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SECO Energy Celebrates 84th Annual Meeting Virtually

SECO Energy held its 84th Annual Meeting of the Membership on March 24, at 4:30 p.m. for a virtual crowd of members and guests. This is the third virtual meeting since 2020 when COVID restrictions cautioned against holding large gatherings. The cooperative’s exceptional member growth has resulted in what could potentially become an unmanageable situation if a small percentage of the 500,000 SECO members and their guests accepted our invitation to come and enjoy the traditional festivities hosted on our campus, which only has an 8,000-to-10,000-person meeting capacity.

 

Hundreds of members tuned in via live webcast, Facebook live and YouTube to watch the cooperative’s Virtual Business Only Annual Meeting. Since the meeting content remains available on SECOEnergy.com, even more are viewing the meeting after-the-fact at their leisure.

 

Board of Trustees President and District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison called the Meeting to order and closed the voting platform at 4:30 p.m. Board of Trustees Vice President and District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson led the virtual audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. SECO’s VP of Corporate Communications and Energy Services Kathryn Gloria led the invocation, introduced the Trustees, and welcomed District 5 Trustee-elect Shannon Wright, who will begin her duties at the Trustees’ Meeting on Monday, March 28. Ms. Gloria also introduced CEO Curtis Wynn and Cooperative Attorney Scott Gerken. Board of Trustees Secretary/Treasurer and District 2 Trustee Joyce Anderson certified the Official Annual Meeting Notice that was delivered timely to all cooperative members per the terms of the Bylaws.

 

Mr. Dennison’s President’s Report opened with a welcome to 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.”

 

Mr. Dennison also introduced SECO Energy’s new CEO Curtis Wynn. President Dennison stated, “Mr. Wynn was hired by the board last year and joined us in December. His energy industry career is rooted in Florida. From 1981 to 1997, he worked at West Florida Electric Cooperative. Mr. Wynn also served for 24 years as President and CEO of Roanoke Electric Cooperative in North Carolina. Mr. Wynn’s resume reflects a long list of awards and accomplishments showing a history of supporting creative solutions that are turning the challenges of the energy industry evolution into major opportunities.”

 

Following the President’s Report, CEO Curtis Wynn began his report. Wynn provided the membership an impressive list of recently completed and upcoming projects under consideration at SECO Energy.

 

Mr. Wynn also expressed SECO’s commitment to maintaining and upgrading its existing electric facilities to serve current members while constructing new electric infrastructure to fulfill new growth and development needs.

 

Mr. Wynn stated, “With growth rates averaging nearly 40% in our three largest counties (Sumter, Lake and Marion), we must have the following five elements in place to viably keep pace with the growth in SECO Energy’s service territory: 1) the financial capability, 2) SECO staffing, 3) stable contract labor, 4) material & equipment supply chain consistency and 5) competitive wholesale power costs.”

 

Wynn continued, “SECO’s financial position is strong but the growth we are experiencing and the major investments that come with this growth challenge our commitment to preserve reliable and affordable service. At yearend 2021, SECO Energy added 5,770 new meters, which brings our total active meter or service count to 222,188. To support the growth in our area and increasing demand for energy, our investment in facilities topped over $1 billion. This ongoing facilities investment averages over $6 million per month.”

 

The CEO Report also mentioned being challenged by supply-chain shortages and talked about the wholesale power provider’s (Seminole Electric Cooperative’s) shift to a larger portion of its portfolio generating from natural gas and renewables. He continued by emphasizing that the natural gas market is affected like the oil market. The Energy Information Administration estimates that the wholesale spot price of natural gas in 2022, will reach an eight-year high. That market volatility will affect the cost of Seminole’s production of power and ultimately will reflect on members’ bills through the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) factor as of April 1.

 

Wynn announced the SECO Energy Board of Trustees has approved taking steps to implement an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project. Wynn stated, “SECO is one of a very few large, fast-growing utilities in the state or in the nation for that matter that has not deployed AMI throughout our system. We are in the midst of two pilot projects to test the viability of deploying AMI in our service territory. As we move to the completion of these, we are now preparing to decide on a vendor with whom we will work to deploy the AMI technology that will help us improve our operations in a variety of ways.” Wynn concluded his remarks by acknowledging the Board of Trustees’ service, his staff’s unwavering support and the 400+ SECO Energy employees’ commitment to serving the members and surrounding communities in a safe and professional manner.

