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SECO Energy Celebrates 83rd Annual Meeting Virtually

SECO Energy celebrated its “Just Business” 83rd Annual Meeting of the Membership on Thursday, March 25. Because of the continuing COVID-cautious environment and the need to limit large gatherings, the not-for-profit cooperative held the Just Business Meeting virtually.

 

Members tuned in via Facebook live, YouTube and live stream to watch the cooperative’s second virtual Annual Meeting. Board President and District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison called the Meeting to order and closed the voting platform at 4:30 p.m. SECO’s VP of Corporate Communications and Energy Services Kathryn Gloria led the invocation and asked the virtual audience to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. Ms. Gloria introduced the Trustees and welcomed District 9 Trustee-elect Morgan Hatfield, who began her duties at the Trustees’ Meeting on Monday, March 29. Ms. Gloria also introduced CEO Jim Duncan, Cooperative Attorney Scott Gerken and Executive Administrator to the CEO and Board Nora Brown, who served as Recording Secretary during the Meeting. Board Secretary/Treasurer and District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson certified the Official Annual Meeting Notice that was mailed to all cooperative members per the terms of the Bylaws.

 

Mr. Dennison began his President’s Report by welcoming the virtual audience. He thanked the members who voted electronically, in person, by phone or by mail, and announced that SECO achieved a quorum by virtue of votes cast on Annual Meeting business. Mr. Dennison stated, “Florida cooperatives are required by statute to hold an Annual Meeting and must achieve a quorum to conduct official business. I am happy to announce that member voting participation has indeed helped us achieve a quorum this year. Thank you so much to all who cast a vote this year.”

 

Following the President’s Report, CEO Jim Duncan began his CEO Report. Mr. Duncan welcomed the virtual audience, performed the traditional military salute and first responders’ recognition. He acknowledged the Board of Trustees’ service and employees’ hard work and dedication to members.

 

Mr. Duncan also formally announced his plan to retire as CEO. Duncan stated, “Today is bittersweet for me. Earlier this year, I conveyed to the Board my plan to retire from SECO Energy in January 2022. That making the 83rd Annual Meeting my last as CEO. The decision to retire was a difficult and emotional one. My wife Connie and I have been married for 53 years, and we are looking forward to more vacations, scuba diving and family time with our sons and grandchildren.”

 

CEO Duncan’s state of the company address included an overview of his 42-year SECO career, the cooperative’s financial health, significant meter growth and reliability improvements during his tenure as CEO. Duncan stated, “Much has changed during my three decades as CEO. If you’ve been a member for decades, you may remember the days when our unflattering but true moniker ‘Sometimes Sumter’ was coined. Not only was our reliability marginal, but our rates were also some of the highest in the state. During my tenure as CEO, we dramatically improved service reliability through increased investments in our electric infrastructure and a strengthened vegetation management program.”

 

Cooperative Attorney Scott Gerken certified the 2021 Annual Meeting voting results. In total, 4,576 members voted on 2021 Annual Meeting business. As to the 2021 Bylaws Revision: 4,263 members voted “Yes,” 93 members voted “No,” and 220 members abstained. As to the 2020 Annual Meeting Minutes approval: 4,368 members voted “Yes,” 7 members voted “No,” and 201 members abstained. Mr. Gerken announced, “The membership clearly approves the 2021 Bylaws Revision and 2020 Annual Meeting Minutes.”

 

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 CEO Jim Duncan.

 

Mr. Duncan concluded the Virtual Annual Meeting by saying, “I appreciate you joining us and participating in the cooperative governance process.” He reminded members to stay tuned for the live prize drawing.

 

The meeting ended with the announcement of prize winners. All members who voted were entered into the random drawing for 100 prizes. Russell Rager from Tavares won the 2011 GMC Canyon 4X4 Extended Cab. A commercial member under The Stardust Collection account from Lake Panasoffkee won the golf cart that was provided at cost by The Villages Golf Cars. The four $1,000 winners are James Wilson from The Villages, Christine Hankla from The Villages, Kenneth A. Merritt from Center Hill and Leonard J. George from The Villages. Other prizes including Apple TVs, Instapots, toolsets, Amazon Fire tablets and airfryers will be shipped directly to winners. SECO will arrange for delivery of grand prizes. View the complete list of prize winners.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. If you missed the virtual meeting, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op>Annual Meeting to view the video.

SECO Energy Celebrates 14 Years of Tree Line USA Recognition

SECO Energy is celebrating 14 years of being recognized as a Tree Line USA utility by the Arbor Day Foundation. Tree Line USA recognizes public and private utilities who take part in activities that protect and enhance America’s urban forests.

 

The Arbor Day Foundation inspires people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. There are five program standards that SECO Energy achieved to be recognized as a Tree Line USA utility. Utilities must follow industry standards for quality tree care; provide annual worker training in best tree care practices; sponsor a tree planting and education program; maintain a tree-based energy conservation program; and participate in an Arbor Day celebration.

