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Cooperative News
Robert Buckner:
Supervisor by Day,
Sensei by Night
by Laura Emery, Field Editor
T
here is more to Robert Buckner,
A&N Electric Cooperative’s
(ANEC) supervisor of construction,
than meets the eye.
The 58-year-old Eastern Shore native
manages the line crews that build and
maintain the infrastructure of the
cooperative’s distribution system.
But, after work hours, Buckner is
known as Renshi Buckner.
He can often be found at Golden Path
Dojo, located at the ESO Art Center in
Belle Haven. Over the years, Buckner
has taught hundreds of Eastern Shore
youngsters how to do a good roundhouse
kick.
He’s also instilled in them confidence
and discipline. “Martial arts is enjoyable
for kids, and it’s competitive and physical,”
he says. “It also helps build self-confidence,
as well as teaches them to set goals and
achieve them.”
Buckner teaches martial arts classes in Sensei Robert Buckner instructs his students during karate class at Golden Path Dojo.
the evenings. “I don’t see my job at the
dojo as a business, because it’s something I
really like to do,” he says. He’s owned and a title in martial arts reserved for fifth dan build a strong foundation in the mind of a
operated Golden Path Dojo since 1989. or higher. child by strengthening it with confidence
It was in 1982 that Buckner first fell in In 1987, Buckner started teaching through martial arts training.
love with martial arts. “I was in my early children, 4 years old and older, at the local He offers classes for adults, too. “For
20s and it was something fun, something karate dojo. “I really enjoyed teaching adults, it’s mostly for self-defense and
to do,” he says. “I loved it.” Karate has the children — and still do,” he says. conditioning,” he explains.
many benefits, including physical fitness, Buckner’s classes today include an average Courtney Brittingham, a 23-year-old
stress reduction, discipline (both physical of 30 kids. “We teach anti-bullying in college student, has been enrolled in one
and psychological) and self-defense. class, which fosters a sense of community of Buckner’s classes for three years. “I take
Buckner is currently a sixth-degree black in their school if they see bullying.” One of it for self-defense,” she says. “If something
belt (dan). Renshi, as his students address the most effective ways, explains Buckner, happens, I want to be able to protect
him, means “senior instructor” and is to tackle the problem of bullying is to myself. And it also helps relieve anxiety
22 | Cooperative Living | January 2019 A&N Electric Cooperative
and stress.” Brittingham recently attained nidan, a second-degree black
belt, at Golden Path Dojo.
Brittingham quickly recognized Buckner’s passion for what he does. “He
really cares about what he is teaching, and he also cares about his students,
both adults and children,” she points out. “He’s taken me under his wing
and really taught me a lot.”
John Davis, 63, started training with Buckner in 1989. “Robert has
worked very hard to get to where he is. It’s quite an achievement in the
martial arts world,” he explains.
Buckner has a black belt in both judo and kobudo. He also trained
in kickboxing with five-time professional world-kickboxing-champion
Curtis Bush. “You got butterflies in your stomach on the way to class. I
learned a lot with Curtis Bush, but it wasn’t always easy learning,” recalls
Buckner. Buckner was often Bush’s sparring partner when he was training
for fights.
“Robert is a multi-faceted guy,” Davis says. “Robert has an outgoing
personality, and he’s patient and positive with his adult and youth students.
It’s very easy to see that he loves what he is doing at the dojo.”
Buckner is also a skilled drummer. “I started playing drums in middle
school,” he says. Buckner played with “Mr. B & The Boys” for 27 years.
Now, he sporadically plays with different bands. “It’s something I enjoy
when I get the chance to do it,” he says.
He also has a deep appreciation for the place he calls home. “I love the
Eastern Shore … the people and the sense of community togetherness.
I also enjoy the laid-back lifestyle and beautiful scenery.”
When it comes to his job working for ANEC, Buckner says it’s
something he really enjoys. “I enjoy the sense of accomplishment that
comes with keeping the lights on. My martial arts training helps me
respond to perceived crisis in a calm way, so that helps me when things
get stressful during outage events. I’m proud of the job we do here
at ANEC.”
“All of our cooperative employees have a great concern for this
community. This is no different for Robert, who has reached hundreds of
locals with years of teaching martial arts,” said A&N Electric Cooperative
President & CEO Butch Williamson. “Robert is able to instill in his
students higher levels of self-respect and self-discipline through training
and education.”
GOLDEN PATH DOJO
Located at ESO Art Center
15293 King Street
JAY DIEM PHOTOS
Belle Haven, VA 23306
(757) 443-3226
facebook.com/goldenpath.dojo
anec.com January 2019 | Cooperative Living | 23
AMI Update Apply Now for 2019 VMDAEC
Full deployment of A&N Electric
Education Scholarships
Cooperative’s Advance Metering
A
Infrastructure (AMI) project will begin ny high school or home-schooled senior graduating in the spring of 2019, and
the first quarter of 2019. The meter whose primary residence is served by A&N Electric Cooperative, is eligible to apply
exchanges will be performed by for a $1,000 scholarship to be applied to a two- or four-year college or trade school.
Allegiant Utility Services Inc., Scholarships are awarded by the Virginia,
a contractor working on behalf of Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric
the cooperative. Cooperatives’ (VMDAEC) Education Scholarship
The cooperative will start with a Foundation. An applicant must be entering his or
small 1,300-meter pilot phase in the her first semester at a post-secondary or
Onancock, Bobtown, Pungoteague, technical/trade school in the fall of 2019 and
and Melfa areas. Once that pilot scholarship funds must be used towards tuition,
phase has been tested, the full AMI student fees, room and board or textbooks.
implementation project will start at The online application is posted at vmdaec.com and co-opliving.com. The deadline to
the southern tip of Northampton apply is Friday, Feb. 8, 2019.
