Log in | Register |
StormCenter logo

Archive

Month: March 2020

SECO Energy Board of Trustees Elects Officers

The SECO Energy Board of Trustees held elections on Monday, March 30 for its three Board Officer positions. District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison was elected Board President, District 9 Trustee Jerry Hatfield was elected Vice President and District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson was elected Board Secretary/Treasurer.

 

District 4 Trustee and Board President Richard Dennison lives in Marion County and has been a SECO Energy member since 1999. Trustee Dennison was originally elected to the Board in a special election in 2015 and was most recently re-elected as the District 4 Trustee in February 2020. Mr. Dennison has previously held the office of Board Vice President.

 

District 9 Trustee and Vice President Jerry Hatfield lives in Lake County has been a SECO Energy member since 1974. Trustee Hatfield was first elected to the SECO Board in 2000 and was most recently re-elected as District 9 Trustee in February 2018. Mr. Hatfield has previously held the office of Board President.

 

District 3 Trustee and Secretary-Treasurer Gerald Anderson lives in The Villages and has been a SECO Energy member since 2013. Trustee Anderson was elected as District 3 Trustee in a special election in May 2019 when a previous Trustee stepped down. This is Mr. Anderson’s first officer position on the Board.

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations on earning the trust of your peers. We are grateful for your time and dedication to SECO members through your Board service. We’re delivering unmatched customer satisfaction ratings, affordable rates and world-class reliability under your Board tenure. I thank you for your leadership, guidance and willingness to serve.”

 

Along with holding the election for Board officers, the Trustees welcomed new District 2 Trustee Joyce Anderson who resides in Sumterville and District 6 Trustee Michael Muffett who resides in Summerfield.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Energy Insider – 1st Quarter 2020

To you, our valued members, we understand these are unprecedented and challenging times. We know your business has most likely been disrupted in one way or another, along with your personal life and the lives of your employees. The future may seem a bit uncertain right now.

 

Here’s what is certain – SECO Energy is here for you. We consider it our highest responsibility to continue to provide the most reliable electric service and to follow CDC guidelines related to COVID-19. We have implemented new business practices and revised others to mitigate health risks.

 

SECO Energy understands that some members are facing unexpected hardships. The cooperative will proactively waive late fees and allow additional payment time during the declared emergency. Members requesting a payment arrangement can do so by calling (352) 793-3801 and visiting with SECO’s virtual assistant on the automated telephone system. You can also log on to SmartHub. If you do not already have an account established, creating one is easy and allows you to view past bills, usage history and more. We are glad to assist if help is needed. If neither of these options appeal to you, you can request a payment arrangement through your account representative. We are available to discuss extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

 

SECO Energy Automates Payment Arrangement Assistance 24/7 news release

 

For those of you who utilize a credit card for electric bill payments, SECO Energy has adjusted our normal maximum credit card transaction cap. We have raised the cap from $600 to $5,000. And if your bill is larger, you can still complete multiple transactions with no additional merchant fee for using a credit or debit card. For those of you in the process of upgrades or adding services, you can use this option to pay for contributions in aid-to-construction (CIAC). Invoices can also be paid online or by phone. If this option doesn’t work for you, drop your payment at one of our local Member Service Center drive thru windows or in the mail to our attention. Let us know it’s coming, and we’ll ensure you don’t incur a delay with your project.

 

Currently SECO Energy’ s Headquarters and campus is temporarily closed to public access. Our five Member Service Centers are providing drive-thru services only. The drive-thrus in Eustis, Inverness, Ocala, and Sumterville are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The drive-thru at the Groveland office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 to 5 p.m. Kiosks are available at each location for 24/7 use.

 

Although we miss your smiling face, we’re as close as your computer and phone. Send us an email or give us a call in lieu of an in-person meeting. If there are circumstances that require us at your location, we’ll do our best to accommodate your request. If a site visit is in order, we are happy to serve you, just from a distance.