 

Cooperative Attorney Scott Gerken certified the 2022 Annual Meeting voting results. In total, 8,952 members voted on 2022 Annual Meeting business which was approval of the 2021 Annual Meeting Minutes, which entailed 8,635 members voting “Yes,” 39 members voting “No,” and 278 members abstaining. Mr. Gerken announced, “The membership clearly approves the 2021 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 Curtis Wynn and members of the senior staff.

 

The meeting ended with the announcement of prize winners. All members who voted on Annual Meeting Business were entered into the random drawing for one of 100 prizes. Shawn Matthew from The Villages won the 2012 Chevy Colorado Extended Cab. Geoffrey White from The Villages won the 2019 EZGO golf cart. The three $1,000 winners are Susan Roberts from Deland, Beverly Dearden from Inverness, and Morton Finkelstein from Ocala. Elizabeth Estavanko from The Villages won the Generac generator. Other prizes including SECO bill credits, Nest learning thermostats, energy-efficiency kits, HoneyWell smart thermostats and more will be shipped directly to winners. SECO will arrange for delivery of grand prizes. View the complete list of prize winners.

 

A complete video of the program is available at SECOEnergy.com, Facebook and YouTube.

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for member contests, news releases, cooperative updates and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op>About SECO to learn more about SECO Energy.

 

SECO Energy District 5 Members Elect Leslie Shannon Dean Wright As Trustee

SECO Energy members who reside in District 5 elected Leslie Shannon Dean Wright as the new Trustee on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The meeting was held in the District on Tuesday, February 1, at Inverness Middle School in Citrus County for the purpose of electing a Trustee to represent District 5 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 Leslie Shannon Dean Wright, Troy Creel of Inverness, Dr. Karrie Markland of Lake Panasoffkee, David Rovaldi of Inverness and Lewis Smith of Inverness 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 2014, Mrs. Wright has spent her 30-year career in public service in adult education, law enforcement and state government. Trustee-elect Wright has served as the Northeast Regional Director with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and a Master’s Degree in Adult Education.

 

Mrs. Wright is looking forward to serving as the District 5 Trustee. Mrs. Wright stated, “Thank you to all of the members in District 5 who attended the meeting and cast a vote. Thank you for entrusting me as your District 5 representative on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. Serving as the District 5 Trustee on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees is an honor that I am looking forward to. I am excited to work with the Trustees and SECO leadership to meet the challenges of the energy industry and ensure its future success.”

 

Board president Richard Dennison stated, “Congratulations, Mrs. Wright, on your election as District 5 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. In addition, I thank the other four candidates for stepping forward with their willingness to serve.”

 

Curtis Wynn CEO stated, “Mrs. Wright, thank you for your willingness to serve as District 5 Trustee, and congratulations on your successful election. The turnout at the District 5 was amazing and in fact record breaking. I am grateful to all who participated in our not-for-profit cooperative’s democratic process. I look forward to working with you and the rest of the SECO Energy Board of Trustees.”

 

If you were unable to attend and want to watch a video of the Business Meeting, SECO Energy will post a video of the meeting along with the Q&A session later this week.

 

View a brief bio of SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees and a District boundaries map on our Board of Trustees website section. “Like” SECO on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. SECO Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

SECO News February 2022

 

Wynn’s Wire

 

 

Dear Members,

 

It is my distinct pleasure to be serving as your new SECO Energy CEO. My energy-industry career is rooted in Florida. From 1981 to 1997, I worked at West Florida Electric Cooperative. My tenure culminated there as Vice President of Member Services, Information Technology, Marketing and Economic Development. After that, I served as President and CEO of Roanoke Electric Cooperative in North Carolina.

 

My wife Selene and I have three children. I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Management Information Systems from Troy University. With an electric cooperative career that spans almost 42 years, I am honored to step into the shoes of your previous CEO Jim Duncan. Furthermore, I am grateful to SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees for its confidence in me in not only preserving Mr. Duncan’s legacy of success but also supporting the cooperative through immediate and long-term challenges involving supply chain, fast-changing technology, rapidly rising labor costs and other issues that can place cost pressure on a utility and its ratepayers.

 

In Board of Trustees President Richard Dennison’s column in last month’s SECO News, he humbled me by citing much of my past board service and history. That service and other energy-efficiency and community-partner projects are accomplishments that have prepared me for a very busy future at SECO, encouraging the use of electric vehicles, embracing an advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) and increasing our philanthropic outreach to help those in our community who are less fortunate and also to create energy-efficiency opportunities that lower our wholesale cost of power and help members save energy and money on their electric bills at the same time. My list is longer – but those items are my main objectives in the first portion of my tenure at SECO.