County and work its way north. Please note that to be considered complete, SAT and/or ACT scores MUST come directly
Cooperative members can expect on an official college board report and be uploaded into the application system. This
to receive a postcard and phone call information can be found on collegeboard.org and the ACT report can be found on act.org.
notifying them of their upcoming Scores listed on transcripts do not qualify. If a student has taken the SAT more than once,
meter exchange. Door hangers will they may take the best score from each test (“Super Score”), but both tests must be
be left where a meter installation has submitted in the package to qualify.
taken place. The Scholarship Foundation’s board of directors will select recipients based on criteria
The impact of the installation is including financial need, academic achievement and a student’s personal statement.
minimal. Co-op members can expect Successful applicants will be notified no later than May 31, 2019.
to lose power for a few minutes
during the exchange. In addition, In 2018, VMDAEC’s Scholarship Foundation awarded 56 scholarships as follows:
the next bill will show two meter
• 54 applicants received Worth M. Hudson Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each;
readings: one from the old meter and
one from the new meter. Members • one applicant received the C. D Hypes Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000;
will be able to identify old and new
readings by the meter numbers • one applicant received the Gertrude Winston Memorial Scholarship in the amount
included on their bill. of $1,000.
The upgraded system will lower Since its inception in 2000, the Foundation has awarded 683 scholarships totaling
the cost related to manual meter
$582,500. Donations to this program are welcomed and are tax-deductible. Questions
reading, which will contribute
about donations and the application process should be directed to Sam Brumberg via email
significantly to the financial return on
at scholarship@vmdaec.com.
the project. The new system will also
reduce the cooperative’s carbon
footprint by reducing the number
of employee travel responses to
meter issues.
Other benefits from the meters
include automated detection of
outages, more accurate information
about the outages and restoration
times, detailed information about
your power use, better detection
of power theft, and the new AMI
system will support and expand
billing options.
Cooperative members can find
more information and track the
project’s status at anec.com/content/
meter-schedule.
24 | Cooperative Living | January 2019 A&N Electric Cooperative
anec.com January 2019 | Cooperative Living | 25
New Year’s Checklist For many the new year is a time for a fresh start.
Here are three things to get you off on the right
✔ Sign Up for SmartHub foot this year and help you better manage your
SmartHub is a valuable tool that makes it easy to manage your A&N Electric Cooperative service.
A&N Electric Cooperative account from your smartphone or
mobile device.
The SmartHub app literally puts control of your account in the report an outage, meaning longer response times in some cases.
palm of your hand with the ability to track your daily and monthly If your phone number has changed, contact us to update
energy use, report a power outage, set up bill reminders and pay that information.
your bill. You can also go paperless with SmartHub, if you’re
looking to becoming more environmentally friendly moving forward. ✔ Serious Medical Condition Certification
The app is free and is available for Apple and Android phones If you have medical equipment in your home that requires
and devices. Want to get started today? Use your phone’s camera to electricity, please let us know about it. The cooperative will attempt
scan the QR code in the SmartHub ad below. That should take you to give these members advance notice of any planned or extended
directly to SmartHub in the app store. Just download it from there. outages. This does not guarantee that your electric service will not
It’s that easy. be interrupted.
To register, you’ll need a valid email address and your A&N If you have this type of equipment, complete the Serious Medical
Electric Cooperative account number. Condition Certification Form, with the assistance of your physician,
SmartHub is also accessible through the web, just log onto and return it to the cooperative. The form can be found on our
anec.com to learn more. website or at our Tasley office.
An updated form is required when the anticipated length of time
✔ Update Your Account Phone Number the serious medical condition will last ends, or yearly, whichever
If a co-op member has changed phone numbers associated with occurs first.
their account but has not informed the cooperative, their ability to The possibility does exist that members who fill out the
report an outage may be affected. certification may be without electric service for an extended period
The system A&N Electric Cooperative uses to predict outages when there is major damage to the electrical system. In preparation
utilizes member phone records to help locate issues with the for this type of situation, you may want to obtain an alternate
cooperative’s electrical distribution system. Out-of-date phone numbers power source such as a generator or be prepared to relocate until
listed on member accounts can impact that member’s ability to power can be restored.
26 | Cooperative Living | January 2019 A&N Electric Cooperative
Getting the Most Out
of Your Programmable/
Smart Thermostat
R
ecently unwrap a smart or programmable thermostat?
Upgrading your thermostat is a great way to help your home
become more energy efficient and save you money on your
energy bill. Here are some helpful tips on how to get the most out
of your new household tech.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION — Install your
thermostat away from heating or cooling registers, heat-emitting
appliances or lighting, doorways, fireplaces, skylights or windows
and areas that receive direct sunlight or drafts. Interior walls work
the best.
SET YOUR SCHEDULE — Keep the thermostat set at energy-saving temperatures for
long periods of time, such as during the day when no one is home and when you go to bed.
FIGHT TEMPERATURE TEMPTATION — Once you’ve established a schedule that MESSAGES FROM
works for you and your home, resist the urge to change those pre-programmed settings. YOUR CO-OP
Each time you do, you’ll use more energy and may end up paying more on your energy bill.
‰ Visit us at facebook.com/
GET IN THE ZONE — If you have multiple heating and cooling zones (like in some
ANElectricCoop and “like” us.
two-story houses), use a programmable thermostat for each zone of your house. This helps
maximize comfort, convenience and energy savings throughout the house. ‰ Visit anec.com to sign up to
GET THE RIGHT THERMOSTAT — Heat pumps may require a special programmable receive Beat the Peak emails or
thermostat to maximize your energy savings year-round. Hang on to that gift receipt and text-message alerts.
talk to your retailer or contractor to see if you can exchange your thermostat for the proper ‰ The Touchstone Energy® Co-op
one that is compatible with your system. Connections® Card is FREE to all
BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED — Some programmable thermostats run on batteries. ANEC members. The card offers
Change your batteries each year. Some units will alert you when batteries require replacement. discounts at
HANDS-ON APPROACH — Still have a manual thermostat? You can adjust the participating
temperatures daily before you leave the house and when you go to sleep at night. Typically, local and
adjusting temperatures 5 to 8 degrees (down in winter, up in summer) can help save energy nationwide
if you are going to be away from home for long periods. Remember when returning to your businesses,
desired comfort level, gradually adjust your settings a few degrees at a time to avoid including prescription drug
energizing auxiliary heat, which can lead to temporary higher energy use. This can also be discounts.
the case with some older programmable thermostat models.
A&N ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
21275 Cooperative Way
P.O. Box 290
Tasley, VA 23441-0290
757-787-9750 • 800-431-2632
Office Hours: M-F, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
anec.com
Payments: 1-855-386-9921
President & CEO
Butch Williamson
Local Pages Editor
Jay Diem
A&N Electric Cooperative is an
equal opportunity provider and employer.
anec.com January 2019 | Cooperative Living | 27
BARC News
Keyser’s Corner
BARC remains committed to the
community in the new year
CEO Mike Keyser
H
appy New Year, BARC members! Respectful — treat others the way you through a variety of media for outreach.
