was recently recognized for his contribution to the Taylor County mentoring program. A former football coach, his dedication and passion for our young people didn’t stop at retirement. During a visit to his church from Taylor County School District Superintendent, Danny Glover, he decided it was time to get back into the schools and help wherever he could.

Completing all the necessary background assessments, he was ready to get back to work. He was assigned to a young man “serving time” in the In School Suspension program. It was hard for the young man to make eye contact with his mentor. It didn’t take very many meetings with the student before he and Mr. Coker became friends.

Having just completed his first year in the mentorship program, the impact on the children in the program is not yet realized, but it became evident that the children looked forward to his visits.

Mr. Coker said, “I enjoyed seeing a positive change in the students I have worked with this year. It has been my honor to make special friends during this school year, and I look forward to having more opportunities to help the schools in the upcoming year.”

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Junior Smith Takes Kids Fishing It’s no secret that District 1 Trustee Junior Smith loves to fish.

What you may not know is that for six years he has shared his love of fishing with young people through the Take a Kid Fishing Day program offered by the Florida Baptist Association. Every year, between 30 to 35 volunteers from First Baptist Church of Madison and the community, come together to offer young people ages 5 to 17 who may not otherwise have an opportunity to spend a day on the water, fishing, driving the boat or talking on the radios to the other fishing participants. Each boat has a captain, a co-captain and a child.

Boats pull out from Keaton Beach at 8:00 a.m. sharp, and when the day is over, the kids return back to a fresh cooked meal.

Originally serving as a boat captain, these last few years, Mr. Smith has changed roles and now volunteers as one of the cooks serving up hamburgers, hotdogs and corn on the cob for all the participants and volunteers.

Mr. Smith says, “I am so thankful to have an opportunity to take part in this project. I love kids, and it very rewarding to see these young people enjoying themselves fishing and being on the water.”

All of us at TCEC are proud of the time and dedication our board members spend helping others in their communities.

Threaten to turn off power, water or natural gas service to your home or business within an hour.

OFF

Demand immediate payment – often by prepaid debit card.

Suspect a scammer?

Here’s what to do if the call seems suspicious: 1

Hang up.

2

Call your utility provider at the phone number on your bill.

3

Call the police.

DO NOT pay over the phone if immediate payment is demanded to avoid a disconnection.

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

July & August 2019

Meet Your Board Candidates

Three positions are up for election at District Meetings in July District 3

Donnie Waldrep

Mr. Donnie Waldrep has served one term on the Tri-County Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees. He immediately immersed himself into learning about the industry and completed the first part of the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (NRECA) three-part Director Education Program, the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD). Mr. Waldrep successfully completed the courses, which focused on basic governance knowledge and essential skills required of cooperative directors. Mr. Waldrep also serves as County Commissioner District 2 for Madison County. A lifelong resident of Madison County, he graduated from Greenville High School and attended North Florida Junior College. For 29 years, he has been the owner/operator of FL-GA Wholesale Tire and is a cattle and timber farmer. He is married to Karen, and they have three children.

District 5

Catherine Bethea

Mrs. Catherine Bethea has served three terms on the TCEC Board and is the current Secretary/Treasurer.

A former educator, she taught middle school math in Taylor County. Prior to teaching, she was a homemaker when she decided to pursue her secondary education where she attended college at the same time as her three children. In addition to serving on the TCEC board, Mrs. Bethea serves on the Taylor County Soil and Water Conservation Board and UF/IFAS Extension Office Board. She has earned the Credentialed Cooperative Director, Board Leadership and Director Gold certificates through NRECA. She is a member of Spring Warrior Church of Christ. When not serving others, she enjoys spending time with her family, fishing and hunting. She has been married 59 years to Buddy, and they live in Perry.