 

I’m excited about the future here in Central Florida, working at a fast-growing, not-for-profit cooperative that focuses on competitive rates and reliable service. Technology is key to our ability to maintain that focus, and I will be using SECO News, the website and social media to communicate our plans to you. I hope you like the name of the new CEO column (Wynn’s Wire was voted as a favorite name through an employee survey). The word “wire” has many different meanings and uses in our industry, but for our purposes – it is a line of communication to ensure we are serving your needs well.

 

Contact Us on our website if you have a member-service or billing-related question. We typically respond within two business days. If you have a specific question for me as the new CEO, you can click on the Management Team website section. Just hover over my photo and select the Contact button. Transparency is essential, and I want you to know I am accessible if needed.

 

Best regards,

 

Curtis Wynn

Chief Executive Officer

 


 

SECO News February 2022 Advice From The Old Farmer's Almanac

Advice from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

 

Ready to brighten up your lawn for spring and attract butterflies, too? The Old Farmer’s Almanac advises that a natural fertilizer is best and to apply before it rains. Don’t cut grass too low during the summer. Taller grass resists drought. Invest in a sprinkler timer or a rain gauge to save water. Water your lawn in the early morning or evening. Reduce mowing by planting flowers and herbs that attract butterflies instead. Flowers and plants such as aster, bee balm, daylily, honeysuckle, lilac, and snapdragon will bring color to your yard. At the same time, dill, mint, oregano, and parsley can lure butterflies to visit and add flavor in the kitchen.

 

Read this month’s Florida Fauna & Flora to learn more about Florida’s state insect, the Zebra Butterfly.


 

SECO News February 2022 MyWay Prepay Payment Fee Alert

MyWay PrePay Payment Fee Alert

 

For members enrolled in SECO Energy’s MyWay PrePay program, effective April 1, there will be a $3 fee for each transaction over five transactions in a 30-day calendar month. This fee affects only members who have a prepaid account type, and the reasoning is cost-conscious processing of payments. Members with a prepaid account are encouraged to self-manage through our online account manager SmartHub and closely watch their usage and prepaid balance.

 

The $3 fee for each transaction over five within a 30-day calendar month is applied to all payment processors that accept payment on a prepaid account. If you want to unenroll from the prepaid program, the account may be subject to a security deposit. Just reach out to us via our Customer Service email or select Contact Us on the website to start the discussion.

 


 

SECO News February 2022 Agent-Assisted Payment Arrangement Fee Alert

Agent-Assisted Payment Arrangement Fee Alert

 

On occasion, members request a payment arrangement to extend their billing due date. SECO has two automated tools (self-serve options) that make requesting an arrangement free, simple and convenient. Accounts must meet eligibility requirements.

 

By phone, call and speak to Electra, our automated IVR phone assistant. Call talkdesk3527933801 and say, “Payment Arrangement.” Electra can assist you 24/7, and there’s no need to speak to a member service rep. Also available 24/7, you can request a payment arrangement on our website. Log into SmartHub, click the Billing & Payments tab and choose the Payment Extensions option.

 

Effective April 1, there will be a $5 fee for members who request live agent assistance or an exception for repeat payment arrangements.

 


 

SECO News October 2020 EV Charger Winner!

EV Charger Winner

 

The latest SECO Energy Level 2 EV Charger winner is ARLEN COLBERT from TAVARES. To enter, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner. Visit our Electric Vehicles website section to learn more about the benefits of owning an EV.

 


 

September SECO News Safety Corner

Safety Corner – Electricity and Play Don’t Mix

 

Safety is our number one core value at SECO Energy. Electricity is naturally dangerous. Warn your children and grandchildren about the dangers of electricity inside and outside the home.

 

Indoors:

 

• Do not remove or play with outlet covers or switch plates.
• Invest in outlet plug covers in areas where young children can reach.
• Do not allow children to plug or unplug electrical cords.
• Do not allow children to use appliances such as toasters, crock pots, vacuums or hair dryers unattended.
• Repair or dispose of fraying extension cords. Children may handle and be injured.

 

Outdoors:

 

• Do not allow children to play on or near electric equipment.
• Never allow children to climb trees growing near overhead power lines. Call SECO, and we’ll inspect the trees to see if they need to be trimmed.
• Keep kites, balloons and toy planes far from overhead equipment.
• Do not enter or play near substations.

 

Protect the little ones in your life from the dangers of electricity. Children are curious and have active minds, quick legs and small hands and fingers. Learn more about how to be safe around electricity with our electrical safety tips on our website.