 

Since we can’t predict how long before it’s business as usual again, our goal is to make sure you know we’re here for you. With circumstances continually changing we encourage you to visit our website and/or Facebook page often. In addition, we’ll work hard to keep you informed of changes that can impact your electric service. Lastly, it is likely a number of your employees are served by SECO Energy. We encourage you to share this newsletter with your team members, so they are aware of the changes we’ve made to better serve all members.

 

 

BARBIE SHAW

Manager of Key Accounts & Energy Services
OFFICE: (352) 569-9787
CELL: (352) 303-3567
barbie.shaw@secoenergy.com

Hank Bolduc, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

HANK BOLDUC

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9789
CELL: (352) 303-3546
hank.bolduc@secoenergy.com

Ryon Meyers, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

RYON MEYERS

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9781
CELL: (352) 636-9593
ryon.meyers@secoenergy.com

Jeff Light, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

JEFF LIGHT

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9790
CELL: (352) 303-3183
jeff.light@secoenergy.com

 

Hundreds tune in to SECO Energy’s First Virtual Annual Meeting

SECO Energy hosted its first Virtual Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 28. Hundreds of members tuned in to watch the live stream of the cooperative’s 82nd Annual Meeting, and nearly 8,000 members voted on Annual Meeting business prior to the start of the virtual meeting.

 

SECO Energy decided in early March to significantly change the format of the traditional on-site Annual Meeting to a Virtual Annual Meeting in response to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advisories to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The CDC advised limiting gatherings to less than 50 people. In recent years, attendance at SECO’s popular on-site Annual Meeting had surged into the thousands.

 

SECO Energy Board President Jerry Hatfield called the Meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. and closed the voting platform. SECO’s Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services Kathryn Gloria led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance and introduced the Board Trustees, CEO and Cooperative Attorney. Board Secretary/Treasurer Bill James certified the Official Annual Meeting Notice before Mr. Hatfield began the President’s Report.

 

President Hatfield welcomed the members who tuned in live and explained the Annual Meeting quorum requirements. Mr. Hatfield stated, “SECO Energy is required to achieve a quorum to conduct official Annual Meeting business. With the help of a Bylaws revision passed by the membership last year, achieving a quorum is now more efficient and inclusive. We can count member participation in voting on Annual Meeting business – either electronically, in person or by mail as part of the quorum.”

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan began his CEO Report after Mr. Hatfield completed the President’s Report. Mr. Duncan addressed the audience, “Good morning and welcome to the 82nd Annual Meeting of the Membership and our 1st Virtual Annual Meeting. My presentation will be much the same as it is live, but this year members will avoid the large crowd. Limiting large gatherings is a key precautionary measure to protect against the spread of COVID-19, and a virtual meeting is the right choice this year to protect our members and employees.”

 

Mr. Duncan continued his CEO Report with his traditional military salute, first responders recognition and appreciation, introducing the senior staff and applauding the Board of Trustees and employees. Mr. Duncan spoke to the virtual audience about the cooperative’s 2019 financial results, growth, SECO’s new interactive voice response (IVR) virtual assistant, our StormCenter platform and recent customer satisfaction successes.

 

Cooperative Attorney Scott Gerken certified the 2020 Annual Meeting voting results. In total, 7,895 members voted on 2020 Annual Meeting business. As to the Bylaws Revision: Gerken certified 7,320 “Yes” votes, 198 “No” votes and 377 members abstained. As to the 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes approval: Gerken certified 7,484 “Yes” votes, 39 “No” votes and 372 members abstained. Mr. Gerken announced, “The 2020 Bylaws Revision and 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes are clearly approved by the membership.”

 

SECO Energy established a special phone number, email address and social media presence for the Virtual Annual Meeting. A panel of SECO employees interacted with members who posed questions and comments that were read and answered during the meeting by the CEO.

