The Light Post, Escambia River Electric Cooperative, December 2025

ISSUE

03 | DEC 2025

JAY OFFICE

3425 Highway 4

P O Box 428 (mail) Jay, FL 32565

850-675-4521 or 800-235-3848

WALNUT HILL OFFICE

4950 Highway 99A Walnut Hill, FL 32568

850-327-4122

OFFICE HOURS

7:30 a m to 4 p m Monday through Friday Walnut Hill is closed from 12 :00 - 1:00 p.m.

STAFF

Ryan C Campbell, P E , CEO

Sonya Dooley, Director of Finance and Administration

Lanie Sells, Director of Engineering

Glenn White, Director of Operations

Cortney Owens, Manager of Marketing Communications

Derek Bridwell, Manager of Information Technology

Crystal George, Manager of Accounting

TRUSTEES

Escambia County

Brian Davis

James E Hall

Ernie Hester

Sam Walker (Vice President)

Gary Wiggins

Santa Rosa County

Mickey Diamond

Rick Hunsucker (President)

Philip Marshall

Wesley Scott

Dale Westmoreland (Secretary/Treasurer)

The board of directors meets at 5 p m the third Monday of each month at the cooperative’s Jay office

FOR POWER OUTAGES

Call 877-OUT-EREC or 877-688-3732 For emergency conditions, call 911

Contact Cortney Owens (cowens@erec com) regarding this monthly publication

SERVING WITH HEART ALL YEAR LONG Ryan Campbell, P.E.

As we look back over the past year, I couldn’t be prouder of the dedication our employees have shown not only to keeping the lights on but also to serving the communities we call home. Whether we’re walking in local parades, coaching little league teams, or mentoring students through the Take Stock in Children program, our employees continue to make a positive impact beyond their daily work. They’ve also answered calls in the middle of the night to restore power during storms and lent a helping hand to fellow cooperatives in times of need.

Our employees are more than lineworkers, engineers, and office staff, they’re also your neighbors, Sunday School teachers, and volunteers right here in the very communities we serve Their commitment to giving back truly reflects the cooperative spirit that defines who we are

At Escambia River Electric Cooperative, community is at the heart of everything we do We don’t charge our members extra on their bills to fund numerous large donations and sponsorships Instead, we actively participate in community service and give our time, energy, and care to the places where we live and work. That’s the cooperative way, and it’s something we’re proud to stand behind every day.

As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the true spirit of giving serving others, spreading kindness, and being thankful for the blessings we share. From all of us at EREC, we wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a bright, safe New Year!

RYAN CAMPBELL RECEIVES AWARD

The Pace Chamber honored Campbell’s leadership as EREC has continued its legacy of dependable service and expanded its impact. He played a key role in bringing fiber internet access to northern Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, bridging the digital divide in the communities served by the member owned electric cooperative

“What truly sets Mr. Campbell apart, though, is his heart for people. He leads by example when it comes to community outreach Whether it’s supporting local schools through the Partnership in Education Program, promoting safety through school programs like Safety City, or showing up at career days to inspire students,

Mr. Campbell is always looking for ways EREC can make a real difference beyond just providing power,” the nomination stated “Ryan Campbell’s leadership is rooted in service, integrity, and a deep commitment to the communities he serves. For these reasons and many more, he is more than deserving of the title of Man of the Year.”

“I am deeply honored by this recognition,” Campbell said. “This award represents the collective effort, teamwork, and passion of our entire EREC family as we continue to serve our members and strengthen our community ”

HOMECOMING

EREC was proud to take part in this year’s Jay High School Homecoming parade. Events like this highlight what makes our community special neighbors coming together, cheering on our students, and showing pride in our hometown traditions. Supporting our local schools is an important part of supporting our future, and it’s always great to see the streets filled with school spirit and smiling faces.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate Jay and to cheer on the Royals! We look forward to being part of this tradition for years to come.

