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SECO Asks Members to Take Action

From time to time, SECO Energy calls on its members to stand with cooperatives for or against energy industry related bills introduced to Congress during the legislative session.

 

Norma Jean Bottoms, a member residing in Paisley, stood with SECO during a recent Take Action sign up campaign and her name was drawn from all members who had signed up at https://action.coop/. Norma Jean won a Microsoft Surface Go. Along with Norma Jean, approximately 1,838 of SECO’s 210,000 members have decided to get involved by signing up to Take Action when SECO or our statewide organization may call on them to assist with contacting their legislators on critical issues affecting the energy industry.

 

Some of the proposed bills may affect infrastructure, sustainability, reliability, and most of all, electricity affordability. Those are just a few reasons why cooperatives may ask their members to make their voices heard by signing up to receive email updates on legislative items affecting the electric utility industry.

 

By visiting SECO’s Legislative Corner, members can learn more about how they can participate in the democratic process on a state and federal level. Members can contribute by joining the political action committee and enrolling in Co-ops Vote to make their vote count.

 

SECO encourages its members to sign up to Take Action because our members’ participation and influence play key roles in maintaining affordable, reliable energy.

 

Visit SECO Energy.com>Your Co-op>Community to learn more about the not-for-profit electric cooperative’s community involvement. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

District 3 SECO Energy Members Elect New Trustee

On Monday, May 13, members who attended SECO Energy’s District 3 Special Meeting voted to elect Gerald B. Anderson to represent their District and the members at large on SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees. The Special Meeting to elect a new District 3 was held to fill the vacant Board seat. Mr. Anderson will serve the remainder of the term that ends in early 2022.

 

A SECO member for nearly five years, Mr. Anderson served in the Marine Corps and worked for a utilities manufacturing company. Mr. Anderson served as president of his hometown volunteer Fire Department, was elected to four six-year terms on the Board of Supervisors of Warrington, Pennsylvania and after retiring he was appointed as Director of Operations for Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Jane, enjoy making friends through their work with the Belle Aire Social Club in which Mr. Anderson serves as President and Mrs. Anderson serves as Secretary.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO members elect their fellow members to 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 members at large.

 

Members in District 3 gathered at The Villages’ Savannah Center for the election and to hear a short update on the status of the cooperative. In total, eight members residing in District 3 submitted a letter of intent to run. In addition to new District 3 Trustee Gerald B. Anderson, the candidates who expressed their willingness to represent the members of District 3 were: Stephen M. Doran, Paul G. Embs, Barry R. Evans, Gary L. Jackson, Bryan T. Lifsey, Aileen M. Milton and Albert D. Uhryniak.

 

Mr. Anderson is eager to begin his duties as the new District 3 Trustee stating, “Thank you District 3 members for trusting me to represent you on the SECO Energy Board of Trustees. My previous experience in the utility industry will allow me to readily fulfill my new role in cooperative governance.”

 

Board President and District 9 Trustee Jerry Hatfield stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Anderson, on your election as District 3 Trustee. On behalf of myself and the Board, I am excited to welcome Mr. Anderson as our newest Board member.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Congratulations to Mr. Anderson on his successful election as the new District 3 Trustee. The willingness of District 3 candidates to share their time, knowledge and energy to work for the SECO Energy membership is unprecedented. A Board of Trustees elected by its fellow members is a unique component of the not-for-profit cooperative business model and democratic process. I look forward to SECO’s continued success working with Mr. Anderson and our current Board members.”

 

Visit SECO’s Your Co-op page for photos and brief Trustee bios along with an interactive District map. “Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Members Re-elect District 1 Trustee Scott Boyatt

Congratulations to SECO Energy District 1 Trustee Scott Boyatt on his re-election. District 1 members gathered at Pine Ridge Elementary School in Clermont on Thursday, January 31, to elect a Trustee to represent their District on SECO’s Board. Mr. Boyatt lives in Clermont and has been a SECO member since 2004. Mr. Boyatt was first elected to the Board in 2013.

 

SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, operated for and owned by its members. SECO members who reside in the District elect one of their fellow members to serve 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 members at large.

 

Mr. Boyatt declared his continued willingness to serve the members in District 1 by submitting his letter of intent to run for Trustee. Elected Trustees serve a three-year term. Mr. Boyatt’s candidacy for District 1 Trustee was unopposed.

 

Trustee Boyatt stated, “I thank the District 1 members for pledging their continued support for me as their Trustee. After recently completing my Director Gold Credentials from the NRECA, I am looking forward to putting my enhanced skill set to work for not only District 1 members but SECO’s membership as a whole.”

 

President Jerry Hatfield stated, “Congratulations, Mr. Boyatt, on your re-election as District 1 Trustee. Mr. Boyatt is a valued member of SECO’s Board, and I look forward to working with him and my peers on behalf of our fellow SECO members.”

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Thank you, District 1 members, for joining us at your District Meeting and participating in the cooperative governance process. I congratulate Mr. Boyatt on his re-election and thank him for sharing his industry knowledge to support his fellow members. I am grateful for our Board’s fiduciary guidance and oversight, and their collective knowledge of the utility industry.”