 

Read the full February 2022 SECO News online.

SECO Energy Offers Tribute for Board Service and Condolences for the Passing of Trustee Ray Vick

SECO Energy mourns the passing of its longest tenured District 5 Trustee, Mr. Ray Vick. Serving District 5 in Citrus County in the Inverness area of SECO Energy’s service territory, Mr. Vick’s tenure on the Board of Trustees began in 1980 until his passing on January 20, 2022. The not-for-profit cooperative extends its sincere condolences to Mr. Vick’s family and loved ones.

 

SECO’s Board of Trustees represents the SECO membership, meeting monthly to monitor the cooperative’s financial status while providing fiduciary oversight and participating in policy decisions that serve the best interests of the membership at large.

 

Mr. Vick played several pivotal roles as an elected Trustee serving as Board President for twelve years. He also served for five years as Vice President and four years as Secretary/Treasurer. He had a quiet and confident demeanor. A committed member of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Vick provided his insight and wisdom to his fellow Trustees and the executive management team for a total of 42 years of service on the Board.

 

Newly hired SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn stated, “Although I did not have the chance to work with Mr. Vick personally, I’m able to recognize his servant leadership through his lengthy tenure and unwavering dedication to SECO Energy.” Wynn added, “The effects of Mr. Vick’s work and legacy will continue here at SECO for years to come.”

 

Mr. Vick’s advocacy extended to the community by supporting the Citrus County Youth Fair projects. He was a strong supporter of SECO Energy’s Scholarship program and SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven program.

 

Board of Trustee President Richard Dennison stated, “I had the distinct pleasure of serving with Ray Vick on the Board of Trustees for a number of years. He was a staunch believer in SECO Energy’s purpose and core values. His contributions have helped shape SECO Energy’s fiscal soundness, environmental stewardship and community support initiatives.”

 

The employees, fellow Trustees and leadership team will miss Mr. Vick’s compassionate nature and thoughtful insight. The cooperative extends its collective and deep condolences to Mr. Vick’s family during this difficult time.

 

Mr. Vick had decided late last year not to seek re-election as a District 5 Trustee. A new Trustee will be elected at the upcoming February 1 District 5 Meeting scheduled to begin at 4:30 pm at the Inverness Middle School. Drive-thru voting will be available in the school parking lot for those who prefer not to gather in a group setting in the school cafeteria. Social distancing and masks are encouraged if members choose to come inside to register and vote.

 

Learn more about the SECO Energy Board of Trustees.

 

SECO News October 2021

SECO Energy CEO, Jim DuncanWithout question, your electric service is supported by an extensive, robust and well-maintained infrastructure that distributes power generated by our wholesale power provider, Seminole Electric Cooperative. Like SECO Energy, Seminole is a not-for-profit cooperative owned collectively by nine Florida electric distribution cooperatives.

 

Each distribution co-op’s CEO serves on the Seminole Board – myself included. In addition, select Trustees from each distribution co-op’s board have seats on the Seminole Board. Our Trustee representatives on the Seminole Board are President and District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison and District 8 Trustee Bill James.

 

In late September 2017, Seminole announced its plan to build a new, natural gas-fired generating plant next to the existing Seminole Generating Station (SGS) facility in Putnam County. This new, highly efficient generation facility is currently named the Seminole Combined Cycle Facility or SCCF. The new generating capacity is approximately 1,050 megawatts (MW).

 

The new SCCF plant is on schedule and budget. The major components of the plant have been delivered to the site, and construction is 50% complete. Seminole projects the plant to be commercially operational in the fall of 2022. Construction has continued through the COVID-19 pandemic, with personnel ensuring that work moves forward safely.

 

When Seminole’s plan to build SCCF was first announced, the board decided to take the environmentally friendly step to shutter one of its coal-fired units at the SGS facility once construction of the new natural gas-fired plant is complete.

 

Seminole is also taking steps to add a higher mix of renewable energy into its fuel portfolio. The cooperative will add 300 MW of additional solar power to its fuel mix by entering into purchased power agreements. Removing the SGS coal-fired unit from service and the addition of the 300 MW of solar, Seminole projects that it will decrease its carbon dioxide emissions in 2024 by 48% from 2005 levels.

 

Florida’s population is growing. According to the U.S. Census, between 2010 and 2020, Florida’s population grew from 18.8 million to 21.5 million. The growth doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Sumter County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida.