2019 is absolutely going to be a want to be treated; and
5. Return as much patronage back to
great year. I am very excited about Innovative — seek a better way. our members as possible.
some new programs we will be launching
in the coming months, as well as In 2019, we will make every effort to: 6. Continue our focus on strategic
continued expansion of our fiber network planning to best position the
1. Find efficiencies in operating the
to get more members connected to high- Cooperative for changes in
Cooperative while still delivering
speed internet. our industry.
world-class customer service and
Above all else, we remain committed to
reliable power for our members.
our six core values in providing you with Today, BARC is engaged in the
an unparalleled customer experience. 2. Continue to break new ground in community in so many important ways —
From the bottom up, every employee is areas to best support and serve our supporting our local school districts,
committed to living the values that make members, including energy efficiency, hosting students at our solar learning
us one of the top cooperatives in the distributed renewable-energy center, delivering high-speed internet
commonwealth. Those values are: programs, and broadband services. access, and offering new and innovative
Integrity — always do the right thing; solar programs are just a few that come to
3. Commit that investments the
mind. We are as integral to the community
Excellence — excellence in everything Cooperative make in technology
we serve as when we first started providing
we do; deliver the maximum returns in both
power in 1939. I could not be more
Member-driven — service is who we are; efficiencies and cost savings.
excited for the year to come and cannot
Dependable — you can count on me; 4. Maintain frequent and meaningful wait to announce what we have in store!
communications with our members Onward into 2019!
BARC ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
P.O. Box 264 Distribution Rate Adjustment to
Millboro, VA 24460-0264
1-800-846-2272 Take Effect Jan. 1, 2019
Office Hours: M-F, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
barcelectric.com
barcconnects.net BARC Electric Cooperative strives for service excellence in its effort to provide
safe, reliable and affordable power to its members. To that end, the Cooperative
Come join us on Facebook
facebook.com/BARCElectricCooperative has only made three distribution rate adjustments in the past 18 years.
Effective Jan. 1, 2019, BARC will implement a small distribution rate adjustment.
Chief Executive Officer
This is to cover cost increases in distribution service from BARC’s substations to
Michael Keyser
customers’ homes. This equates to a 2 percent overall adjustment in customers’
BARC Electric Cooperative is an equal
opportunity provider and employer.
electric bills.
22 | Cooperative Living | January 2019 BARC Electric Cooperative
2019 Right-of-Way Trimming Information
B
ARC Electric Cooperative is Buffalos circuit. This will include both Right-of-way trimming is essential to
contracting with Asplundh, as well North and South Buffalo. keeping the lights on and reducing
as using our in-house labor force, to Fourth quarter 2019: Both BARC momentary power interruptions (blinks).
trim power line rights-of-way (ROW) and Asplundh crews will be moved to A representative of BARC or Asplundh will
throughout Rockbridge County in 2019. accommodate the construction of the fiber attempt to make contact with each
In addition to trimming, BARC will be circuits and where necessary to clean up landowner onsite. If you have any
applying herbicide in Bath, Highland, the oldest growth in Rockbridge County. questions or concerns, please contact
Alleghany and Rockbridge counties. BARC at 1-800-846-2272. To learn more
A general description and approximate Herbicide Application (Bath, Alleghany, about BARC’s right-of-way maintenance
schedule of impacted areas are below: Highland & Rockbridge counties): program you can go to barcelectric.com
All herbicide will be applied by BARC and click the “Right-of-Way Program”
Trimming and Clearing personnel. Crews will begin herbicide under the “Services” drop-down menu.
(Rockbridge County): applications in Bath County along the
First quarter 2019: BARC crews will Route 220 corridor from Hot Springs to
conduct activity in the Irish Creek and Falling Springs. Once this area is complete,
South River areas. Asplundh will conduct crews will move to the Millboro area,
activity in the Kerr’s Creek area to (which is a very large area), and work from
North Mountain along the old Route 60 the station on Indian Draft to the end of
corridor. Asplundh will then move to each circuit.
Walker’s Creek. Once work is complete in Bath County,
Second quarter 2019: BARC crews will crews will move to Highland County
move north towards Raphine. From there, and attempt to do all of BARC’s ROW
crews will work south from Cornwall in Highland.
towards Lexington. Asplundh crews will Lastly, crews will move to Rockbridge
finish Walker’s Creek and are currently County and apply herbicide on areas cut
scheduled to move on to the Effinger area. in 2018.
Third quarter 2019: BARC crews will
finish the South River area as well as NOTE: A letter will be sent to each
Route 56 out of Vesuvius. Asplundh will individual BARC member a month or two
continue trimming work on the BARC in advance of herbicide application with
Effinger Stations, most likely along the contact information for the ROW supervisors.
TINA’s Tastings
January’s recipe courtesy of BARC member, Donna Cross.
LEMON ECLAIR CAKE
1 (14.4-oz.) box graham crackers
2 (3.4-oz.) boxes instant lemon pudding mix
Tina Glenn
3½ cups milk
1 (8-oz.) container Cool Whip, thawed
1 (16-oz.) can lemon frosting
Spray the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom of the
pan with one-third of the whole graham crackers. In a bowl with an electric mixer,
blend pudding mix with milk; beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Fold in whipped
topping. Pour half the pudding mixture over the graham crackers. Place another layer
of whole graham crackers on top of pudding layer. Pour over remaining half of
pudding mixture and cover with another layer of graham crackers. Heat the container
of prepared frosting uncovered in the microwave for 30 to 40 seconds. Pour over the
top of cake. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours before serving.
We would love to share your recipes in Cooperative Living! Send your favorite
recipe to Tina Glenn, P.O. Box 264, Millboro, VA 24064.
barcelectric.com January 2019 | Cooperative Living | 23
Community Electric
Cooperative News
The Cooperative Difference
CEC Returns More Than $343,000 in Capital Credits to Members
T
he retirement of capital credits is one of the many differences that set us members, and as directors elected by the
the tangible demonstration of your apart from other business models.” members to represent their interests, we
membership in the not-for-profit Before distributing capital credits, your are very proud to distribute this money
utility, Community Electric Cooperative board of directors at CEC must first back to them.”
