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Author: Amanda Richardson

SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven Fund Donates $25,500 to Area Food Banks

SECO Energy recently pledged $25,500 to local food banks based on the increased number of Central Florida residents who have been affected by the COVID-19 national emergency. The $25,500 donation was collected through SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program which is funded through members who round up their electric bills and by SECO Energy employees who donate to the program.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO’s business model aligns with the seven cooperative principles and during this time of economic hardship Concern for Community is essential. The funds will be distributed to 12 area food banks in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties* to help the organizations replenish their shelves. With national unemployment numbers skyrocketing due to the stay-at-home order to fight the spread of COVID-19, more and more Central Florida residents need assistance through local food banks.

 

Citrus County $3,000 divided among:

 

  • Salvation Army of Citrus County
  • Daystar Life Center
  • Community Food Bank

 

Lake County $7,500 divided among:

 

  • Salvation Army of Lake County
  • Leesburg Food Bank
  • Faith Neighborhood Center, Inc.

 

Marion County $7,500 divided among:

 

  • Salvation Army of Marion County
  • Interfaith Emergency Services
  • St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Social Services

Sumter County $7,500 divided among:

 

  • Salvation Army of Sumter County
  • Hope Ministries Center, Inc.
  • Wildwood Food Pantry

 

*Funding amounts based on number of members served in each county

 

Members enrolled in Pennies from Heaven have agreed to round up their monthly bills to the next dollar and donate those pennies to the program. The donated pennies can be used to fund local, worthy causes and offer bill payment assistance to their fellow members. The funds stay within SECO’s service area. SECO employees also support the Pennies from Heaven program through internal fundraising efforts.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “To help members during the COVID-19 pandemic, SECO Energy has waived late payment fees, offered flexible payment arrangement timeframes and allocated bill payment assistance dollars to local United Ways and social service agencies through Florida 211. We also wanted to do more to aid the communities in our service area. Local food banks are struggling to meet the increased demand. The Pennies from Heaven donation will help restock empty shelves and feed those who are waiting to go back to work or haven’t received their stimulus or unemployment check yet.”

 

Duncan urged members to consider a Pennies from Heaven donation. He continued, “I support Pennies from Heaven myself as a member as do many of our employees who are not SECO members. The funds donated through the Pennies from Heaven program are dollars that stay local and help your fellow cooperative neighbors.”

 

If you’d prefer to write a check, please send it to SECO Energy at 330 S US Highway 301, Sumterville, FL 33585.

 

The Pennies from Heaven program also provides dollars every quarter to local United Ways chapters and social service agencies for bill payment assistance for members. Requests for assistance are initiated by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211.org. Second quarter funds were just recently allocated so dollars are available for member bill payment assistance.

 

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

SECO Energy Infrastructure Damaged by Tornado

A strong, severe line of thunderstorms passed through SECO Energy’s Central Florida service area today. A tornado damaged some of SECO’s electric facilities but the SummerGlen substation’s critical infrastructure appears largely unscathed.

 

This powerful weather system knocked down poles and lines in the area causing outages for about 3,500 Marion County SECO members. The tornado was captured on video crossing over I75 near SECO Energy’s SummerGlen substation in southwest Marion County near County Road 484. The substation serves SECO members in the SummerGlen and Marion Oaks subdivisions and the surrounding area. There were no physical injuries reported from this morning’s torrential winds and rains.

 

Trucks owned by SECO’s tree trimming contractor Nelson Tree Service that are regularly staged at the SummerGlen substation sustained damage. A pickup was tossed nearly 100 feet and windows of larger vehicles were shattered by debris. The fence and much of the landscaping at the SummerGlen substation suffered damage and at least one home in the SummerGlen neighborhood sustained significant damage.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “We are immensely grateful that no SECO employees, contractors or residents were injured during today’s severe weather. As soon as it was safe to do so, crews were dispatched to the area to begin the assessment and restoration effort. We are making good progress and should have all members’ service in southwest Marion County restored this evening.”

 

Crews are working to repair the damage near where the tornado touched down. Downed poles are being replaced as well as sections of downed lines. Stay away from downed lines; do not touch or approach as the line may still be energized. Warn children to never touch downed power lines.

 

Duncan continued, “Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 and our summer storm season seems to have arrived a little early this year. Now is a good time to enroll in surge protection and to update your contact information to receive proactive outage notifications through our StormCenter platform.”

 

Visit StormCenter and choose Manage Notifications to enroll in email, text or voice messages or all three.