 

Duncan continued, “I hope members plan to attend our Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 23. We will be serving breakfast, coffee, soft drinks and snacks. Members can visit the Energy Showcase for energy-efficiency displays, enjoy live entertainment and enter for the chance to win door prizes. The grand prizes this year are a refurbished 2009 Ford SuperCab 4-wheel drive with less than 60,000 miles, a golf cart, cash and many other prizes.”

 

Visit SECO’s 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 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.

SECO Celebrates NRECA’s 75th Anniversary

SECO Energy and its fellow electric cooperatives across the nation are teaming up to bring a tree to life at National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.

 

SECO Energy’s Vegetation Management employees collected soil from its Sumterville headquarters and sent it to the NRECA. The NRECA will use the soil collected from SECO and its other electric cooperative members across to the country to plant a commemorative tree in honor of its 75th Anniversary.

 

The NRECA is the service organization for electric cooperatives, including SECO Energy, working to promote and support co-ops and be a champion for the cooperative business model. In the way that the NRECA and its member cooperatives nourish and support each other, the collected soil will used to nourish and support the 75th Anniversary commemorative tree.

 

SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO is pleased to partner with our fellow electric cooperatives by sending a small piece of SECO to celebrate the NRECA’s 75th Anniversary. Collectively, NRECA’s electric cooperative members across the country are a strong, tight-knit unit of co-ops delivering safe, affordable electric service to over 42 million homes and businesses every day.”

 

Learn more about SECO Energy and its cooperative roots. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Energy Sends Aid to Haiti

SECO Energy is partnering with NRECA International to help Haiti operate its distribution system at the Caracol Community Electrification Program (CCEP). SECO donated a late-model service truck, a late-model four-wheel drive pick-up truck, and a reel stand to aid the CCEP’s mission to offer electricity to homes and businesses in Haiti.

 

The donation effort was spearheaded by SECO’s Manager of Substation and Transmission Design Services Kenny Rodrigue. Kenny was inspired to help the people of Hispaniola Island after completing his first mission trip to the Dominican Republic and a second trip to Haiti in 2012. While in Haiti, Kenny learned that the majority of people living there don’t have access to non-stop, all-day electricity. In fact, electricity is only available about eight hours a day.

 

Without continuous electricity, the majority of the island’s people are left without clean water. Volunteers and missionaries have helped dig and build wells, but electricity is needed to pump and filter water for clean drinking.

 

Concern for Community is a key cooperative principle and SECO engages in charitable endeavors across its service territory. Partnering with NRECA International allows SECO to broaden its community support internationally.

 

NRECA International’s goal is to build an electric cooperative in Haiti and expand electricity across the island. SECO is pleased to lend a hand. The trucks and reel donated were slated to be retired from SECO’s fleet and sent to auction. The equipment had reached the end of its useful life on SECO’s system, but still has value and usability in Haiti.

 

Kenny is excited for the opportunity to further help Haiti and stated, “I’ve been looking for ways that SECO could help Haiti and NRECA International, and I was happy to learn that we had supplies available. I am thankful for the generous spirit of SECO’s executive management and Board of Trustees. As Americans, we are fortunate and blessed – easy access to electricity is a way of life, which is not the case in all parts of the world.”

 

Jim Duncan, CEO, stated, “Concern for Community is very important to SECO employees and our Board members. It is extremely satisfying for me personally that SECO is able to join with NRECA International and help a foreign country build an electric cooperative and improve quality of life for those less fortunate. Thank you to the Board for being very supportive of the International Program that helps others help themselves and to all of the SECO employees who generously give their time to make a difference in the lives of others.”

 

Learn more about SECO Energy and its Concern for Community online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Trustee Completes Advanced Education Certificate

SECO Energy congratulates District Four Trustee, Richard Dennison of Ocala, for earning his Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) Certificate.  Mr. Dennison became a SECO member in 1999 and began his Board service in 2015.

 

The CCD courses, provided by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), are designed to provide cooperative board members with knowledge on basic governance and the essential skills needed for a cooperative director.  SECO’s Board of Trustees use this knowledge to guide the fiduciary duties of the board and to serve as elected officials on behalf of SECO’s membership.

 

Ray Vick, Board of Trustees President, stated, “Education, Training and Information is a key cooperative principle and I applaud Mr. Dennison’s efforts to learn more about electric cooperative governance and cooperatives themselves.  As a Board member, Mr. Dennison provides oversight and sound financial judgment that is instrumental in SECO’s continuing success.  I am proud of the commitment Mr. Dennison has made to SECO’s Board of Trustees and to its members.”

 

Mr. Dennison enjoys his role as a SECO Energy Trustee, “It is a pleasure to serve as a SECO Trustee and be a voice and a representative for its members.  The energy industry is changing and by continuing my education, I can keep abreast of industry advancements and continue to work for our members.”

 

SECO’s Board of Trustees, CEO and senior leadership celebrated Mr. Dennison’s accomplishment during its November Board Meeting.

 

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