District 6

Gary Fulford

Mr. Gary Fulford is the current Chairman of the Board of Trustees and has served the members of District 6 for more than 28 years. He is a third generation to farm land in Jefferson County. Although now retired, he raised peanuts, cotton, soybeans and cattle. A lifelong resident of Jefferson County, he attended high school in Monticello, and North Florida Junior College before earning his agricultural degree from the University of Florida. He is married to Pam, and they have been active members of the First Baptist Church of Monticello since the 1980s. In addition to serving as TCEC’s Board President, Mr. Fulford is a current member of the Board of Directors at Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc., the wholesale power provider of TCEC, and he formerly served on the board of Florida Electric Cooperatives Association (FECA). FECA is a statewide trade association representing 15 electric distribution cooperatives and two generation and transmission cooperatives, serving over 1 million consumers in 53 of 67 Florida counties. They represent TCEC and other Florida cooperatives before The Florida Legislature and The Florida Public Service Commission.

Chocolate Delight Always a treat at family get togethers. This can be made ahead of time and keeps great in the fridge.

Ingredients 1½ cups softened butter 1½ cups flour 1 cup chopped pecans 1 8-oz cream cheese, softened 1 cup powdered sugar 1 large chocolate instant pudding mix Pinch of salt

July & August 2019

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Grease 8 x 10 pan 3. Mix softened butter, flour, pecans and salt together.

4. Press mixture into prepared pan and bake 35–40 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside to cool.

5. Whip together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar and ½ tub of Cool Whip. Place this layer over the cooled crust.

6. Next, prepare one large box instant chocolate pudding and pour over cream cheese mixture.

7. After pudding has set

cover with 1 and ½ tubs of Cool Whip.

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DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

HumanResources TCEC Human Resources (HR) Department consists of Stephanie Carroll, Vice President of Corporate Services, and Andrew Pinkard, Human Resources Assistant. They may not appear often in the headlines, but you can rest assured they are there, working behind the scenes to assist TCEC and its employees. HR is a critical and vital role in any organization. And, it’s always changing.

On any given day, these two can be working on training programs, benefit issues, compensation planning, employee relation issues and team-building projects. TCEC has 68 employees on its payroll, so both Stephanie and Andrew have an important job behind the curtain. They know they are part of the co-op’s strategic plan, and every employee is their team’s customer or member.

Stephanie shares, “The goal of the Human Resources Department is to support the organization in being an “employer of choice.” HR strives to balance the needs of our employees, the department, and the co-op by providing professional customer service in its area of expertise.”

Andrew adds, “Matching the right people for the job and making TCEC an excellent place to work is another goal of our department.”

Stephanie has been with TCEC for 18 years. Originally working after school in the finance department, she worked her way up to Director of Employee and Member Service, and was then promoted to Vice President of Corporate Services in 2015.

She works with upper and executive management to develop HR policies and ensure compliance with all government regulations.

While also overseeing member services, information technology, community relations, billing, and co-op facilities.

Married to Bubba for 16 years, they have two children Ashton and Lexi. Stephanie loves comping, traveling with her family, and spoiling her three Nigerian Dwarf goats, two bunnies, and two dogs.

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Andrew started as part-time system operator for TCEC until January 2015 when he transferred to the Human Resources Department. He offers support on a wide variety of HR goals and programs that can have him processing medical insurance claims, verifying and assisting in compliance with DOT drivers requirements, helping with complex insurance issues to assisting an employee in the retirement process.

Andrew is married to Bobbi, and they have two sons, Gavin and Gabriel. He enjoys spending time with his family, tinkering with cars, and listening to classic rock music. Andrew says, “My favorite part of my job is the variety of unique challenges that it entails. No two days are the same.”

July & August 2019

Two TCEC Employees Retire

Kevin Pryor, Field Service Representative, retired on June 28

after 28 years of service. Originally hired to read meters, for the last 10 years, he has been a Field Service Representative working closely with members on a variety of issues from helping restore power after major storms to performing energy audits for members with usage concerns.

Kevin is a soft-spoken man with a kind heart always looking for solutions to help members. His positive influence has made a lasting impact on not only his co-workers but the members he has worked with during his tenure.

A military veteran, having toured the world, Kevin now finds himself with a unique opportunity to explore the United States with his wife, Mamie.

Paul Burnett, Lead Mechanic,

retired on July 2. His career at the

co-op started before high school graduation when he took a job washing TCEC trucks after school.