 

Dan Lambe president of the Arbor Day Foundation congratulated SECO Energy on its achievement. Lambe stated, “Trees are a critical part of urban landscapes all across the United States. They provide important benefits to residents, including clean air, clean water and a tolerable climate. Service providers like SECO Energy demonstrate that it’s possible for trees and utilities to co-exist for the benefit of communities and citizens.”

 

Jim Duncan CEO stated, “Earning the Tree Line USA designation for 14 years is a one-of-a-kind achievement for SECO Energy. Trees play a significant role in our members’ focus on energy efficiency. Planting the right tree in the right place can help SECO members reduce their yearly energy costs. Our participation in the Tree Line USA program helps us raise awareness with members and be good environmental stewards as well.”

 

SECO Energy Vice President of Reliability and Operations John LaSelva is pleased by the Tree Line USA recognition. LaSelva stated, “I am honored and humbled that SECO Energy continues to achieve the Tree Line USA designation. Our Vegetation Management team works to increase service reliability by overseeing tree care near our power lines. Trees that pose a danger to power lines are removed while healthy trees are allowed to flourish in urban landscapes. Congratulations to the Vegetation Management team for their hard work in earning this recognition for the 14th straight year.”

 

To learn more about how trees can reduce yearly energy costs, visit our Right Tree, Right Place page. The not-for-profit cooperative has also developed online energy efficiency tools to help members reduce energy use and costs. The Home Energy Assessment is an online energy audit tailored to the member’s home and lifestyle. Members input their home’s details and submit their email address to receive no-cost and low-cost tips to increase energy efficiency. The Energy Estimator calculates the cost of common household electronics found in most homes. Members who submit their data receive energy-efficiency suggestions and more ways to save.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. Visit our About SECO page to learn more about the Central Florida not-for-profit electric cooperative.

SECO Energy Trustee Scott Boyatt Maintains Director Gold Credential

SECO Energy congratulates District 1 Trustee Scott Boyatt on maintaining his Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Mr. Boyatt first earned his DGC in January 2019.

 

According to the NRECA, the DGC recognizes directors/trustees who desire a tangible credential that demonstrates their ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability. The DGC offers a continuing education path for directors/trustees beyond the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and Board Leadership Certificate (BLC).

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees consists of members who live in SECO’s service area. They are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on the Board is elected by the members who reside in his/her District. Collectively, the Trustees are responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising corporate policies to ensure that SECO continues to preserve reliable, affordable service for all members.

 

Trustee Boyatt lives in Clermont and has been a SECO member since 2004. Mr. Boyatt was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 2013.

 

Trustee Boyatt stated, “I am proud to continue my Board education through the NRECA. As the District 1 Trustee, the Board education classes are an essential component of my Board service. I am grateful for the trust District 1 members have placed in me to represent them on SECO’s Board of Trustees. I look forward to SECO Energy’s continued success.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations, Trustee Boyatt, on maintaining your Director Gold Credential and completing the NRECA’s director/trustee continuing education courses. I am thankful for your Board service and willingness to serve as your District’s representative on the SECO Energy Board.”

 

To view a brief bio of SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees and a District boundaries map, visit our Board of Trustees page. “Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Trustee Richard Dennison Maintains Director Gold Credential

SECO Energy congratulates its Board of Trustees President and District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison on maintaining his Director Gold Credential (DGC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Mr. Dennison first earned his DGC in May 2018.

 

According to the NRECA, the DGC recognizes directors/trustees who desire a tangible credential that demonstrates their ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability. The DGC offers a continuing education path for directors/trustees beyond the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and Board Leadership Certificate (BLC).

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees consists of members who live in SECO’s service area. They are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on the Board is elected by the members who reside in his/her District. Collectively, the Trustees are responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising corporate policies to ensure that SECO continues to preserve reliable, affordable service for all members.

 

Trustee Dennison currently serves in an officer position as President of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Dennison lives in Ocala and has been a SECO member since 1999. Mr. Dennison was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 2015.

 

Trustee Dennison stated, “I am honored to serve as SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees President and District 4 Trustee. The continuing education program through the NRECA helps me to build upon my experience as a Trustee. SECO Energy is a world-class leader in customer satisfaction, and I am proud to be a part of its success.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations, Trustee Dennison, on maintaining your Director Gold Credential and completing the NRECA’s director/trustee continuing education courses. I am thankful for your Board service and willingness to serve as your District’s representative and President of the SECO Energy Board.”

 

To view a brief bio of SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees and a District boundaries map, visit our Board of Trustees page. “Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Contractors Aid Texas Power Restoration

SECO Energy contractors were released on Sunday, February 14, to join the massive power restoration effort in Texas. Over 4 million Texans are without power following deadly ice storms.