 

Mr. Duncan concluded the Virtual Annual Meeting by stating, “Thank you for your patience and understanding with today’s event – held virtually in the interest of public health. Your wellbeing is the highest priority as we made the decision to go virtual. The continued health of our employees is critical to keeping our system up and running.”

 

The meeting ended with the announcement of prize winners. All 7,895 members who voted were entered into the random drawing for 96 prizes. Grand prize winners are: Tammy Webb from Tavares won the 2010 Chevy Colorado 4X4; the two winners of the 2016 EZGO golf carts are William A. Wiggins from Leesburg and Terry Lester from Tavares; the $1,500 cash prize was won by Rebecca Tinder from The Villages; $1,000 cash prize went to William Boe of The Villages; and two $500 cash prizes were won by Marcia Klepinger and Thomas Wible both from The Villages. Other prizes including Apple TVs, Instapots, tool sets, Amazon Fire tablets and TVs will be shipped directly to winners. SECO will arrange for delivery of grand prizes.

 

The Virtual Annual Meeting concept was well received by members who complimented the cooperative’s decision to go virtual. CEO Jim Duncan elaborated, “SECO will evaluate the cost benefit associated with hosting a virtual meeting and may consider this approach for the future rather than holding an extremely large on-site meeting. We were actually at a point last year with maxed capacity and must find an alternative. Inviting 200,000+ people to an event with a capacity of less than 10,000 is risky. We must find more cost-effective options that encourage member participation. By mail and electronic voting worked well this year, so that is an avenue we’ll continue – with prizes of course as incentive to participate. Next year, however, we are considering a smaller, scaled-down business meeting along with a virtual option for the majority of the membership. It will be up to the Board of Trustees to approve our direction before it’s time to budget for 2021.”

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO News, April 2020

 

Duncan’s Digest – Name the New IVR Virtual Assistant

 

I have exciting news to share. SECO’s new interactive voice response (IVR) phone system launched in early March. The system is available 24/7, is user-friendly and is a big leap forward in customer service technology.

May 2018 SECO News Duncan's Digest

 

The former phone system was in desperate need of an upgrade. With recent laws banning handheld phone use while driving, the new natural language IVR is a safer alternative and is easier to navigate.

 

The new IVR features a virtual assistant who uses natural language technology mimicking a real conversation. Previously manual tasks can now be completed virtually with full automation. Without pressing numbers on your keypad, you can report an outage, initiate a billing inquiry or make a payment arrangement at any time without speaking to a representative. Members can also log into SmartHub at SECOEnergy.com and request a payment arrangement.

 

Using the new IVR, you can check the status of an existing outage, learn the estimated restoration time and crew status. The IVR’s outage component functions much the same as the online StormCenter platform. Members who aren’t so tech-savvy will receive the same information and level of service as online members.

 

Another benefit of the virtual assistant is its call back feature. If you have tried to call us on Monday morning or the Tuesday after a holiday, you may have noticed longer hold times. With the virtual assistant, you can request a call back during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. This call back saves your place in the queue, and you don’t have to wait on hold. A future phase of the IVR will include virtual assistance with high usage inquiries, meter re-reads, new service connects, disconnects and transfers.

 

The virtual assistant is our newest SECO representative who can assist thousands of members simultaneously. This will come in handy during hurricane season when perhaps 100,000+ are without power at once like during Hurricane Irma.

 

We like our virtual assistant a lot and think she needs a name. I’m asking for your help and want to give you a chance to listen to the great features of the new IVR. Visit our Name the IVR page or click on the homepage banner. Play the four sample recordings of our new virtual assistant. Verify your account information and cast your vote for one of the name options:

 

1. Electra
2. Ernestine
3. Katie Kilowatt
4. SECO Elle
5. Trudy Transformer

 

Your entry places you in a drawing to win one of five great prizes: a $250 SECO bill credit, a Ring doorbell, a Nest Learning Thermostat, an Amazon Alexa and an Amazon fire tablet. Enter before May 15. We’ll announce our new virtual assistant’s name and contest winners in June SECO News.

