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Nature’s Reflections – Florida’s Cypress Trees

Beautiful conifers and beneficial wetlands trees

 

Two types of cypress trees are found throughout Florida. The massive bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), grows to 150-feet tall and more than six feet in diameter. It is believed to be the largest tree in North America east of the Rockies. It has small, flat, feathery-like leaves growing on both sides of horizontal branchlets. Leaves and small round cones shed in the fall, hence the name “bald” cypress.

 

Pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens) is somewhat smaller with needle-like leaves that wrap tightly around the twigs. It is also deciduous meaning it sheds annually. Both trees are known for their “knees” and wide buttressed or fluted trunks that add support. Knees are a part of the root system which grows above the soil and varies in height. Some experts believe the knees supply oxygen to the roots of the trees and serve as support to anchor the tree in wet environments. Typically, pond cypress have fewer knees and are less buttressing than bald cypress trees. Both like full sun, acidic soils, easily adapt to wet or dry conditions and live for hundreds of years.

 

Typically, bald cypress grow in and along flowing water, while pond cypress is more limited to still or slow-moving water. Pond cypress grown in soils poor in nutrients experience slower growth, giving the trees a stunted or dwarfed appearance. These trees are often called dwarf cypress or hatrack cypress.

 

These are the classic trees of most southern swamps. They love wet areas and crowd out most other trees on such sites. Cypress swamps provide wildlife habitat and food, water recycling, flood control, excellent groundwater recharge and recreation in parks and preserves. Approximately five percent of Florida’s landscapes are dominated by cypress swamps.

 

Cypress lumber is prized for its durability, decay resistance, and appearance. Pecky cypress is simply the result of a
natural fungus (polyporus amarus) that causes voids to form in the wood. Today, harvesting of both varieties has increased to produce two major products: lumber and landscaping mulch.

 

Column & photo by: Sandi Staton

78th Annual Meeting Welcomes 3,000 Members and Guests

March 30, 2016 – SECO Energy celebrated its 78th Annual Meeting of the Membership on Saturday March 19th, with over 3,000 SECO members and guests. Among the guests were Representatives Dennis Baxley from District 23, and Daniel Webster from District 10; State Senator Charlie Dean attended as well.

 

The light rain didn’t keep away the crowd who gathered for breakfast biscuits, energy saving displays at the Energy Showcase, gifts, door prizes, an update on the business side of the cooperative and the renowned hospitality of SECO employees.

 

SECO Energy 2016 Annual Meeting

 

Members browsed energy saving displays at the revamped Energy Showcase tent and learned new ways to lower their electric bills. The Energy Showcase tent displayed a working rooftop and ground mounted solar panel system along with a touchscreen tool to estimate the amount of energy a home can produce using a rooftop solar panel system. SECO also hosted a number of vendors that brought their ideas and products to further assist members with energy savings.

 

After the meeting, CEO Jim Duncan said he was very pleased with the meeting as a whole, “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is owned by the members, not investors or stockholders. I always encourage SECO members to attend their Annual Meeting for an update on cooperative business, and we appreciate that this year’s crowd was large. Hands down, SECO employees are the best in the business and I want to thank them for the work they do not only during the Annual Meeting, but throughout the year. SECO’s Board of Trustees, senior staff and employees are committed to providing members with low rates, reliable power and exceptional customer service.”

 

Board of Trustees President Ray Vick shared his thoughts “As a SECO member, and Board President, I look forward to attending the Annual Meeting every year. I enjoy spending this time with fellow members, and we all agree that the hospitality of SECO’s employees can’t be beat. On behalf of myself and the other Board members, I want to thank all of SECO’s hardworking employees who made our 78th Annual Meeting a success.”

 

Duncan added, “Thank you to all the SECO members, special guests and vendors who joined us on Saturday and braved the rain. The door prizes for Saturday were donated by, or purchased from, local businesses who are SECO members and I want to thank them for supporting their cooperative. Congratulations to all of Saturday’s winners.”