After graduating, he went to work full time in the mechanic’s shop doing anything from washing, sanding and painting the trucks to performing line and bucket truck service and maintenance. Paul has contributed 36 years of experience in the mechanic shop and served his current role since 2000.

Paul looks forward to the road ahead and knows he’ll find no shortage of opportunities to keep busy, whether it be managing his beehives, working on his farm, or performing all those other jobs that have been put on the back burner.

All of us at TCEC congratulate these men on their retirement and realize they’ve been promoted to the best role of their lives. We wish them the very best in their future!

Welcome, Lucas Miller We are pleased to announce that Lucas Miller is TCEC’s new Energy Services Technician. Lucas has been with the co-op since 2017 working as a part-time system operator. We are confident that Lucas will take on his new responsibilities with the same enthusiasm and professionalism he has shown thus far.

July & August 2019

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$13,500 in Energizing Education Scholarships Awarded Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC) is proud to announce the recipients of the TCEC Energizing Education Scholarships:

Taylor County High School Jason Mchargue Hannah Albritton Carley Ondash James Madison Preparatory School Aubrey Day Ellie Cherry Jefferson Somerset Monsi Santillan-Rodriguez Madison County High School Jalen Sanders Journey Aust Aucilla Christian Academy Evan Courtney Ashlyn Rogers Dixie County High School Elijah Bray TCEC’s Energizing Education Scholarship, established by the Board of Trustees, was created in an effort to provide education support for qualified members and their families in Jefferson, Madison and Taylor counties.

High school seniors and nontraditional undergraduate students are eligible to apply.

Scholarships, up to $1,000 are awarded to students planning to continue their education at various accredited universities, community colleges, and technical colleges in the state of Florida.

Applicants for the scholarship are evaluated not just on GPA or class rank, but on community service and extracurricular activities as well. An essay, letter of recommendation, and official transcript are among the required documents for the application.

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July & August 2019

Multiple students from across our service territory were awarded a $500 TCEC Energizing Education Scholarship on behalf of the North Florida Community College Foundation. This scholarship can be used for books and tuition at NFCC. Seniors of qualified TCEC members and their families are eligible to apply.

Madison County High School Kaylee Groover James Madison Preparatory School Ellie Cherry Taylor County High School Marah Layne Kinsey Lauren Nowlin Michael Jandula “We are able to award more and more scholarships each year thanks to our members who continue to donate to the program, and to our Board of Trustees who make it possible,” says Kaitlynn Culpepper, Community Relations Director. “Ellie, Jalen and Monsi were Youth Tour delegates in 2018, and it was great to be able to contribute to their education once again.”

All scholarship recipients were honored at their school’s senior awards programs.

Congratulations to these students. TCEC wishes them continued success in their educational endeavors.

The TCEC Energizing Education Scholarship has been made possible through the Energizing Education program to which TCEC members elect to have their monthly statement rounded up to the next dollar and those cents set aside to fund education scholarships. To enroll your account, call us at 1-800-999-2285 or visit www.tcec.com/ energizing-education.

Have your monthly Tri-County Electric Cooperative statement rounded up to the next dollar and those cents set aside to fund college scholarships for TCEC members and their dependents.

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 applied credit is the member’s responsibility.

July & August 2019

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Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Summary for March 7, 2019

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Summary for April 8, 2019

With all Trustees present, key cooperative personnel, guest and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Thursday, March 7, 2019, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, Fla. Reports to the Board included those of Seminole Electric Cooperative Association’s Board Meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and CEO. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the March 7, 2019, Board Agenda; the Feb. 11, 2019, Board Meeting Minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included the WPCA for March 2019 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for January 2019; the list of new members for Jan. 23–Feb. 18, 2019; Work and Accident Report for January 2019 along with the System Outage Reports. Other action taken by the Board included the following: authorization for the fourth quarter 2018 electric receivable accounts for the appropriate accounting designation, adoption of a resolution approving and accepting the Department of Energy, Southeastern Power Administration and Southeastern Federal Power Customers, Inc. Funding Agreement and authorization for the CEO to execute said Funding Agreement on behalf of the Cooperative. Other items discussed included the 2019 NRECA Annual Meeting and the preliminary plans for the 2019 District 3, 5 and 6 meetings to be held in July.