 

This new system is indeed state-of-the-art technology and it came with a corresponding price tag. The good news is that it will pay for itself over the years as more members experience it firsthand and are willing to self-serve using the IVR. No employees will be displaced by the new technology. I encourage members to use it to their advantage and ours as a not-for-profit cooperative committed to affordable, reliable electric service for years to come.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 

Right Tree, Right Place April 2020 SECO News

 

Right Tree, Right Place

 

What is green, creates oxygen and can help you reduce your annual energy costs? Trees, of course! Choosing the right tree to plant in the right place can help you reduce energy costs and reduce tree-related power outages.

 

Plant trees to the south, southwest or west side of structures to reduce cooling costs in the summer. Native Florida shade trees that grow well in Central Florida according to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are Florida elms and hophornbeam trees.

 

Block fall and winter winds by planting evergreens and shrubs on the north and west side of structures. UF/IFAS lists hollies, southern magnolias and sweetbay magnolias as native Floridian evergreen shade trees. For shrubs, choose azaleas, bottlebrush, Indian hawthorn, juniper, loropetalum or tea olive. Plant shrubs close to your home’s foundation to insulate against cold weather.

 

Trees growing too close to power lines can cause sparks, fires, power outages and shock hazards. Maintain a clear zone of 15 feet on each side of an overhead line. Before planting a tree, consider its mature height and its proximity to overhead power lines. Trees that grow to a mature height of 40 feet or higher should be planted at least 50 feet away from power lines. Small ornamental trees or shrubs that will not exceed 25 feet in height are best to be planted closer to lines, but outside the clear zone.

 

 

Advice from the Old Farmer's Almanac January 2020 SECO News

 

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

 

THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC lists April 1st and 2nd as well as the 27th through the 29th to turn April showers into May flowers by planting aboveground crops. For belowground crops, plant on April 9th and 10th or the 18th or 19th. Are you planning on spring cleaning? The best day to wash windows is the 20th through the 22nd. Clean your floors on either the 18th or 19th and paint on the 7th or 8th.

 

Safety Corner Downed Line Dangers April 2020 SECO News

 

Safety Corner – Downed Line Dangers

 

Overhead power lines are a necessary component of SECO Energy’s electric system. Never touch an overhead line – even if the line is broken and on the ground after a storm. Always assume an overhead line is energized. Touching it could cause severe injury and even death.

 

Never lean a ladder against a power line or trim trees growing too close to lines. Warn children not to play on or near electric equipment. Do not allow children to fly kites or toy planes, climb trees or release balloons near power lines.

 

Use these tips to help keep you and your family safe from the risk of contacting an energized power line.

 

April Safe Digging Month April 2020 SECO News

 

April – #SafeDiggingMonth

 

Spring’s warmer weather adds to-do items to your list. Before picking up a shovel to install a new fence, plant a garden or add landscaping or trees, contact 811 to locate the underground utilities on your property.

 

Florida law requires you to call 811 or go online before digging. The 811 service is free. April is #SafeDiggingMonth – remember to call 811 or visit Sunshine811.com before you dig!

 

Read the full April 2020 SECO News online.

SECO Energy Extends 2020 Scholarship Program Deadline

SECO Energy has extended its 2020 Youth Scholarship Program deadline from Friday, March 27, to Friday, May 1, in response to Florida school district closures to protect students from COVID-19 risk. Applications will also be accepted without the normally required counselor signatures.

 

For over two decades, SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees has renewed its annual commitment to members and the communities the cooperative serves by approving the Scholarship Program for local students. A total of $36,000 is available for 12 recipients to receive $3,000 each.

 

SECO Energy has adjusted the eligibility requirements for the 2020 Scholarship Program to better align with its corporate goals. SECO believes its annual scholarships are a way to spark an interest in energy industry careers and should be used as a recruitment tool.