(CEC). In December, 7,449 refund checks consider the financial condition of the This year’s refund represents the 26th
were mailed to current and former cooperative and the needs for capital funds consecutive year that the co-op has made
members who received service from the for the coming years. Board Chairman a general retirement of capital credits.
cooperative, representing a retirement of Jeannette Everett expressed that, “A To date more than $19 million has been
more than $343,000. cooperative is something very special — returned to the members who participated
Abiding by one of the seven this electric system belongs to our in the cooperative’s business.
Cooperative Principles, “member
economic participation,” the board of
directors determined the refund of capital
credits to its members based on the
How Do Capital Credits Work?
cooperative’s financial stability. Because electric co-ops operate at cost, any excess revenues, called margins,
“We are pleased to share the success of are returned to members in the form of capital credits.
this utility with the members — those who
used the service and helped provide the Your co-op Your co-op calculates how
funding to build and maintain the electric notifies you of much electricity you buy and
how and how much money you pay for 1
system,” said Community’s President and
when you’ll it throughout the year.
CEO Steven A. Harmon. “Capital credits
receive your
are a benefit of cooperative membership; capital credit At the end of the
retirements. year, your co-op
This year, CEC completes
refunded financial matters
COMMUNITY ELECTRIC and determines
COOPERATIVE 4 more than whether there are
52 W. Windsor Boulevard
$343,000 to excess revenues,
P.O. Box 267
Windsor, VA 23487-0267 called margins.
757-242-6181 When the co-op’s Member-Owners
After-Hours Outages: 1-855-700-2667 financial condition
Office Hours: M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. permits, your board 2
comelec.coop of directors decides Your co-op allocates the
President/CEO to return the allocated margins to members as capital
Steven A. Harmon capital credits. 3 credits based upon their use of
Local Pages Editor electricity during the year.
Jessica Parr
Community Electric Cooperative is an Source: National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation
equal opportunity provider and employer.
22 | Cooperative Living | January 2019 Community Electric Cooperative
Apply Now for 2019 VMDAEC Education Scholarships
A
ny high school or home-school Please note that to be considered
senior graduating in the spring of complete, SAT and/or ACT scores MUST
2019, and whose primary come directly on an official College Board
residence is served by Community Electric report and be uploaded into our
Cooperative, is eligible to apply for a application system. This information can
$1,000 scholarship to be applied to a be found on collegeboard.org and the ACT
two- or four-year college or trade school. report can be found on act.org. Scores
The online application is posted at listed on transcripts do not qualify. If a deductible. Questions about donations
vmdaec.com and co-opliving.com/ student has taken the SAT more than once, and the application process should be
community/scholarship. The deadline to he/she may take the best score from each directed to Sam Brumberg via email at
apply is Friday, Feb. 8, 2019. test (“Super Score”), but both tests must scholarship@vmdaec.com.
Scholarships are awarded by the be submitted in the package to qualify. Founded in 1944, VMDAEC is the trade
Virginia, Maryland & Delaware The Scholarship Foundation’s board of association for Community Electric
Association of Electric Cooperatives’ directors will select recipients based on Cooperative and the 14 other not-for-profit
(VMDAEC) Education Scholarship criteria including financial need, academic electric distribution cooperatives serving
Foundation. An applicant must be achievement and a student’s personal the Mid-Atlantic region. It is based in Glen
entering his or her first semester at a post- statement. Successful applicants will be Allen, Virginia, and provides safety and
secondary or technical/trade school in the notified no later than May 31, 2019. employee training, governmental relations
fall of 2019 and scholarship funds must be Since its inception in 2000, the and legislative and communications
used towards tuition, student fees, room Foundation has awarded 683 scholarships services, including the publishing of
and board or textbooks. The application totaling $582,500. Donations to this Cooperative Living magazine, for its
process started on Nov. 1, 2018. program are welcome and are tax- member co-ops.
comelec.com January 2019 | Cooperative Living | 23Craig-Botetourt Electric
Cooperative News
CEO’s Message:
Cooperative Evaluates Broadband
for Its Members
O
ver the past year, Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative (CBEC) has been evaluating
Shawn C. Hildebrand
the opportunity for providing broadband service to its members. This process has
CBEC CEO
been driven by the large volume of feedback CBEC has received from some of its
members, as well as from other electric cooperatives around the state and nationally that
have been having success in providing this service.
The electric cooperatives were first formed in the 1930s to provide a service the for-profit
electric utilities would not. This is the same for broadband in 2019. Most internet service
providers’ mission is to make money while providing the service. To maximize profits, why
would the internet service providers serve more rural locations, where it can be very costly
to provide the service? The Cooperative is not about making profits, it is about providing
needed services that otherwise may not be provided to CBEC members.
The evaluation of broadband started with a feasibility study. This study showed that it
After much review, it was was possible financially with public assistance and grants or low-interest loans. After the
concluded CBEC would feasibility study, CBEC conducted a survey of over 1,600 of its members. Close to 90 percent
of the surveyed individuals responded they would be interested, and over 70 percent did
pursue offering broadband, not have access to any option other than DSL or satellite. CBEC then had several months of
internal discussions regarding the project. After much review, it was concluded CBEC would
but only to a small portion
pursue offering broadband, but only to a small portion of its service territory initially, and
of its service territory initially, only with grant funding comprising at least half the financial need to complete the project.
The Cooperative decided on an area in Botetourt County. Among the reasons this area
and only with grant funding was chosen is there is already access to a path to the internet, which is centrally located
comprising at least half between two of CBEC’s substations, and there is a high concentration of homes and
businesses in the area that do not have access to high-speed broadband.
the financial need to As you read this, CBEC is awaiting word for the results of a grant application that has
been submitted to see if it will be funded. If the funding is granted, CBEC expects to begin
complete the project. building the fiber system in the very near future. If it is not awarded to CBEC, I can assure
you that CBEC will be pursuing future grants. The Cooperative cannot, in a financially
responsible manner, offer this service without the grant assistance. CBEC member/owners
have a need, and the Cooperative intends to meet that need as it did 84 years ago, when
CRAIG-BOTETOURT Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative was formed.
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
26198 Craigs Creek Rd. • P.O. Box 265 Cooperatively,
New Castle, VA 24127-0265
540-864-5121 • 1-800-760-2232
Office Hours: M-F, 7:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Website: cbec.coop Shawn C. Hildebrand
Email: craigbot@tds.net
President
Jasper B. Persinger, Jr. Want to be involved with your Cooperative?