With all Trustees present (except two), key cooperative personnel, guest and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, April 8, 2019, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, Fla. Reports to the Board included those of Seminole Electric Cooperative Association’s Board Meeting, Florida Electric Cooperatives Association Board Meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and CEO. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the April 8, 2019, Board Agenda; the March 7, 2019, Board Meeting Minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included the WPCA for April 2019 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for February 2019; the list of new members for Feb. 19–March 18, 2019; Work and Accident Report for February 2019 along with the System Outage Reports. Other action taken by the Board included the following: authorization for a percentage of unclaimed capital credits for the retirement year 2015, which qualify for educational scholarship fund according to Section 2, Article VII of the Bylaws of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc., approval of the Annual Financial and Statistical Data (RUS Form 7) for 2018; other items reported included the 2019 Rural Safety Achievement Program (RESAP) inspection currently underway of the cooperative’s headquarters building, all district offices, vehicles, lines, poles, right of way and other jobs.

Gary Fulford Catherine Bethea President Secretary-Treasurer

BOARD MEETINGS The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri‑County Electric Cooperative,

Gary Fulford Catherine Bethea President Secretary-Treasurer

YOUR WORD IS A Lamp TO GUIDE MY FEET AND A Light FOR MY PATH. PSALM 119:105 NLT

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.

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July & August 2019

Let’s Play Ball WIND ENERGY WORD SEARCH Did you know wind can be used to generate electricity?

The wind blows, turning the blades on the wind turbine, which turns the generator inside the turbine – this produces electricity.

Circle the words associated with wind energy in the puzzle below.

The TCEC 10U baseball team had a great season! Special thank you to Journeyman Lineman Josh Thomas for coaching.

Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Bryan McMullen

E Z P U A Y E U A F Q G E F K

A J T H G N G Q C E E L P B X

H C D F I E T R X V E U S F H

Q B H B X I N F E C F W T A S

Z X R S P C Y E T N S Q O K E

A U S D X I D R R A E X Y W G

T Q P J Q C I E S A C C H V N

A K I T H C Q N E W T I O B M

J K N Y I M P E D J Y O Y W S

J T G T Y L D W A B S W R C C

R Y Y G J X I A L Z I F P N R

R E W O P O V B B N B J U F V

D I M W S P U L D C S C X B D

B F E X A W R E Z G U D S Q R

G W I N D F A R M W Q R C O N

Word Bank TURBINE WIND ELECTRICITY BLADES POWER WIND FARM SPIN RENEWABLE GENERATOR ENERGY

Fun Fact

Wind farms are built in flat, open areas where the wind blows at least 14 miles per hour.

We are pleased to announce the March 15, 2019, marriage of Tammala Caresse Teston and Bryan McMullen, who performs various duties within the operations department.

TCEC congratulates them on their wedding and wishes them a happy life together with their son, Aiden David.

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month When it’s warm out, avoid using the oven. Try cooking on the stove, using the microwave or grilling outside instead.

Source: energy.gov July & August 2019

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Text HELP for more information, QUIT to cancel.

Your mobile phone number must match TCEC account records.

2862 W US 90 - Madison, FL 32340

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District Meetings

In accordance with Article III, Section 7 (a) of the Bylaws of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. district meetings will be held for the purpose of selecting person(s) as candidates for trustee. This year, members will elect trustees to represent Districts 3, 5 and 6. District meetings are scheduled as follows:

District 3

Tuesday, July 23 6:00 p.m.

Cherry Lake Baptist Church 1308 County Rd. 150 Madison, FL

District 6

Thursday, July 25 6:00 p.m.

Florida Georgia Citrus 5314 Boston Hwy. Monticello, FL

District 5

Friday, July 26 6:00 p.m.

St. Johns Fellowship Church 6050 Puckett Rd. Perry, FL

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