 

To be eligible to apply, the student must be interested in pursuing a career in the energy sector. The student must live in a home served by SECO and be a high school senior who is graduating this school year (2019-2020). Awardees must be enrolled full-time in an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school located in Florida by the end of 2020. Students should also be pursuing a degree in technology, engineering, math or business. The student may also pursue a certification directly related to jobs in the electric industry.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy has provided youth scholarships to help students complete their quest for a higher education for over twenty years. We firmly believe in supporting students who are interested in a career in the energy industry and didn’t want to let the current COVID-19 situation block these local students. Extending the youth scholarship program deadline to May 1 will allow students the flexibility to complete the application process.”

 

Scholarship applications are available on our Scholarship page. Those without internet access can, email Communications to request a mailed paper application.

 

View a slideshow of past scholarship awardees, print an application and read more about eligibility requirements online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Automates Payment Arrangement Assistance 24/7

The reliability of SECO’s electric service plays a critical role in SECO members’ health and wellbeing. To keep its employees healthy and ready to serve its members, the cooperative has made changes to mitigate health risks related to member and public interaction.

 

During SECO’s Emergency Response Plan activation, it is offering members who request a payment arrangement an extended period of time over and above normal payment arrangement parameters. Members requesting a payment arrangement can do so by visiting with SECO’s virtual assistant on the automated telephone system or by logging into SmartHub at SECOEnergy.com. Both platforms have been programmed to automatically allow additional time for payment arrangements. Members are encouraged to utilize the phone system and SmartHub as call volume has been high amid COVID-19 concerns.

 

SECO is taking precautions to protect its members and employees from risk. SECO’s five Member Service Centers are equipped with counter-to-ceiling glass barriers for employee and member protection. As such, SECO has decided not to close any Member Service Centers at this time; however, they will be operating with limited staff. The cooperative offers members 12 ways to pay bills, most that avoid face-to-face contact. Members can pay online, by phone, by mail, enroll in bank draft and more. SECO’s online account platform called SmartHub is the place to start for convenient self-serve options. Log in or create an account profile today. View past bills, usage history, request a payment arrangement and more.

 

As part of the Emergency Response Plan, SECO Energy’s Sumterville headquarters and adjacent campus are temporarily closed to public access for any vendor or delivery without an approved appointment or scheduled delivery. SECO field personnel are practicing the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended social distancing standard of maintaining a six-foot barrier with members. Employees and members are asked to use email, phone and web conferencing communication in lieu of in-person meetings whenever possible and to practice social distancing when in-person meetings are unavoidable.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy provides electricity which is an essential service in preserving public health and quality of life in today’s world. The cooperative’s Emergency Response Plan ensures it can maintain a 24/7 workforce, preserve SECO’s ability to maintain its electric system and provide an acceptable level of member service even in the face of employee impact with COVID-19. Our members depend on us to provide reliable electric service, and that’s even more important as our largely senior demographic practices social distancing at home to remain healthy.”

 

Duncan continued, “SECO has proactively waived late payment fees, and we automatically extending the time period for payment arrangements so that members can use both SmartHub and the virtual phone assistant as hold times are longer due to COVID-19 concerns.”

 

SECO has other ways to help members in need through a corporate citizenship initiative called Pennies from Heaven. The program helps fund local United Way chapters managed through Florida 211 for bill payment assistance for SECO members. Members who need assistance with utilities, food, and other household expenses are encouraged to contact 211.

 

“Like” SECO’s page on Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Citrus County Health Dept Advises of Possible COVID-19 Contact

SECO Energy was informed late Tuesday afternoon that a SECO Energy warehouse administrative employee may have had an exposure to a Citrus County resident who has been tested for COVID-19 but results are not available. The employee serves in an administrative role with the cooperative and has limited contact with the public and other employees. The employee is asymptomatic and has been placed in quarantine as a precaution along with the employees with whom he was in contact.