 

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

Sunshine State Stats March 2020

March was a very warm month for Central Florida. The average temperature was 74 degrees – 6.8 degrees warmer than the average March temperature. The lows dipped down to 43 degrees early in the month and later the high peaked at 92 degrees. This 49-degree temperature swing would have potentially called for both heating and cooling in the same month.

 

March 2020 Sunshine State Stats weather breakdown

 

The average high temperature was 82 degrees in March 2020 compared to 77 degrees in 2019, while the average low temperature was 63 degrees in 2020 versus 56 degrees during March 2019.

 

Not only was it a warmer March than normal, it was also drier. March typically produces a little over 4 inches of precipitation, but 2020 provided less than a quarter of an inch.

 

March 2020 above average temperatures map courtesy of NOAA

 

March weather was far from the norm as was the entire month with multiple federal, state, and county executive orders closing stores, restaurants, beaches and amusement parks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the social distancing recommendations made by the CDC were implemented by businesses in the public and private sector. This will have an impact on electric use due to families being home more throughout the day.

 

To help keep costs down, SECO Energy recommends keeping your air conditioning thermostat at 78-80 degrees during the day when home and raising the thermostat 2-3 degrees when leaving for four hours or longer. The warmer temperatures in March will most likely cause an increase in consumption compared to previous March bills. If you haven’t already, consider scheduling your annual HVAC service to ensure the air conditioner is in prime operating condition heading into the warmer months.

 

April 2020 forecast:

 

April temperatures normally average 71.1 degrees with precipitation averaging just over half of an inch for the month. Will we continue this warmer than average trend for the month of April? We will see. Until then, have a wonderful and blessed April!

 

To check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.

 

To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.

 

March 2020 weather statistics

Financial Resources for Commercial Accounts Through CARES Act

SECO Energy’s primary mission is to maintain the health of its workforce to ensure the reliability of its electric system as it plays a critical role in members’ health and wellbeing. During the COVID-19 situation, SECO is offering flexibility to residential members that includes waived late fees and extended payment arrangements. The not-for-profit cooperative understands that businesses need relief as well and the cooperative’s Key Accounts staff is prepared to answer account-specific questions about helping businesses get federal relief.

 

Congress recently passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act which includes assistance for commercial account members. SECO encourages its commercial members to research the resources available through the CARES Act. These resources include capital to cover the cost of retaining employees, utility payments, payroll assistance, grants, loans (including loan forgiveness) along with free counseling during this difficult time.

 

The Small Business Debt Relief Program provides immediate relief to small businesses with non-disaster SBA loans, in particular 7(a), 504 and microloans. Under it, SBA will cover all loan payments on these SBA loans including principal, interest and fees for six months. This relief will also be available to new borrowers who take out loans within six months of the president signing the bill into law.

 

Economic Injury Disaster Loans & Emergency Economic Injury Grants are also available. These grants provide an emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses and private non-profits harmed by COVID-19 within three days of applying for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). To access the advance, apply for an EIDL first and then request the advance. The advance does not need to be repaid under any circumstance. It may be used to keep employees on payroll, pay for sick leave, meet increased production costs due to supply chain disruptions, or pay business obligations, including debts, rent and mortgage payments.

 

Congress has also provided relief and business protection under the CARES Act for government contractors. Agencies will be able to modify terms and conditions of a contract and to reimburse contractors at a billing rate of up to 40 hours per week of any paid leave, including sick leave. The contractors eligible are those whose employees or subcontractors cannot perform work on site and cannot telework due to federal facilities closing because of COVID-19.

 

The CARES Act also provides a refundable payroll tax credit for 50 percent of wages paid by eligible employers to certain employees during the COVID-19 crisis. The credit is available to employers, including non-profits, whose operations have been fully or partially suspended as a result of a government order limiting commerce, travel or group meetings. The credit is also provided to employers who have experienced a greater than 50 percent reduction in quarterly receipts, measured on a year-over-year basis.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “During the COVID-19 situation, small businesses are at risk. The CARES Act provides options and resources for commercial account members. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and for many are the fulfillment of the American dream. I urge commercial account members to take advantage of the assistance from CARES.”

 

Commercial members can reach out to their local Small Business Development Center, Women’s Business Center, SCORE chapter or SBA district office. Commercial account members with account specific questions can reach out to one of our Key Accounts staff.

 

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

Energy Insider – Recover Costs with CARE

In the last edition of the SECO Energy Insider newsletter, we outlined our assistance and flexibility for members during the COVID-19 situation that includes payment extensions, increased credit card transaction limits and more. This edition is aimed at providing information about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress.