CEO Members interested in serving on the board or knowing of a member desiring to serve,
Shawn C. Hildebrand please contact management, a director or nominating committee member. Volunteering
Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative is an for the Advisory Board, attending the annual meeting and reading Cooperative Living
equal opportunity provider and employer. magazine are all very important for every member.
22 | Cooperative Living | January 2019 Craig-Botetourt Electric CooperativeDear Member/Owners:
Craig-Botetourt Electric
Cooperative has contracted with
Asplundh Tree Experts for its cutting
and spraying efforts for 2019. Their
vehicles will be designated with
Craig-Botetourt signage. They will
be cutting in Roanoke County from
Route 311 northeast to Botetourt
County down to Gala Industries,
and in Craig County down to
Peaceful Valley Road. They will be
spraying everything that was cut
in 2018. This includes parts of
Craig and Giles counties. In Craig
County, this includes Sinking Creek
Valley and along Route 615.
Any questions, please contact
Mack McCaleb, supervisor of field
services for the Cooperative, at
(540) 864-5121, extension 130,
or by email at mack@cbec.coop.
Sincerely,
Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative
CBEC October and
November Outages
Oct. 11
Widespread outages in various
areas affecting 929 members
for up to 6.7 hours due to
Hurricane Michael.
Scholarship Deadline Approaching
Oct. 21
The Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association
of Electric Cooperatives’ (VMDAEC) Education
Widespread outages in various
Scholarship Foundation accepts applications from areas affecting 1,254 members
high school and homeschooled seniors for for up to 8.9 hours due to
scholarships to be used for college tuition, books, a windstorm.
VMDAEC Education
fees and/or room and board. The parents or
SCHOLARSHIP guardian of the graduating senior must be a Nov. 15-16
FOUNDATION member of an electric cooperative served by the Outages in Botetourt, Craig and
VMDAEC. The deadline for submitting an Roanoke counties affecting 3,136
application is Feb. 8, 2019. Visit vmdaec.com/content/vmdaec-education- members for up to 28 hours due
scholarship-foundation to begin the application process. to an ice storm.
cbec.coop January 2019 | Cooperative Living | 23POWERING
THE NEXT GENERATION
Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative
MEC Line Workers Showcase Skills at International
Competition
F
ollowing yet another great showing at
the regional Gaff-n-Go Rodeo held
last year, four line workers from
Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative (MEC)
earned, once again, the opportunity to
compete in the Annual International
Lineman’s Rodeo & Expo in Overland
Park, Kansas. This event attracts the best
line technicians, ground technicians and
apprentices from across the United States
and around the world as they display their
skills before thousands of spectators. MEC line workers once again earned the opportunity to compete in the Annual International
MEC Line Foreman Jason McKinney, Lineman’s Rodeo & Expo in Kansas. From left are Brad Clark, Mitch DeJarnette, Jason
Line Technician Mitch DeJarnette and McKinney and T.W. Parks.
Equipment Operator Brad Clark competed
as a journeyman team along with over
200 other teams from across the nation McKinney, the senior member of the maintain a focus on safety and safe work
and several other countries; and Apprentice group, has been successful in these practices, to provide a forum for the public
Line Technician T.W. Parks represented prestigious events in years past, and has to better understand and recognize the
MEC competing against over 300 other also served as coach. He comments, “It is technical skills our linemen have, and
apprentices. important to me that MEC is strong for to provide an opportunity for these
Each of them qualified to participate in its members; and going to the Rodeo & professionals to receive recognition for
this international competition by excelling Expo gives me an opportunity to become their proficiency in the craft.”
at their regional rodeo event held in even better at my job, exchange ideas with John C. Lee, Jr., president and CEO of
Doswell, Virginia, last May. It was there other members of our profession, and Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative,
that McKinney, DeJarnette and Clark were learn about new equipment and technology comments, “It is all too easy to discount
awarded the distinguished Jimmy Gardner that will make me even better at my job.” the impact of training as a primary means
Award given to the highest-scoring team He continues, “Line work is a tough job, to influence safety and efficiency. Our
in the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware but I love it. I remember as a young child participation in the International
Association of Electric Cooperatives. Parks being fascinated with bucket trucks, with Lineman’s Rodeo has many overlapping
qualified for the international event as he the men climbing poles and watching benefits, including a rigorous technical
placed second among all apprentices at the them do line work. Even then, my mother analysis of on-the-job challenges, an
regional event. used to tell me it was a really good job.” opportunity to evaluate innovation in
MEC Manager of tools and equipment, and a peer-to-peer
District Operations comparison of work practices. This event
Clint Card, who hones the skills and expertise of our
serves as a chief capable personnel and enhances our daily
judge for the event work results in timely power restoration.”
on the International While participating in the International
Rodeo Judging Rodeo, where teams are ranked on the
Committee, stresses, most minute of details regarding skills and
“The primary safety, MEC’s journeyman team placed
purpose of the 10th in the Cooperative Division, and
MEC staff took part in the event’s Safety Conference, where participants Rodeo & Expo is to Parks went on to finish 17th among
heard first-hand the consequences of taking shortcuts, learned to help emphasize and cooperative apprentices.
maximize body mechanics to reduce injury in line work, and were
instilled with a better understanding of safety regarding electrical arcs.
22 | Cooperative Living | January 2019 Mecklenburg Electric Cooperativemeckelec.org January 2019 | Cooperative Living | 23
MEC Directors and Employees Recog
Board of Directors
From left: Mike McDowell – 30 years; Angela Wilson – 10 years; Peggy Lee – 10 years; and Donnie Moore – 25 years
Emporia District
Administration
From left: Norman Rose, Jr. – 15 years From left: Carolyn Glass – 20 years
Myles Moore – 15 years John Lee, Jr. – 10 years
Steve Williams – 30 years
The women and men pictured here are being recognized for their years of dedicated service and for their
efforts as part of the MEC team that safely delivers reliable and affordable electricity to your homes, schools,
churches and businesses. Each of them is committed to the cooperative’s mission, and membership, and takes
great pride in the responsibility of serving you and meeting your electric needs with the very best of service.
They never forget the tremendous responsibility you have entrusted to them … please join us in recognizing
their loyal service to our cooperative.