 

SECO Energy released five Pike Electric crews and three Nelson Tree crew modules to assist with the restoration effort. Both contractor crews left SECO on Monday, February 15. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a Winter Storm Warning continues for the majority of Texas. The warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 16, through 6 a.m. Thursday, February 18. Heavy rains and two to six inches of snow are expected. Ice accumulations of .10 to .25 inches are expected as well.

 

A federal emergency was declared on Sunday, February 14, for the entire state of Texas. The state is under a Winter Storm Warning that includes snow, ice and extremely low temperatures. Residents are being warned to limit travel during the ice storm.

 

Jim Duncan CEO stated, “We are happy to release crews from Pike Electric and Nelson Tree modules so they can travel to Texas to aid in power restoration. I wish them a safe journey and a safe and successful power restoration effort as they work through the snow and ice. We appreciate the crews’ willingness to leave their homes and families to assist others.”

 

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

SECO Energy District 9 Members Elect Morgan Hatfield

SECO Energy members who reside in District 9 elected Morgan Hatfield as the new Trustee on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The meeting was held in the District on Thursday, February 11, at Spring Creek Elementary School in Paisley for the purpose of electing a Trustee to represent District 9 on SECO’s Board of Trustees.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the financial status of the cooperative while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

Along with Morgan Hatfield, Charles Castro of Tavares, Egor Emery of Eustis, Timothy Henke of Mount Dora, Crystal Jones of Eustis and Zackery Snaidman of Paisley each submitted a letter of intent to run for Trustee in January. SECO’s Bylaws currently require that the cooperative hold District Meetings. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections as the cooperative continues to hold District Meetings as a means of electing Trustees. A drive-thru voting option was available for members to practice social distancing and to reduce the size of the indoor meeting.

 

A SECO member since 2019, Ms. Hatfield graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in finance. She is a Senior Wealth Advisor with Ruggie Wealth Management. Ms. Hatfield has been ranked as a five-star professional wealth manager and has served as Vice President of the 2019 Leadership Lake County.

 

Ms. Hatfield is excited to begin her SECO Energy Board service. Hatfield stated, “I want to share my appreciation for all of the District 9 members who attended the District Meeting and cast a vote. Thank you for trusting me as your District 9 Trustee. I look forward to serving the SECO membership in my role as Trustee and working with my fellow Board members.”

 

Board president Richard Dennison stated, “Congratulations, Ms. Hatfield, on your election as District 9 Trustee. On behalf of my fellow Board officers and peers, we welcome you and look forward to working with you to ensure SECO Energy’s future success.”

 

Jim Duncan CEO stated, “Ms. Hatfield, I appreciate your willingness to serve as District 9 Trustee. I applaud your dedication to your neighboring members and to the success of SECO Energy. Thank you District 9 members for participating in the cooperative’s democratic process by attending our District 9 Meeting to elect a Trustee for the SECO Board.”

 

To view a brief bio of SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees and a District boundaries map, visit our Board of Trustees page. “Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy District 8 Members Re-elect Trustee William James

SECO Energy members who reside in District 8 re-elected incumbent Trustee William James. The meeting was held in the District on Tuesday, February 9, at The Manor at The Plantation in Leesburg for the purpose of electing a Trustee to represent District 8 on SECO’s Board of Trustees.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the financial status of the cooperative while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

Along with incumbent Trustee Mr. James, Ms. Annette Bailey of Leesburg and Mr. Martin Proctor of Groveland each submitted a letter of intent to run for Trustee in January. SECO’s Bylaws require that the cooperative hold a District Meeting. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections as the cooperative continues to hold District Meetings as a means of electing Trustees. A drive-thru voting option was available for members to practice social distancing and to reduce the size of the indoor meeting.

 

A SECO member since 2002 who resides in Leesburg, Mr. James has served on SECO’s Board of Trustees for 10 years. Trustee James has spent 45 years of his career in the electric cooperative segment of the energy industry. Mr. James is also a SECO representative on the board of the cooperative’s wholesale power provider Seminole Electric Cooperative.

 

Trustee James is honored to continue his SECO Board service. Mr. James stated, “Thank you, District 8 members, for re-electing me to the SECO Energy Board. It is an honor to serve my fellow District 8 members. I look forward to continuing my Board service with SECO and working with my Board peers.”

 

Board president Richard Dennison stated, “Congratulations, Mr. James, on your re-election as District 8 Trustee. On behalf of my fellow Board officers and peers, we look forward to continue working with you.”

 

Jim Duncan CEO stated, “Mr. James, I appreciate your willingness to serve as District 8 Trustee. I applaud your dedication to your District’s members and to the success of SECO Energy. Thank you District 8 members for participating in the cooperative’s democratic process by attending the meeting to elect a Trustee for the SECO Board.”

