Co-op Holds 85th Annual Meeting

On October 17, Tri-County EMC hosted its 85th Annual Meeting at the Tri-County offi ce in Gray concluding the 2024 Board of Directors’ Election. Voting online or by paper ballot, over 1,200 Tri-County EMC members participated in their cooperative’s election process. Billy Jerles, Tri-County EMC Board Attorney, reported the following election results: Incumbents Chap Nelson (Post 2, District 1), George “Buck” Comer (Post 2, District 2), and Edward Walker (Post 2, District 3) were re-elected to serve three-year terms on the Tri-County EMC Board of Directors. The 2023 Annual Meeting Minutes were approved with a majority vote.

Beginning her address, Brenda P. Green, Chairman of the Tri-County EMC Board of Directors, reported that the cooperative is in sound financial health and good standing with its financial partners. Green informed viewers that the cooperative’s goal is to provide its members with safe and reliable power. Green also emphasized that policies passed in Washington, D.C., impact what home and business owners pay for power. “The Environmental Protection Agency’s new power plant regulation threatens an electric cooperative’s ability to keep power costs down by restricting the operation of natural gas and coal generation needed to provide reliable power,” said Green. “The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association has filed a lawsuit on behalf of EMCs nationwide to petition for a review of the new power plant rules. While the lawsuit proceeds, Tri-County continues to maintain a diversified wholesale power portfolio to ensure reliability in the most challenging times.” Green reported that Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 are online and operational, providing members with safe, reliable, and emission-free nuclear energy. On a local level, Green announced that Tri-County’s new Lake Oconee substation is expected to be in service in December. The substation will provide the cooperative with the capacity to meet increased demand. Green wrapped up her address with a message to the younger generations that may be unaware of the cooperative story. “Tri-County is owned by the members, and we exist to serve you,” said Green. “Board members are your elected representatives. We welcome your comments, suggestions, and ideas.”

To begin his address, CEO Ray Grinberg stated, “Tri-County EMC is more than wires, poles, electricity, and fiber. It’s an organization of dedicated, hardworking people that see a purpose in making their communities a better place to live.” Grinberg expressed gratitude to the Tri-County EMC and Tri-CoGo personnel who played a vital role in power restoration following Hurricane Helene. Grinberg also announced that Tri-County EMC is taking necessary measures to keep up with the growth of its service area and how to serve its members best. “The cooperative has outgrown its facilities in Eatonton and is in the process of purchasing property in Putnam County to construct a new office that will accommodate both Tri-County EMC and Tri-CoGo,” said Grinberg. “The new location will allow for faster response to more of our members and help us better serve those in need.”

Tri-CoGo COO Greg Mullis gave a brief update on the cooperative’s internet affiliate. Since last year’s annual meeting, Tri-CoGo has added nearly 2,800 subscribers. Mullis reported that the subsidiary is growing at a rate of 2-3 percent per month, which he attributed to the power of word-of-mouth. Mullis also informed viewers that Tri-CoGo surveys its customers to provide higher-quality service. Recent survey results show a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 90, which indicates that Tri-CoGo holds an even greater standing with its customers than top companies like Chick-fil-A and Amazon, who average in the 60-70 range. “It reflects the trust that our customers put in us and their satisfaction with our services,” said Mullis. “It also really reflects the efforts that our employees go to make sure every customer is satisfied.”

BALLOT DRAWING WINNERS
To conclude the meeting, Communications Specialist Anna Smith drew names for bill credits to be distributed to eleven lucky winners. Members who cast their vote in the election were automatically entered for a chance to win. Tri-County EMC member Janice Ferencie won the grand prize of a $500 bill credit. The ten $50 bill credit winners are listed below.

Charles Williams
Wanda Clements
Don King
Gennessia Daniel
Gary Roberts
Sandy Bishop
Joseph Thompson
Lenny Ellspermann
Glen Phillips
Marjorie Hanson

 

 

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• board of directors election
• Annual Election
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