2025 DAY OF CARING

This year for United Way’s Day of Caring, EREC volunteered at Chumuckla Elementary, painting the school’s stage area black to support their musicals and plays. Across the Northwest Florida community, Day of Caring brought together 713 volunteers who completed 68 projects, contributing 2,978 hours of service for an estimated impact value of $98,282!

Pictured from left to right: Rick Hunsucker, Marian Hunsucker, Miranda Campbell, Ryan Campbell, Clay Campbell, Mary Ann Campbell, Cortney Owens, and Sonya Dooley

QUICK, FESTIVE, EASY TO MAKE AHEAD SALAD!

SHREDDED BRUSSELS SPROUT AND PROSCIUTTO SALAD

Ingredients

3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto

1 head kale, shredded

4 cups shredded brussels sprouts

arils from 1 pomegranate

1 cup shredded manchego or parmesan cheese

1 avocado, diced

3 tablespoons salted butter

1/2 cup raw hazelnuts

To Make Ahead: the salad can be made up to 1 day ahead, just add the avocado and prosciutto before serving

Leftovers: leftovers will keep well for 2-3 days This salad is delicious warmed or chilled

YOUTH

TOUR APPS DUE DEC. 19!

Attention high school juniors! Applications for EREC’s annual Youth Tour Leadership Program are open and due by December 19th

The program begins with a twoday trip to Tallahassee on February 4–5, where students tour the State Capitol, meet legislators, and learn about government Two students will then be chosen to represent EREC on the Washington, D.C. Youth Tour in June.

If your family is an EREC member and you’re a junior, don’t miss this unforgettable, all-expenses-paid opportunity. Submit online or in person.

Balsamic Dressing

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon fig preserves

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

2 teaspoons orange zest kosher salt and black pepper

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Calories Per Serving: 628 kcal

1 Preheat the oven to 350° F Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

2 On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the prosciutto in a single layer Bake for 10-15 minutes or until crisp. Watch closely.

3. In a large salad bowl, combine the kale and brussels sprouts. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes

4 To make the dressing, whisk/shake together all ingredients in a jar Pour the dressing over the salad and massage into the greens Add the pomegranates and cheese – toss.

5 Melt together the butter and hazelnuts over medium heat Cook until the nuts are toasted and the butter is browning Season with salt, then pour the warm nuts over the salad Top with avocado and prosciutto Serve warm or at room temperature

THANK YOU FOR GOING GREEN!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Go Green Contest by switching from a paper bill to an e-bill Your choice helps reduce waste, save resources, and support a more efficient billing process for our cooperative As an added bonus, each week for the past eight weeks, we drew one member at random to receive a $50 bill credit, just for making the switch!

Congratulations to our winners: Christine Wong, Michael Moorehead, Claudia Corral, Audrea Cooley, Roger Riggs, Saxon Becnel, Jessica Holland, and Gloria Bailey.

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

Escambia County

Pickett Fence Creations

McDavid, FL

Check them out on facebook

Looking for that special gift this Christmas? Check out Pickett Fence Creations in McDavid, FL! Each handmade wreath is a one-of-a-kind creation, perfect for adding a personal and festive touch to your home or gifting to someone special From classic holiday styles to unique custom designs, there’s something for everyone to love. You can see some of their creative designs on facebook!

Support local this holiday season and let Pickett Fence Creations help make your home merry and bright!

nta Rosa County

mbroidery Barn Jay 0-501-8825

Email: embarnofj@gmail.c

Check them out on facebo

The Embroidery Barn of Jay is your local spot for custom embroidery done with care and hometown service. They specialize in personalizing hats, shirts, jackets, and more perfect for teams, businesses, gifts, or one-of-a-kind projects Customers love the friendly atmosphere and quality craftsmanship that goes into every stitch. When you want your embroidery done right by a team that treats you like family, The Embroidery Barn of Jay is the place to go