24 | Cooperative Living | January 2019 Mecklenburg Electric Cooperativenized for Years of Outstanding Service
Engineering and Operations
Member & Energy Services
and
Finance & Accounting
From left: Deborah Winn – 35 years
Nancy Holbrook – 25 years
From left, seated: B.J. Seamans – 15 years
Anthony Lenhart – 30 years
Standing: Jay Belknap – 5 years
Kris Newcomb – 10 years
Chase City District
Human Resources
From left: Kristine Martin – 10 years From left: Chris Brame – 25 years
Leilani Todd – 10 years Cecil Robbins – 30 years
Mike Mills – 20 years
meckelec.org January 2019 | Cooperative Living | 25The Changing Faces
at Your Cooperative
M
ecklenburg Electric Cooperative (MEC) is experiencing record retirements of
personnel and is hiring talented and dedicated new employees to carry on the
cooperative’s legacy of outstanding service established and maintained by
our current and former employees. Innovation in our industry is calling for more
specialized skills, abilities that are delivered by new employees like Daniel Lee,
Brenda Brooks a recent college graduate, as well as from more experienced associates like Edna
Freeman who worked in the power industry several years before joining MEC.
Our first recipe of the new year was
Whether our new employees are beginning their careers, or in a position to reflect on
submitted by Brenda Brooks of Chatham.
previous working relationships, they are well trained, extremely capable, enthusiastic
She says, “This is delicious with and committed to the MEC membership.
hot dogs or pinto beans.”
Chili It had been only one short month since his graduation
1 onion from Radford University when Daniel Lee filled the
2 tablespoons margarine GIS administrator position at Mecklenburg Electric
1 lb. ground beef Cooperative. MEC uses GIS (Geographic Information
1 teaspoon chili powder (more if desired) Systems) to access, visualize, manipulate and analyze
1 teaspoon salt geospatial data, such as MEC’s substations, poles, lines,
2 tablespoons sugar meters, etc., in a geographic mapping system. With a
1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce Bachelor of Science degree in geospatial science with
½ cup water geoinformatics concentration, Daniel coordinates
information, drawings and databases in our GIS system
Chop onion very fine and in a saucepan
Daniel Lee
to aid in planning, design, analysis, installation and GIS Administrator
brown it lightly in margarine. Add ground maintenance of the cooperative’s infrastructure in all Headquarters
beef, chili powder, salt and sugar. Sauté three districts.
until brown. Pour in tomato sauce and Ultimately, Daniel is responsible for delivering and updating a full-process
water. Simmer 30-45 minutes. mapping solution for the cooperative’s GIS needs, ensuring safe, reliable and
efficient operations. He possesses strong technical knowledge, is enthusiastic about
************************ his responsibility for the GIS system, recognizes our responsibility to those we
You could be MEC’s “Super Chef”! serve, and is highly proficient.
Send us one of your favorite recipes;
and if it is published, you will receive your
choice of MEC’s cookbook containing over A professional accountant by trade, Edna Freeman
70 pages of recipes submitted by other has provided monthly financial analyses, prepared
members of Mecklenburg Electric budgets, overseen accounts payable, calculated financial
Cooperative OR a set of four absorbent projections, and managed payroll and human resources
MEC coasters with cork backing. in previous positions.
Utilizing her considerable experience, Edna provides
support to the finance and accounting department at
your cooperative by maintaining accurate financial
records for MEC’s electrical plant including all material,
labor and overhead for both construction and retirement
Edna Freeman
Plant Accountant jobs undertaken by the line crews in all three districts —
Headquarters Chase City, Gretna and Emporia. She calculates
estimated and actual costs for new construction, line
relocations, and tracks the cost of construction projects.
Edna has experience in handling a wide range of projects and, in addition to
Submit your recipe to: her strong qualifications as a graduate of James Madison University’s business
Super Chef administration program, Edna helps ensure MEC’s team is building and maintaining
P.O. Box 2451 its system efficiently. With her professionalism and pleasant disposition, she is
Chase City, VA 23924 already a dedicated member of the MEC team, striving to deliver the very best in
Email: dblue@meckelec.org service to the members of Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative.
Fax: 434-372-6101
26 | Cooperative Living | January 2019 Mecklenburg Electric CooperativeMEC Employees, Directors Commit to Zero Contacts
M
ecklenburg Electric Cooperative
(MEC) employees are renewing
their dedication to working safely
with a pledge to a new national initiative
called Commitment to Zero Contacts. The
initiative was first introduced by safety
leaders at the National Rural Electric
Cooperative Association (NRECA),
Federated Rural Electric Insurance
Exchange and electric cooperative
statewide safety leaders. The plan was
developed by the NRECA Safety
MEC President & CEO John C. Lee, Jr., (second from left) brings
Advisory Committee in response to an
MEC’s Safety Committee up to date on the Commitment to
increased number of electrical contacts Zero Contacts initiative introduced by the National Rural Electric
and fatalities throughout the country. Cooperative Association.
The initiative provides electric
cooperative CEOs, senior leaders and field
personnel with ideas and resources they need
to enhance cooperative safety programs and help
eliminate serious injuries and deaths due to electrical contact.
MEC President and CEO John C. Lee, Jr., who serves on the NRECA
Safety Advisory Committee and the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware
Association of Electric Cooperatives’ (VMDAEC) Safety and Training
Services Committee, has narrated a stirring informational video
encouraging senior leaders in the electric cooperative industry to
voluntarily adopt the Commitment to Zero Contacts initiative. The
video, which can be viewed on the MEC website, promotes working
safely and responsibly and propagates the effort’s mindset and goals to
all field personnel.
Lee states, “For me and our cooperative, safety is first ... it is our
highest priority. Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative, like many other
utilities around the country, has experienced substantial turnover and
there are many new faces in our organization. These new, less experienced
team members are in the early stages of developing their appreciation
for the importance of safe working habits and our safety rules, and how
their jobs go from hazardous to dangerous when rules are not followed
and personal protection equipment is not properly utilized. Safety
procedures, and sending our employees home to their families at the
end of each and every work day in the same condition they left that
morning, are matters we take very seriously at MEC ... and we expect
every employee to take them seriously as well. This initiative
emphasizes our ‘Rules to Live By’ and is another tool to guard against
complacency, which is every safety program’s greatest challenge.”
As a commitment to safe working practices,
MEC employees signed this 7-point pledge
taking responsibility to promote a safe
working environment. The 26-by-38-inch
poster is displayed in the MEC offices at
Chase City, Gretna and Emporia districts
and at Headquarters.
Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative’s safety committee, comprised of employees elected to
represent each department and district, establishes the cooperative’s safety policies and
procedures and determines how to best protect their fellow workers, MEC members, and
the community.
meckelec.org January 2019 | Cooperative Living | 27In Order to Best Serve
You, Please ...
1. Keep us informed of your current phone number. If you
change numbers or have never updated your account with us,
please use the SmartHub app or call your district office. When
you have all your phone numbers (home, cell or business) listed
on your account with us, if you call our outage-reporting system
you are linked to your account automatically. This will
immediately relay the location of your outage to us.
2. When placing a service order, please have as much
information about the project as possible to save yourself time
and avoid the possibility of having to make a second call.
3. Members who pay their bills each month by TeleLink,
SmartHub or our kiosk should have no concern about breach of
security. These systems are set up to keep your information secure
Hall Is Newly Credentialed Director
with PCI protection. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative (MEC) member of the board
Standard (PCI-DSS) is an information security standard for of directors, David C. Hall (left), receives recognition for
organizations that handle branded credit cards from the major card successfully completing the Credentialed Cooperative Director
(CCD) Program through NRECA (National Rural Electric
schemes. Following PCI security standards is just good business.
Cooperative Association). The program consists of five courses
Such standards help ensure healthy and trustworthy payment card that focus on basic governance knowledge and the essential skills
transactions for the hundreds of millions of people worldwide who required of cooperative directors. Presenting the Certificate of
use their cards every day. Achievement to Hall is David J. Jones, chairman of the MEC board.
Explaining Capital Credits ... Board Retires $904,917
O
ne of the numerous benefits remaining after meeting those commitments if doing so would not harm the
of being a member of are called margins, which are allocated to cooperative’s fiscal health. Your
Mecklenburg Electric a capital credit account for every member cooperative has returned capital credit
Cooperative (MEC) is that you share in based on the amount of electricity dollars to its members each of the last
any margins that are earned. Your share purchased for that year. Your cooperative’s 60 years.
of those margins is called “capital use of capital credits mitigates the need In November 2018, Mecklenburg
credits” because margins originate with for borrowing funds and the cost of interest Electric Cooperative’s board of directors
what you pay (in capital) to the expense, and helps keep your electric authorized a retirement and payment of
cooperative when you buy electricity. rates lower. capital credits for the final portion of the
Funds received from the sale of If the cooperative has a positive margin year 2000 in the amount of $904,917.
electricity to MEC members are used to and meets our lenders’ requirements, the Members who received service from
pay operating expenses, for payments board of directors may vote, once a year, MEC during the year 2000 received
on cooperative loans, and for providing to retire, and/or pay out a portion of a check in December for their share of
an emergency reserve. Amounts available capital credits to members, those retired capital credits.
As we enter into this brand new year, we extend to you and
your family our best wishes for a year filled with peace,
good health and happiness.
28 | Cooperative Living | January 2019 Mecklenburg Electric CooperativeImproperly Installed Generators Are Hazardous to Your Linemen
M
EC members saw a great deal of destruction from
Hurricane Michael back in October; and the
resulting broken poles and downed trees and power
lines caused a significant amount of outages — over half of
our entire system — some lasting as long as four days.
Members who had standby generators pulled them out of
storage and put them to use, and many others purchased
generators during that event.
If you have a generator or are considering purchasing one,
there are many safety guidelines to consider. Mecklenburg
Electric Cooperative’s Safety Coordinator Ron Campbell has
outlined some critical operating instructions to keep in mind:
• It’s not safe to connect your generator directly into
your home’s wiring. If you do that, the generator can
“back-feed” electricity into the power lines that come to
your home. That power can make its way onto lines that
your MEC crews think are “dead,” and can shock or even
kill someone who touches the wires as they try to restore
power to your home.
• Installing a generator is not a do-it-yourself job.
Hire a licensed electrical contractor to install a switch
that ensures your generator will not send electricity back
With winter weather here and the possibility of snow, sleet and freezing
onto a power line and injure someone on the other end.
rain that can result in power outages, MEC Safety Coordinator Ron
Campbell notes safety tips that he wants to share with MEC members
• Start the generator first before connecting appliances. who may be using a generator.
Plug only a few “can’t-live-without” appliances into your
generator during a power outage. If you overload your
• Never attempt to “speed-up” the engine to obtain more
generator by trying to draw more power than it is
performance. Both output voltage and frequency will be
designed to produce, it can damage your valuable
thrown out of standard by this practice, endangering you
electronics and appliances.
and the attachments.
• Operate your generator outdoors in a well-ventilated
• Keep children and pets away from generators.
area — not in the home or in the garage. Like any other
gasoline-powered device, a generator produces carbon
• Never store gasoline for the generator in your home. Gasoline,
monoxide, which can be fatal for your family to breathe.
kerosene and other flammable liquids should be stored outside
of living areas in properly labeled, non-glass safety containers.
• Do not operate the generator in rainy, wet, icy or
flooded conditions. If water comes in contact with
electricity to the generator’s frame and other surfaces, it
MECKLENBURG ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
will cause an electrical shock to anyone touching them. P.O. Box 2451
Operate the generator on a dry surface under an open Chase City, VA 23924-2451
canopy-like structure.
Chase City District Emporia District Gretna District
• Use outdoor-rated, heavy-duty extension cords with (434) 372-6200 (434) 634-6168 (434) 656-1288
your generator. If you overload your cable, it can catch Power Failure & Emergencies
on fire. (877) 632-5688
Office Hours: M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Turn your generator off and let it cool down before
Website: meckelec.org
refueling it. If you spill gasoline on hot parts of the
generator, it can ignite. Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity
provider and employer.
meckelec.org January 2019 | Cooperative Living | 29Northern Neck Electric
Cooperative News
Above: Sign in front of Afton United Methodist
Church near Ophelia. Left: Choptank Electric,
Rappahannnock Electric, and NNEC working
together to make repairs. Below, from left: All
crews meeting in the NNEC warehouse for a 6 a.m.
briefing. NNEC CEO Greg White discusses
Sixth Cooperative Principle restoration efforts and strategy with NNEC crew.
Community Electric crew in a boat.