 

The reliability of SECO’s electric service plays a critical role in SECO members’ health and wellbeing. To keep its employees healthy and ready to serve its members, the cooperative has made changes to mitigate health risks related to member and public interaction.

 

SECO Energy’s Sumterville headquarters and adjacent campus are temporarily closed to public access for any vendor or delivery without an approved appointment or scheduled delivery. SECO’s five Member Service Centers are equipped with counter-to-ceiling glass barriers for employee and member protection. As such, SECO has decided not to close any Member Service Centers at this time. SECO field personnel are practicing the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended social distancing standard of maintaining a six-foot barrier with members. Employees and members are asked to use email and phone communication in lieu of in-person meetings whenever possible and to practice social distancing when in-person meetings are unavoidable.

 

Most importantly, SECO Energy activated its Emergency Response Plan (ERP) on March 9 in response to the Coronavirus situation. CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO Energy provides electricity which is an essential service in preserving public health and quality of life in today’s world. The cooperative’s ERP ensures it can maintain a 24/7 workforce, preserve SECO’s ability to maintain its electric system and provide an acceptable level of member service even in the face of employee impact with Coronavirus. Our members depend on us to provide reliable electric service, and that’s even more important as our largely senior demographic practices social distancing at home to remain healthy.”

 

Duncan continued, “SECO has proactively waived late payment fees, and we will allow additional payment arrangement time to members affected by the Coronavirus situation.” If a member has difficulty paying an electric bill during this declared emergency, it’s easy and private to request an automated payment arrangement through our new automated IVR phone system. Members can also log into SmartHub to request a payment arrangement online.

 

SECO has other ways to help members in need through a corporate citizenship initiative called Pennies from Heaven. The program helps fund local United Way chapters managed through Florida 211 for bill payment assistance for SECO members. Members who need assistance with utilities, food, and other household expenses are encouraged to contact 211.

 

“Like” SECO’s page on Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Offers Payment Arrangements and Waives Late Fees

SECO Energy understands that members may have difficulty in the coming weeks with potential unexpected Coronavirus impacts of illness, quarantine, lack of regular income or caring for an affected family member. SECO’s not-for-profit electric cooperative is applying flexibility to these scenarios.

 

SECO will proactively waive late fees and allow additional payment time during the declared emergency. Members can call the automated IVR to request a payment arrangement, log into SmartHub to conveniently request a payment arrangement or visit with one of SECO’s Member Service Representatives to discuss extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

 

It’s also important to know that every quarter SECO Energy funds local United Way chapters managed through Florida 211 for bill payment assistance in the counties SECO serves. The reliability of SECO’s electric service also plays a role in SECO families’ wellbeing, and the cooperative is taking precautions to keep its employees healthy and ready to serve members.

 

SECO’s upcoming 2020 Annual Meeting’s format is now VIRTUAL ONLY. SECO typically hosts a crowd of 6,000 to 8,000 attendees at the Annual Meeting. Based on Florida’s declared public health emergency in response to Coronavirus developments, CDC advisories and SECO’s corresponding need to activate our Emergency Response Plan, the Board of Trustees and senior leadership have determined the need to hold a Virtual ONLY Annual Meeting instead of hosting the large crowd of thousands who typically attend the Annual Meeting.

 

On Saturday, March 28, attend the Virtual Annual Meeting by visiting SECOEnergy.com and clicking on the Virtual Annual Meeting link which begins at 10:30 a.m. Board President Jerry Hatfield and CEO Jim Duncan will deliver their respective addresses via the Virtual Annual Meeting streamed live. Results of member votes on the Bylaws Revision and the 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes will be announced and the 89 prize winners from the names drawn from all members who cast votes.

 

Since SECO won’t be holding an in-person prize drawing, all members who vote on Annual Meeting business are entered to win all prizes. To vote, visit SECO Energy’s homepage and click on the VOTE homepage banner to cast your vote on the Bylaws Revision and 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes. A complete list of prizes is available on the website. Win from the comfort of your own home.

