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Tag: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

SECO Energy Awarded 5-Star Status in ‘Co-ops Vote’ National Program

SECO Energy announced today it has been named a “5-Star Co-op” by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). NRECA is the national organization that represents the nation’s 900+ not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives. With 42 million members in 48 states, electric co-ops can stand together as a powerful voice in this year’s elections.

 

The 5-star designation recognizes SECO Energy’s high level of participation in Co-ops Vote, a national get-out-the-vote campaign. The non-partisan campaign seeks to engage voters and boost turnout in areas served by electric co-ops. The 5-star status marks the highest level of engagement in Co-ops Vote and is achieved when a participating co-op completes five or more program activities.

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Voting is an important right that too many citizens across the nation don’t embrace but SECO is fortunate to have a higher-than-average level of participation in the Central Florida counties we serve. Elections are important and SECO uses the Co-ops Vote program to increase awareness of civic duty on Election Day and every day. We’re honored to be recognized by NRECA for being a Co-ops Vote award winner.”

 

SECO Energy encourages member participation in the democratic process on a local, state and federal level. The cooperative’s members can find out more about legislation affecting the energy industry, how to register and where to cast their vote by visiting our Legislative Corner.

 

The Co-ops Vote program makes a difference in the communities SECO serves by giving a voice to SECO Energy members related to issues affecting affordable, reliable electric service. Learn more about Co-ops Vote and subscribe to updates at Vote.coop.The seven cooperative principles include the premise of participation in the political process. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO supports these principles and encourages its members to engage in the political process and make their voices heard at the local, state and national level.

 

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

SECO Energy Trustees Maintain Director Gold Credentials

SECO Energy congratulates five members of its Board of Trustees who have completed the necessary coursework to maintain their Director Gold Credentials from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The five Trustees are: Board President and District 9 Trustee Jerry Hatfield; Board Secretary/Treasurer and District 8 Trustee William James; District 2 Trustee Dillard Boyatt; District 5 Trustee Ray Vick; and District 6 Trustee Earl Muffett.

 

To earn Director Gold, Trustees must first complete the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and the Board Leadership Certificate (BLC). The Director Gold Credential Program (DGC) offers Trustees and Directors the opportunity to enhance their education to better support their cooperatives. Trustees Hatfield, James, Boyatt, Vick and Muffett earned their Director Gold Credentials and continued to attend courses through the NRECA to maintain their Director Gold status.

 

SECO Energy’s service area is geographically divided into nine Districts. Members in each District elect one member from the District to represent the District on SECO’s Board of Trustees and the membership at large. Trustees are elected to oversee the governance of the cooperative.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations, gentlemen, on continuing your Trustee education through the NRECA. Our Board of Trustees is an active, engaged group who has assisted SECO during times of high member satisfaction and improved reliability. Thank you, gentlemen, for your commitment to SECO members and your communities through your Board service.”

 

Visit our Board of Trustees page to view a short bio of SECO Energy’s Trustees and a District Map. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Trustee Joseph Kusiak Earns NRECA Board Certificates

SECO Energy District 7 Trustee Joseph Kusiak has completed two cooperative-focused board certifications from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Mr. Kusiak completed the courses required to earn both the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and the Board Leadership Certificate (BLC).

 

The NRECA’s CCD is the first certificate in a three-part education program for Board of Trustee members of Directors of an electric cooperative. The courses encompassed in the CCD curriculum prepare Trustees to fulfill their fiduciary duty as elected officials who serve on behalf of the cooperative’s members.

 

Trustee Kusiak also earned the BLC, the second part of NRECA’s Board of Trustees Director curriculum. The BLC courses focus on specific industry and governance issues that directly affect electric cooperatives today. Lessons focus on risk management, power supply, parliamentary procedure, technology and policy development.

 

Mr. Kusiak resides in Dunnellon and has been a SECO member since 2002. He was elected to serve as District 7 Trustee in a special election to fill a Board vacancy on October 25, 2018.