 

SECO Energy 2016 Annual Meeting Facebook bill credit winner Bob Warhu

 

As a new promotion for 2016, members who liked SECO’s Facebook page and engaged with SECO during the Annual Meeting by uploading a photo, liking or commenting on the Annual Meeting status update were entered into a drawing for a $300 electric bill credit. Congratulations to Robert Warhus from Leesburg, a first-time meeting attendee, who was the winner of the bill credit. Members who weren’t able to attend the meeting can like SECO’s Facebook page today for cooperative updates and look for future chances to win.

 

Another opportunity to win at the Annual Meeting on Saturday was with a pledge to The Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE). This political action committee uses contributions to fund candidates who support the interests of electric cooperatives such as SECO. At this year’s meeting, SECO received 42 new pledges to ACRE and raised $1,050. SECO member John Halpin from Ocala pledged an ACRE contribution and was the winner of the Patriotic Picnic Table and accessories. Learn how you can sign up to be an energy voter at www.vote.coop.

 

SECO Energy 2016 Annual Meeting ACRE prize winner John Halpin
Saturday’s prize winners also included: Leslie Burtnett of The Villages won the refurbished 2005 Dodge Dakota; David Cragen of Leesburg won $1,500; Richard Hathaway of Groveland won $1,000; and James Francis of The Villages and Norma Simonsen of Lady Lake each won $500. In addition to the truck and cash prizes, SECO members also had the chance to win almost 100 other door prizes.

 

View the video of the Board President and CEO Reports. Please call 352-793-3801 or email communications@secoenergy.com to share your comments or thoughts about the Annual Meeting.

Energy Insider – 1st Quarter

Eagle Roofing

 

Member Spotlight: Eagle Roofing

 

Innovation is key to success for Eagle Roofing. Unlike the company’s competitors, this manufacturer of concrete roof tiles has special equipment allowing an easy switch of pigment during production and creating hundreds of unique blends. This results in a wide variety of customized tile colors so consumers can fine-tune their choices.

 

Besides color, flat tiles are gaining in popularity because of their modern look and because they are easier to install. However, a new product offering is taking center stage. The Eagle Platinum is the next generation of roof tiles. The design has a thermal barrier protectant that helps lower heating bills in winter and cooling bills in summer by reducing heat transmission up to 40%. The tiles are mold, mildew and bacteria resistant and have added UV protection to keep roof color vibrant. No other concrete tile manufacturer in the world guarantees this type of performance.

 

Eagle Roofing, Eagle Platinum thermal barrier

 

All of this excites Carlo Zancarli, Plant Manager, at the Sumterville Eagle Roofing plant. According to Zancarli, his company has always been very progressive. During the big push to “Go Green,” solar panels started to become popular. However, this never gained a lot of momentum because it took away from the beauty of the roof. He says the same won’t be true with Eagle Platinum. It is a proven winner.

 

Zancarli is very optimistic about the future. “People are realizing tile roofs are a good value. A quality shingle roof will generally last around 15 years with some discoloration. Tile roofs last 30 – 40 years and beyond as they are more resistant to the elements. If you consider durability and energy efficiency even with the increased labor costs and structural components, tile is a good choice,” says Zancarli.

 

This year, Eagle Roofing is off to a great start and predictions are it will get even better. The price is right and so is the market share. “Team Eagle” expects to fly high. Right now the company is running two shifts – almost 24 hours a day – with 102 employees and in the very near future will add another 12 – 15 positions. Capacity at the plant is huge and can accommodate 3 or 4 times the current production. The company owns enough land to build another facility if the market demands.

 

Eagle Roofing, owned by Burlingame Industries and Anderson Columbia, manufactures three different tile sizes and shapes at the Central Florida location. The majority of product is made to order but some of the more popular tiles are kept in stock. Approximately 97% of all product is distributed throughout The Sunshine State with 85% going to South Florida. In addition to the Sumterville plant, Eagle has operations in Arizona and in California.

 

 

Is your business camera ready?

 

Is Your Business Camera Ready?