 

To view a brief bio of SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees and a District boundaries map, visit our Board of Trustees page. “Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy District 7 Members Re-elect Trustee Joseph Kusiak

SECO Energy members who reside in District 7 re-elected incumbent Trustee Joseph Kusiak. The meeting was held in the District on Thursday, January 28, at the Rainbow Lakes Estates Community Center for the purpose of electing a Trustee to represent District 7 on SECO’s Board of Trustees.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. One Trustee is elected from each of the nine Districts to represent their fellow members on SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees. Collectively, the Board represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the financial status of the cooperative while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

Trustee Kusiak submitted his letter of intent to run for Trustee in December and ran unopposed. Even though Mr. Kusiak was unopposed, SECO’s Bylaws require that the cooperative hold a District Meeting. Subsequently, Florida Statute requires SECO to hold in-person elections as the cooperative continues to hold District Meetings as a means of electing Trustees. A drive-thru voting option was available for members to practice social distancing and to reduce the size of the indoor meeting.

 

A SECO member since 2002 who resides in Dunnellon, Mr. Kusiak was first elected to the Board at a special election in 2018. Trustee Kusiak has engaged in Board education certifications from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). He has completed the Credentialed Director Certification, the Board Leadership Certification and the Director Gold Program Certification. Mr. Kusiak also serves as a SECO representative on the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association board.

 

Trustee Kusiak is excited to continue his SECO Board service. Kusiak stated, “Thank you, District 7 members, for re-electing me to the SECO Energy Board. It is an honor to serve as your representative. I look forward to working with my Board peers to ensure SECO’s success for the future.”

 

Board president Richard Dennison stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Kusiak, on your re-election as District 7 Trustee. On behalf of my fellow Board officers and peers, we look forward to continue working with you.”

 

Jim Duncan CEO stated, “Mr. Kusiak, I appreciate your willingness to serve as District 7 Trustee. I applaud your dedication to your neighboring members and to the success of SECO Energy.”

 

View our Board of Trustees page for a brief bio of SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees and a District boundaries map. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Trustee Gerald Anderson Earns Board Leadership Certificate

SECO Energy congratulates District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson on earning his Board Leadership Certificate (BLC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The BLC is the second part of the NRECA’s Director Education Program. Mr. Anderson currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer on SECO’s Board of Trustees.

 

According to the NRECA, directors/trustees seeking the BLC must first complete the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) certification. The BLC consists of a series of courses focusing in greater depth on specific industry and governance issues. These include issues such as risk management, power supply, parliamentary procedure, technology and policy development.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for an owned by its members. SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees consists of members who live in SECO’s service area. They are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on the Board is elected by the members who reside in his/her District. Collectively, the Trustees are responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising corporate policies to ensure that SECO continues to preserve reliable, affordable service for all members.

 

Trustee Anderson who earned his CCD certification in November 2019 is proud to continue his education through the NRECA. Mr. Anderson stated, “I am excited to continue my NRECA Board education programs to better serve the members in District 3 and the SECO membership as a whole. The next step in my education plan is earning the Director Gold credential. It is an honor to serve on the SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees with my fellow elected cooperative members.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations, Trustee Anderson, on earning your Board Leadership Certificate. I am thankful for your Board service and willingness to serve as your District’s representative on the SECO Energy Board as in an officer role as Secretary/Treasurer.”

 

View our Board of Trustees page for a brief bio of SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees and a District boundaries map. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Trustee Mike Muffett Earns Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate

SECO Energy congratulates District 6 Trustee Mike Muffett on earning his Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) Certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The CCD is the first part of the NRECA’s Director Education Program.

 

According to the NRECA, directors/trustees seeking the CCD certification must complete five courses that focus on basic cooperative governance and the essential skills required of cooperative directors/trustees. The CCD prepares directors/trustees to fulfill their fiduciary duty as elected officials serving on behalf of their membership. Upon completion of the five CCD required courses, directors/trustees are awarded the Credential Cooperative Director Certificate.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for an owned by its members. SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees consists of members who live in SECO’s service area. They are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative. Each Trustee on the Board is elected by the members who reside in his/her District. Collectively, the Trustees are responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising corporate policies to ensure that SECO continues to preserve reliable, affordable service for all members.

 

Trustee Muffett is proud earn the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate through the NRECA. Mr. Muffett stated, “I am proud to have completed the education requirement to earn the Credentialed Cooperative Director certification through the NRECA. I am extremely honored that the members of District 6 have put their trust in me to represent them on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees. I look forward to continuing my Board education through the NRECA.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations, Trustee Muffett, on earning your Credentialed Cooperative Director Certification. I am thankful for your Board service and willingness to serve as your District’s representative on the SECO Energy Board.”

 

View our Board of Trustees page for a brief bio of SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees and a District boundaries map. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.