 

In fact, The Villages recently earned the title as the fastest growing metropolitan area in the nation over the last decade per new 2020 census data with a Sumter County growth rate of 39%. Lake and Marion counties’ growth rates continue to climb at 29% and 13%, respectively. Stocking ever-more-expensive and hard-to-procure construction material to build new and maintain existing electric infrastructure is daunting in today’s economic environment as we continue to feel the effects of the pandemic.

 

SECO Energy and Seminole must work together to plan for future energy supplies to meet the growing demand for safe, affordable energy.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

 


SECO News October 2021 Advice From The Old Farmer's Almanac

ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

 

With winter fast approaching, Florida will soon be welcoming our human snowbirds and our annual aviary migrating snowbirds, too. Read on for interesting facts about avian migration from The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Some migrating birds plump up for maximum energy in preparation for a long flight. In other birds, their reproductive organs shrink to trim excess weight while hemoglobin in their blood increases for aerobic efficiency. Other changes happen too. New feathers grow to improve flight efficiency; these feathers are often less colorful than the birds’ summer feathers. Every avian order has a long-distance migrator. No matter what time of the year, there are always birds on the move.

 

Read this month’s Florida Fauna and Flora to learn more about the American kestrel.

 

 


 

 

SECO News October 2021 Surge Mitigator Helps American Cancer Society

SURGE MITIGATOR HELPS AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

The American Cancer Society is on a mission to free the world from cancer. You can help too by enrolling in SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator surge protection product. From October 1 until November 15, for every new MitiGator lease or purchase, SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program will donate $5 to the American Cancer Society.

 

Take the bite out of damaging surges and spikes with our Surge MitiGator. Surges are often associated with lightning, but other causes are vehicles crashing into SECO poles, small animals and birds contacting SECO lines or falling trees. Household appliances and sensitive electronics such as televisions and computers can be damaged or destroyed by power surges and also require point-of-use devices for adequate protection.

 

Our made in the USA meter-based surge arrester helps prevent unnecessary financial loss by reducing surges BEFORE they enter your home through the meter. The MitiGator has a beastly 15-year warranty and is designed to protect your home’s large-motor appliances.

 

You can lease the MitiGator for only $5.95 plus tax per month plus a $25 installation fee. The purchase price ranges from $349 to $399, with installation included.

 

October is breast cancer awareness month, so the timing is perfect to aid cancer research and support cancer patients by enrolling in SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator surge protection product. To enroll, visit SECOEnergy.com.

 

 


 

 

SECO News October 2021 Area Light Out?

AREA LIGHT OUT?

Report an area light outage or malfunction online through LightFinder on our StormCenter platform. Whether the light is always on, completely off or flickering, you can report the malfunction 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – even on weekends.

 

To report an area light issue, visit SECOEnergy.com > StormCenter and choose LightFinder. Enter the pole number or closest address in the search bar in the upper left. Each light is represented by a lightbulb icon. Green indicates the light is working, and a red icon is a light that has already been reported as malfunctioning. If the icon is orange, it has been repaired in the last 24 hours. Inactive lights are represented by a gray icon and a blue icon is a member-owned light.

 

Complete the short reporting form and submit your email address to receive updates about the light’s repair status. Most area light issues are repaired within 24 hours.

 

 


 

 

SECO News February 2021 Winners' Circle

WINNERS’ CIRCLE

Engage with our virtual assistant Electra on the phone for a chance to win a $25 gift card. Winners who self-served using Electra are:

 

Donna Vail from Ocala

Jennifer Mears from Webster

Richard Reddy from Deland

Jane Lomont from Clermont

 

The latest winner of a SECO Energy Level 2 EV Charger is Harry Farrish from Minneola. To enter, text “EV” to (352) 320-4500 for a link to enter. Or click on the EV Charger Giveaway homepage banner. Visit our Electric Vehicles website section to learn more about the benefits of owning an EV.

 

Winners in our Go Green and Win: Paperless Billing and Bank Draft Incentive

John Utegg from Ocala is the winner of a $200 SECO Energy bill credit.

Stephanie Eck from Clermont is the winner of a NEST thermostat.

Susan Douglas from The Villages is the winner of an Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa.

 

William Guffey from Clermont is our final winner of a portable generator – drawn from the list of all members enrolled in SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator surge protection program. Though our generator giveaway has concluded, from October 1 through November 15, for every new Surge MitiGator lease enrollment or purchase SECO will donate $5 to the American Cancer Society. To learn more or enroll, visit SECOEnergy.com > Energy Solutions > Surge MitiGator.

 

Congratulations to our recent winners!

 

Read the full October 2021 SECO News online.

 

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 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 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 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.