 

Most people are not well versed in talking with the media and until it’s too late, often don’t understand the power of their words. In business there is a dollar amount attached to every word we speak. So before communicating with those who buy ink by the barrel or can instantly make you a TV star, prepare yourself by considering the following:

 

  • Think about the worst possible scenarios you might experience at your business. Develop and memorize key messages you can offer the media in those situations
  •  Never be afraid to disagree with the premise of a question or to say you don’t know
  •  Be careful how often you agree with a reporter, one question can lead to another and he may be setting you up for “the kill”
  •  Do your best to lead the conversation and keep the momentum going forward
  • Take your time and give careful thought before answering a question as your answer has the potential to shape the remaining conversation
  • If a reporter doesn’t ask questions that allows you to make important points, find a way to provide your information with statements like “It’s important to remember that…”

 

 

The New Generation of Tech Products, Block Chain

 

The New Generation of Tech Products

 

If you think we’re tech-savvy now, just wait. The future is bright with the promise of a new generation of technological products designed to actually make our life simpler. Here’s a sneak preview of what’s to come……

 

The seeds of change are growing rapidly. This century’s technological advancements will shape the way we live and do business more than ever before. Already, self-driving trucks are on the road in Nevada and testing of self-driving cars continue with many believing they may soon be running all over the place.

 

Have you heard of the Block Chain? Goldman Sachs says it has the potential to change everything about the way we do business as did the invention of the Internet. The Block Chain allows a decentralized transaction of money, goods or property through an Internet connection without third-party verification. It’s basically a public ledger of transactions based on trust that will challenge the way traditional financial and legal institutions do business.

 

If this is more than your mind can comprehend, don’t worry, the future will allow you to find solutions without human input as artificial intelligence and robotic advancements become more commonplace in the market. You might think this isn’t for you but perhaps you haven’t seen Moley (pronounced Molly), the personal robot chef scheduled to go on sale in 2017. She is the future and just one of a generation of robots expected to make our lives easier.

 

The New Generation of Tech Products, Moley the personal robotic chef

 

Development of new products is certainly exciting but existing products are rising to a whole new level as well. For example 3D printing has been around for over 20 years, but has recently become a hot item in manufacturing combining metals, plastic, rubber and other items into cars, rocket engines, drones and even complete houses that are quickly built and affordable.

 

All of this may seem a bit too “Jetson-ish” for you but rest assured, if you don’t already, you will have some type of home automation in the near future. It may be as simple as 24/7 remote access to a smart appliance, an energy management or security system, or lighting. Even pushbutton TV remote controls are taking a backseat to apps that allow consumers to use their Smartphone or tablet to control a multitude of devices. This will bring a whole new meaning to “fighting over the TV remote.” At the same time, voice control, such as Apple’s Siri, is becoming more commonplace. So just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, take a deep breath because most likely things are about the change.

 

 

Bright Idea for Safety

 

Bright Idea for Safety

 

Daylight Saving Time began on Sunday, March 13th, but don’t keep your employees in the dark. Instead, read how you can keep them safe….

 

For employees who begin their day early, the beginning of Daylight Saving Time may have them coming to work in the dark. Statistics show a well-lit facility not only makes people feel more secure but keeps them safer.

 

If you’ve been considering a lighting installation, SECO Energy makes it easy. We are glad to provide a quote absolutely free of charge. We offer a number of lighting choices to meet your needs and our convenient lease plan includes worry-free maintenance.

 

If you already have Cooperative lighting and are in need of a repair, our goal is to respond within 72 hours. Just call us at 1-800-732-6141 or if you prefer email us at arealightrepair@secoenergy.com. Be sure and include the GIS number on the front of the pole. If there are multiple lights on a pole, please use flagging tape and tie a knot on the side corresponding with the light needing repair. If both lights are out of service, place the knot in the middle.

 

Reminder: If your facility lighting, or other equipment, is controlled by a timer, be sure you adjust it for Daylight Saving Time.