 

Trustee Kusiak stated, “I am honored to continue my professional development by completing the CCD and BLC courses offered through the NRECA. This knowledge will help me in my role serving as the District 7 representative on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. I appreciate the trust my fellow members have placed in me.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Kusiak, for completing the Board certificate courses to advance your knowledge of the energy industry. SECO Energy is grateful for your time and dedication to serve the cooperative’s membership through your Board service. Thank you.”

 

Learn more about SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees and read a short bio about Joseph Kusiak. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson Earns NRECA Certificate

SECO Energy congratulates District 3 Trustee Gerald Anderson who has completed the requirements to earn the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

 

The CCD is the first of a three-part certificate program offered by the NRECA for Board of Trustee members or Directors. Participants complete courses on director duties and liabilities, understanding the electric business, board operations and processes, strategic planning and financial decision making. The courses encompassed in the CCD curriculum prepare Trustees to fulfill their fiduciary duty as elected officials who serve on behalf of the cooperative’s members.

 

Mr. Anderson has been a SECO member for five years and resides in The Villages. He was elected to represent the members of District 3 at a special election to fill a Board vacancy on May 13, 2019.

 

Trustee Anderson stated, “I am pleased to continue my education through the NRECA’s Director Certificate Program. The lessons I’ve learned help me to sharpen my skills in the energy industry. I look forward to continuing as the District 3 Trustee to represent my fellow SECO members.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Anderson, on completing your Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate. I am grateful for your commitment to SECO members through your service on the SECO Board of Trustees. Thank you.”

 

Learn more about SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees and read a short bio about Gerald Anderson. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Trustee Scott Boyatt Earns Director Gold Credential

SECO Energy congratulates District 1 Trustee Scott Boyatt for continuing his education and earning the Director Gold Credential from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

 

The NRECA offers a Director Certification Program for not-for-profit electric cooperative Trustees to better understand their roles and responsibilities, stay up-to-date on key issues and energy trends while preparing them to meet the challenges facing electric cooperatives now and in the future. To attain the Director Gold Credential, Mr. Boyatt first completed the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) Certificate and the Board Leadership Certificate (BLC).

 

Mr. Boyatt lives in Clermont and became a SECO member in 2004. He was elected by District 1 members to serve as their representative on SECO’s Board of Trustees in 2013. Collectively, SECO’s nine-member Board of Trustees represents members as a whole with one Trustee elected from each of SECO’s nine Districts.

 

Trustee Boyatt stated, “I am very proud to represent my fellow District 1 members as their voice on SECO Energy’s Board. After earning the BLC last year, I was inspired to earn the Director Gold Credential before the District 1 Trustee election on January 31. Upon completing the Director Certification Program, I felt that I was called to run for Trustee again and I am confident in my ability to serve our members.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations to Mr. Boyatt on his recent educational achievement and his willingness to serve as District 1 Trustee. SECO’s Board has continually supported our cooperative’s efforts to offer members improved reliability, safe and affordable power with excellent customer service. I am grateful for the Board’s guidance and their commitment to fellow members.”

 

Duncan continued, “Make plans to attend our 81st Annual Meeting of the membership on Saturday, March 23. We are serving breakfast and snacks, providing live entertainment and offering members chances to win prizes, including a refurbished 2009 Ford SuperCab, a golf cart, several cash prizes and a large variety of other door prizes.”

 

Visit our Board of Trustees page to view a photo and brief bio of SECO’s Trustees along with a District map. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Trustee Scott Boyatt Earns Board Leadership Certificate

SECO Energy Board District 1 Trustee Scott Boyatt has been recognized for earning his Board Leadership Certificate through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

 

According to the NRECA, the Board Leadership Certificate is a series of courses that focus on specific industry and governance issues that directly impact electric cooperatives. Participants learn more about risk management, power supply, parliamentary procedure, technology and policy development. The Board Leadership Certificate is designed to prepare directors and trustees of electric cooperatives to navigate the issues and challenges facing electric co-ops today and in the future.