 

Prizes include a 2010 Chevy Colorado 4×4, two 2016 EZGO RSV golf carts, cash prizes ($1,500, $1,000 and two $500s), electric bill credits, WiFi thermostats, Instapots, air fryers, tool sets, Ring doorbells, Amazon Fire and Apple TVs, Fire HD tablets with Alexa, Fitbits, a 43-inch Visio TV, twenty $100/$50 VISA gift cards and more. View the full prize list at SECOEnergy.com.

 

Learn more at SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op>Annual Member Meeting. “Like” SECO’s page on Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy 2020 Annual Meeting Goes VIRTUAL ONLY for Public Health and Safety

SECO Energy announced that its 82nd Annual Meeting is going virtual only in the interest of public health and safety. The SECO Energy Annual Meeting is the cooperative’s pinnacle event. Based on Florida’s declared public health emergency in response to coronavirus developments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisories and SECO’s corresponding need to activate its Emergency Response Plan, the Board of Trustees and senior leadership have determined the need to hold a virtual ONLY Annual Meeting instead of hosting the large crowd who typically attends.

 

The Virtual Annual Meeting will be live streamed online on Saturday, March 28, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Members can tune in by visiting the website and clicking on the Virtual Annual Meeting homepage banner. Board President Jerry Hatfield and CEO Jim Duncan will deliver their respective addresses via the Virtual Annual Meeting streamed live. The results of member votes on the Bylaws Revision and 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes will be announced by Cooperative Attorney Scott Gerken. Vice President Kathryn Gloria will announce the prize winners from the names drawn from the list of members who cast votes.

 

To encourage members to vote on the Bylaws Revision and 2019 Annual Meeting Minutes, SECO Energy is shifting its traditional in-person door prize drawing to a voting member drawing. All members who cast a vote are eligible to win a prize from the comfort of their home. A complete list of prizes is available on SECO’s website.

 

Members can vote electronically by visiting the website and clicking on the Vote homepage banner or by texting VOTE to (352) 320-2200. Members also have the option to complete the by-mail ballot on the Official Annual Meeting Notice and mail with their electric payment. Members who are not tech-savvy can visit a Member Service Center or call (352) 793-3801 for voting assistance. To be eligible for the prize drawing, members must cast their vote before the Virtual Annual Meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 28.

 

Prizes include a 2010 Chevy Colorado 4×4, two 2016 EZGO RSV golf carts, cash prizes ($1,500, $1,000 and two $500s), electric bill credits, WiFi thermostats, Instapots, air fryers, tool sets, Ring doorbells, Amazon Fire and Apple TVs, Fire HD tablets with Alexa, Fitbits, a 43-inch Visio TV, twenty $100/$50 VISA gift cards and more. View the full prize list online.

 

Prize winners will be announced at the end of the Virtual Annual Meeting and also published on the website. Prizes will be shipped to each winner. SECO will arrange delivery of the truck and golf carts along with the title/registration documents. Winners of the $1,500 and $1,000 prizes will receive an IRS Form 1099 and will be required to sign an IRS Form W-9 before the checks can be issued.

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan states, “The on-site Annual Meeting is an event that we look forward to hosting every year. We will certainly miss visiting with members and seeing their smiling faces for this year’s Annual Meeting, but the decision to change the format to a Virtual Annual Meeting is in the best interest of our members and employees. I hope members plan to watch the Virtual Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 28 at 10:30 a.m.”

 

Members who want to interact with SECO live during the Virtual Annual Meeting can call (352) 329-MEET or email SECO2020AM@secoenergy.com starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 28. The phone number and email will only be available during the Virtual Annual Meeting timeframe. For members who aren’t able to watch virtually, a video production of the Virtual Annual Meeting will be available on SECO Energy’s YouTube channel the following week.

 

Learn more about SECO Energy’s Virtual Annual Meeting on our website. “Like” SECO’s page on Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.