 

 

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

J.D. Simmons, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

J.D. SIMMONS

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

 

 

SECO “Hot Bucks” are Hotter than Ever

Once again, SECO Energy’s “Hot Bucks” are hotter than ever. As of March 1st, SECO is lowering the cost of electricity again. Residential members will now pay $114.60 based on 1,000 kWh used, which is average residential usage in our area.

 

In the past 27 months, SECO has lowered electric rates a record seven times; this latest reduction equates to a 10.3% decrease over that timeframe. This decrease reinforces SECO’s commitment to keeping electric rates low for members. The reduction will appear on SECO bills under the line item “Hot Bucks.” The term refers to the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) portion of your bill.

 

SECO “Hot Bucks” are Hotter than Ever

 

Seminole Electric is SECO Energy’s wholesale power provider. SECO works closely with Seminole to ensure it offers our members the lowest rate we can; when the wholesale purchase price goes down, usually due to a reduction in fuel costs, SECO lowers the PCA and members see their bills decrease.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, when wholesale power costs are lower, SECO shares the savings with its members. Decreasing the current electric rate is a joint effort between SECO, Seminole Electric, and SECO’s employees. SECO employees and management work diligently to keep costs down and control expenses.

 

CEO Jim Duncan is pleased to announce this latest decrease, “We at SECO realize that many of our members carefully track their expenditures. Like our members, SECO carefully plans its expenses; we are mindful that controlling costs is beneficial for our members and the communities we serve.”

 

Duncan continued, “I believe SECO’s continued commitment to low electric rates is just one of the reasons why our members are satisfied with the service they receive from our cooperative. When our members open their electric bills, instead of being surprised by higher rates, they are continually pleased to see SECO’s cost of power falling.”

 

Currently, SECO is ranked by J.D. Power as highest in customer satisfaction among midsize utilities in the south. The latest rate decrease reinforces SECO’s position as one of the most affordable electric utilities in Central Florida.

 

Supreme Court Puts Brakes on EPA “Clean Power Plan”

Yesterday, Tuesday, February 9, in a landmark 5-4 decision the United States Supreme Court halted implementation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) so-called “Clean Power Plan” until its legality can be reviewed in federal court. This pause in implementation is referred to as a “stay.”

 

“I can’t tell you how pleased I was to find out that the Supreme Court has put the brakes on this massive overreach of the EPA’s regulatory authority,” said SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan. “At SECO we always work to provide affordable and reliable electricity to our members. We needed the Clean Power Plan stay so that Seminole Electric Cooperative, our wholesale power provider, would not have to make premature compliance decisions that would harm the affordability and reliability of our electricity.”

 

“Seminole Electric Cooperative operates the Seminole Generating Station, a coal-fired power plant located in Palatka, Florida,” said Lisa Johnson, Seminole’s CEO and General Manager. “This power plant is responsible for more than half of the electricity that we generate and provide to members like SECO Energy. It is the most efficient coal-fired facility in the state of Florida, and has been rated by Power Magazine as one of the top coal-fired plants in the world. Seminole has also invested more than 530 million dollars in environmental control technology at the plant. Despite this, the Seminole Generating Station does not meet the emissions rate requirements of the Clean Power Plan.”

 

Lisa continued, “The Seminole Generating Station has a professionally rated useful life through 2045, and is financed through 2042. It employs more than 300 individuals in rural Putnam County, the poorest county in the state of Florida. The plant is also the largest property tax payer in the county. Had the stay not been granted, Seminole would have been forced to take immediate, costly, and irreversible steps to comply with the rule, including possibly reducing operations at the plant, or even closing it. If the plant were closed, rural Putnam county and the city of Palatka would be devastated. We would also have to pay for the plant through 2042. These costs would be borne by our members like SECO Energy.”

 

Supreme Court Puts Brakes on EPA “Clean Power Plan”

 
Last fall, SECO Energy, through Seminole Electric Cooperative and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to review and ultimately reject the Clean Power Plan. While the stay ruling is welcome news, it is not the end of the story. The underlying legal challenge on the rule itself continues, with a ruling from the D.C. Circuit court expected later this year, or early in 2017.