O
n the evening of Oct. 11, Tropical Prince George electric cooperatives soon co-ops rushed to offer us aid, it is great
Storm Michael brought flooding arrived to offer help. Additionally, NNEC’s knowing that the cooperative spirit is alive
rains and wind gusts of more than right-of-way contractor, Asplundh Tree and well.”
60 mph to the Northern Neck Electric Experts, stepped forward and offered its As a result, NNEC had 110 outside
Cooperative (NNEC) service territory. In assistance as well. linemen and right-of-way personnel
the aftermath of the storm, close to 12,000 Greg White, president and CEO of working 16-hour shifts on power
of our 19,000 members experienced a loss NNEC, stated, “The sixth guiding principle restoration. These crews worked to repair
of power. of a cooperative is cooperation among broken wires, replace broken poles, change
NNEC crews immediately started to cooperatives. In September, NNEC damaged transformers, and cut trees from
address outages but the quantity of fallen provided help to a co-op in North Carolina power lines. While the outside crews were
trees and washed-out roads in the area following Hurricane Florence. One month working in the field, our office staff was
caused additional problems getting to later, we were the ones in need of help coordinating repairs, restocking warehouse
damaged areas. Working through the following Tropical Storm Michael. As sister supplies, finding lodging for visiting crews,
Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association answering telephone calls, and updating
of Electric Cooperatives, NNEC sought the media on the progress of restoration.
additional assistance from its fellow The hard work, determination and
cooperatives for available linemen. Crews commitment of the NNEC employees,
from Choptank, Community, Rappahannock, mutual-aid crews, and right-of-way
Northern Virginia, Central Virginia, and contractors resulted in power being
restored on Oct. 16 to all known power
outages that could safely be connected.
NNEC would like to thank our members
for their support, patience and understanding
as we worked to restore power as quickly
and safely as possible.
22 | Cooperative Living | January 2019 Northern Neck Electric CooperativeBest Wishes for a Safe, Happy and Healthy New Year
from the Directors, Management and Employees
of Northern Neck Electric Cooperative.
Above L-R, 1st row: David Thomas, Pamela
Davis, Shawn Coates, Amanda Fallin, Jenny
Hayes, Vivian Diggs, Craig Loving, Denise
Sanders, Betty Millward, Valerie Hinson,
Sheila Balderson, Brittany Johnson, Wayne
Douglas and Jay Garner; 2nd row: Leon
Douglas, Danny Delano, Carey Allen, Ricky
Taylor, PJ Hackett, Brenda Kram, Dawn
Green, Gabrielle Dawson, Greg White, Steve
Minor, John Harhai, Bobby Franklin, Richard
McLendon, Mike Hyde, Hunter Beane,
Edward Courtney and Marty Mothershead.
3rd row: Pat Henry, Ryan Barrack, Bill Clark,
Mike Dunaway, David Jackson, Steve Smith,
Scott Smith, Keith Balderson, Davin Brann,
Greg Dove, Will Schools, Mike Winebarger,
BJ Walker, Matthew Hathaway, Delacy
Dodson, Rich Steensma, Jim Moss, Mark
Evans, Derek Pierson, Joey Gay, Len Usual,
James Kelly and Martin Pinon. Not pictured:
Keith Johnson, Harry Smith, Blaine Swann.
Left L-R: NNEC Board of Directors, front row:
Ralph Sutton, Holly Wargo and Steve Thomas.
Back row: Hunter Greenlaw, Wayne Saunders,
James Wise and Rusty Brown.
nnec.coop January 2019 | Cooperative Living | 23Northern Neck Electric Cooperative
SCHOLARSHIP
N
orthern Neck Electric Cooperative
(NNEC) is offering a $1,500
scholarship through Rappahannock
Community College’s (RCC) Educational Foundation, Inc., to assist students in the pursuit
of higher education. The scholarship will be awarded to a new or returning RCC student
living at a primary residence served by NNEC and who possesses at least a 2.0 GPA. To
apply for this scholarship, you may visit RCC’s scholarship website at rappahannock.edu/
foundation/scholarships and submit an online application before Feb. 15, 2019, for the
2019-2020 academic year.
VMDAEC Scholarship Deadline Approaching
Congratulations! The Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association
of Electric Cooperatives’ (VMDAEC) Education
Scholarship Foundation accepts applications from
N orthern Neck Electric
Cooperative (NNEC) is
pleased to announce that
high school and homeschooled seniors for
scholarships to be used for college tuition, books, fees
and/or room and board. The parents or guardian of
VMDAEC Education the graduating senior must be a member of an electric
Steve Minor has been promoted SCHOLARSHIP cooperative served by the VMDAEC. The deadline
FOUNDATION
to manager of engineering for submitting an application is Feb. 8, 2019. Visit
services effective Nov. 17, 2018. vmdaec.com/content/vmdaec-education-scholarship-
foundation to begin the application process.
In his new role, Steve will oversee
engineering studies for system
planning, as well as supervise
substation construction and NNEC lineman competes in
maintenance. Steve has worked
at NNEC since Aug. 5, 2013, and
International Rodeo
we wish him all the best in his
I
n October, Northern Neck Electric Cooperative’s
new position. (NNEC) Blaine Swann attended the 35th
Annual International Lineman’s Rodeo and
Expo held in Overland Park, Kansas. During the
multi-day event, Blaine competed against 290
other apprentice linemen from across the United
NORTHERN NECK
States and around the world. This experience
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
allowed him to enhance his lineman skills and
85 St. Johns Street
P.O. Box 288 showcase his abilities, all while keeping safety at
Warsaw, VA 22572-0288 the forefront during the Rodeo. Blaine was able
804-333-3621 • 1-800-243-2860 to compete in the International Lineman’s
nnec.coop Rodeo because he won first place for Best
Office Hours: M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Overall Apprentice at the Gaff-n-Go Rodeo
held in May at Meadow Event Park in Doswell,
President & CEO
Virginia. The International Lineman’s Rodeo
Greg W. White
and Expo is the most prestigious competition
Local Pages Editor to test linemen on their safety skills and
Jay Garner technical training in an array of contests. NNEC
Northern Neck Electric Cooperative is an congratulates Blaine for his accomplishments
equal opportunity provider and employer. and for being able to compete on the top level Blaine Swann competes at the 35th Annual
for apprentice linemen. International Lineman’s Rodeo and Expo.
24 | Cooperative Living | January 2019 Northern Neck Electric CooperativeYou can also read