 

A SECO member since 2004, Boyatt lives in Clermont and has represented the District 1 members on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees for five years. Boyatt was first elected to SECO’s Board in 2013.

 

Trustee Boyatt stated, “The NRECA’s Director Certificate Programs provide a solid foundation of skills that are helpful in serving SECO members on SECO’s Board of Trustees. Continuing my education through the NRECA provides meaningful skills that enhance my ability to serve members’ interests. I am thankful for the opportunity to expand my knowledge of the utility industry and to put those skills into practice while representing members in District 1 and SECO’s membership at large through my years of Board service.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan praised Trustee Boyatt’s commitment to enhancing his education to benefit SECO members. Duncan stated, “I am proud of Trustee Boyatt for taking the next step in his Trustee education by engaging in the NRECA’s Board education program. I commend Mr. Boyatt’s willingness to serve SECO members as the District 1 Trustee and salute his commitment to our members.”

 

Photos and brief bios of the Trustees along with an interactive District map are available online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Trustee Dennison Earns NRECA Director Gold Certification

SECO Energy District 4 Trustee and Vice President Richard Dennison has completed the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Director Gold Credential Program.

 

According to the NRECA, the Director Gold credential recognizes utility professionals who are committed to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability. Before obtaining the advanced Director Gold credential, Vice President & Trustee Dennison completed both the NRECA’s Board Leadership Certification and the Credential Cooperative Director Certificate.

 

A SECO member since 1999, Vice President & Trustee Dennison lives in Marion County and is active in his local community. Dennison was first elected to SECO’s Board of Trustees during a special election in 2015 when a former Trustee vacated the post. Dennison was re-elected in 2017 and was elected to his first officer position as Board Vice President in April 2018.

 

Vice President Dennison stated, “I am proud to continue my education through the NRECA. Earning the Director Gold credential allows me to broaden my utility industry knowledge to benefit the SECO membership at large. SECO Energy has an outstanding operational and financial performance record. I am proud and humbled to work with my Board peers and serve our SECO members.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan praised Dennison’s commitment to his continuing education and SECO members. Duncan stated, “I commend Vice President Dennison’s committed effort to enhancing his industry knowledge through the NRECA Board education program. Mr. Dennison is an essential member of SECO’s Board of Trustees, I am grateful for his service and commitment to our members.”

 

Visit our website for photos and brief bios of the Trustees along with an interactive District map. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Trustee Dennison Earns Leadership Accreditation

SECO Energy applauds District 4 Trustee Richard Dennison for earning his Board Leadership Certificate (BLC) from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). This is the second advanced certification earned by Mr. Dennison, who received his Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate in November 2016.

 

Mr. Dennison has been a SECO member since 1999, and he has served on SECO’s Board for two years. Dennison was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 2015 when a former Trustee vacated the post. SECO members in District 4 re-elected Mr. Dennison as Trustee in February 2017.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO’s nine Board of Trustees are members themselves who collectively serve as the members’ representatives within SECO. Dennison is committed to putting members’ interests first by following the key cooperative principle of Education, Training and Information. Continuing his education with the BLC allows Dennison to advance his knowledge of the cooperative business model and equips him with the tools to practice sound governance and oversight while serving on SECO’s Board.

 

Trustee Dennison states, “After winning re-election in February, I promised SECO members to work hard on their behalf. My recent educational achievement, this Board Leadership Certificate, is the next step in keeping my promise to members and the communities SECO serves. I am proud to serve as Trustee for District 4 and look forward to being a part of SECO’s continued success in providing our members with affordable, reliable power.”

 

Mr. Dennison resides in Ocala and is retired. He displays his passion for community service by not only serving on SECO’s Board of Trustees, but also serving as President of the Marion Oaks Civic Association.

 

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