 

The CARES Act provides a wealth of resources including capital to cover the cost of retaining employees, utility payments, payroll assistance, grants, loans (including loan forgiveness) along with free counseling to provide you with resources during this difficult time.

 

SECO Energy Insider CARES Act Special Edition April 2020

 

The Small Business Debt Relief Program provides immediate relief to small businesses with non-disaster SBA loans, in particular 7(a), 504 and microloans. Under it, SBA will cover all loan payments on these SBA loans, including principal, interest and fees for six months. This relief will also be available to new borrowers who take out loans within six months of the president signing the bill into law.

 

Economic Injury Disaster Loans & Emergency Economic Injury Grants are also available. These grants provide an emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses and private non-profits harmed by COVID-19 within three days of applying for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). To access the advance, you first apply for an EIDL and then request the advance. The advance does not need to be repaid under any circumstance. It may be used to keep employees on payroll, pay for sick leave, meet increased production costs due to supply chain disruptions, or pay business obligations, including debts, rent and mortgage payments.

 

If you are a government contractor, there are multiple ways that Congress has provided relief and protection for your business. Agencies will be able to modify terms and conditions of a contract and to reimburse contractors at a billing rate of up to 40 hours per week of any paid leave, including sick leave. The contractors eligible are those whose employees or subcontractors cannot perform work on site and cannot telework due to federal facilities closing because of COVID-19.

 

The CARES Act also provides a refundable payroll tax credit for 50 percent of wages paid by eligible employers to certain employees during the COVID-19 crisis. The credit is available to employers, including non-profits, whose operations have been fully or partially suspended as a result of a government order limiting commerce, travel or group meetings. The credit is also provided to employers who have experienced a greater than 50 percent reduction in quarterly receipts, measured on a year-over-year basis.

 

Read the Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act for more information about the programs available to help your business during the COVID-19 situation. You may also reach out to your local Small Business Development Center, Women’s Business Center, SCORE chapter or SBA District Office.

 

 

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

 

SECO Energy Extends Payment Arrangements

The reliability of the SECO Energy electric system plays a critical role in SECO members’ health and wellbeing. To keep SECO employees healthy and ready to serve its members and in light of the current economic environment, the cooperative has made changes to policies and procedures. For SECO, COVID-19 is a storm – a storm that shall pass – and a storm during which the cooperative applies flexibility, understanding and protection for its members.

 

The not-for-profit cooperative has extended payment arrangement timeframes over and above normal parameters. SECO is also proactively waiving late payment fees. The cooperative continues to apply flexibility and convenient/automated processes to request payment arrangements during the COVID-19 situation. Members requesting a payment arrangement can do so 24/7 by talking to SECO’s virtual assistant on the automated phone system or by logging into SmartHub. Both platforms have been programmed to automatically allow additional time for payment arrangements. Members are encouraged to use the virtual assistant and SmartHub as call volume has been high amid COVID-19 concerns. Eligibility for a payment arrangement has been expanded significantly and talking directly to a member services representative is typically not required.

 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a ‘stay-at-home’ executive order for the state beginning April 3. SECO understands this order may create unprecedented hardships that affect members in its service area. In response, SECO has extended the activation of its Emergency Response Plan (ERP) until further notice and has expanded the payment arrangement and late fee flexibility described above. As a distribution cooperative, SECO provides electricity which is an essential service. The reliability of this service is supported by every SECO employee – thus, all employees are essential.

 

SECO’s five Member Service Centers are closed to walk-ins but drive-thru facilities remain open. 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, “For SECO, COVID-19 is a storm – a storm that shall pass – and a storm during which the cooperative applies flexibility, understanding and protection for its members. Our service is essential 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.”

 

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 on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Florida Fauna & Flora – Largemouth Bass

The largemouth bass is the official state freshwater fish. This olive-green to greenish-gray bass is also the most popular game fish in North America. The largemouth bass is easily differentiated from other basses because its upper jaw extends beyond the rear edge of its eye. Its back fins are separated by a deep dip – another distinctive feature of this fish.

 

Largemouth bass are found in lakes and rivers primarily near vegetation or underwater structures. Bass are carnivores who enjoy hiding undercover to ambush prey. Adult bass eat a variety of fish, crustaceans, frogs, snakes and even small birds and baby alligators. Bass spawn each spring with males fanning out over the bed to protect the eggs.

 

FUN FISH FACT: Largemouth bass are native to eastern and central U.S. and Mexico but have been introduced widely elsewhere. In many places around the world, its predatory habits have made it an invasive species.

 

Read the full April 2020 SECO News online.

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.