What's
New
Up-close @ TEC | 2006 Customer Appreciation Day
Recent TEC Retirees | TEC
Promotions | Mail-in Ballots
TEC Retirement Party for seven employees and one board member -- see photos online - posted June 2008
Curt Morris selected as interim board member - posted June 2008
Bud Gregg wins Pioneer Award - posted June 2008
Morris Replaces Todd on Board
Mr. J.T. Todd, TEC board member from Lamar County anno unced his retirement from the board during the last regular meeting on April 16th, 2008.
Mr. Todd, a familiar face to staff and annual meeting attendees, was elected to the board in August 6, 1977 and has served ten terms.
Now in his ninetieth decade, Mr. Todd stated that his retirement from the board was due to the fact that he wanted to be able to spend more time “going to gospel singings”. As those who know him can attest, Mr. Todd has had an avid interest in gospel music for many years. The board, staff, and TEC members all wish him a happy retirement, and thank him for his years of service to our cooperative.
 Morris joins TEC
board as interim
John Curtis “Curt” Morris, of Vernon, Alabama has been appointed Interim Board member for Tombigbee Electric. His appointment follows the resignation and retirement of long-time board member, J.T. Todd.
Morris, a DATE Certified Trainer and Service Manager for Toshiba Business Systems, in Columbus, Mississippi, lives in Vernon with is wife of eighteen years, Jennifer Cole Morris and their twin sons, Nathan and Matthew.
On his appointment Morris said, “I think it’s an honor to be on the TEC board, and I hope to learn the process and what my job will be as a board member.
Hopefully I can use what I’ve learned with Toshiba in the technology field to provide helpful insight from time to time to the cooperative.”
Morris is slated to attend classes to further his knowledge base on electrical energy and stated that he was excited for the opportunity to learn and become more involved in his cooperative.
“I’d like to thank the staff, the board, and the member-owners for allowing me this opportunity to serve Tombigbee Electric. I will work hard to become a valuable member of the board, and I invite anyone to call me at 205.695.6942 or email jmorris@copiinc.com.”
TEC welcomes Mr. Morris to the board.
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Budd Gregg Receives the Pioneer Award from AREA
Article by Steve Foshee
In what was one of the darkest days of Tombigbee Electric Cooperatives existence a unique man took a stand and turned a certain defeat to an overwhelming victory.
In 1955, some eight years after extending its first lines, Tombigbee Electric Cooperative was on the brink of no longer existing. For many months there was a strong movement underway to sell the cooperative to Alabama Power. Several employees of REA, including the administrator himself, came from Washington to convince folks to fight against that. It all came to a head at the annual meeting that summer which was held at the football field at Marion County High School. One of the largest crowds ever recorded in TEC’s very young history was in attendance, and a number of people spoke for and against the proposal to sell. It appeared the crowd was going to vote for a sell until an unassuming farmer from Marion County changed things for the better. Mr. Bud Gregg, a member of the audience, stood up from the crowd and asked to speak. He, as a lone member-owner, spoke passionately for the Cooperative’s continued existence. Just shortly before the meeting, Mr. Gregg was not that passionate either way. But, sitting there listening and thinking, he became convinced the people of the area would not be served by the investor owned utility. Not one to give big speeches, he felt compelled to speak up - and he did. The the conclusion of his speech from the stands, the crowd began to gather around him and ask why he felt the way he did, and why keeping the cooperative would be in their best interest. This was a classical example of how one person, with the courage to speak up, can change the world. His manner of speech along with the respect people had for him changed the hearts of many that day and the proposal was soundly defeated. The REA administrator could not wait to shake his hand.
Mr. Gregg was voted onto the Board of Directors and elected Secretary Treasure of the Board. He also served on the board as Vice President. He has been a tireless promoter of the rural electric cooperative every since that day. It is through his leadership that Tombigbee ranks as one of the most financially strong and modern electric utilities in the south. He still serves in a tireless effort on the board all these years later.
Without his efforts to promote the principals of rural electrification over this last half century, Tombigbee would likely not exist today, much less prosper.
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Up-close @ TEC
Staff Interviews by Kay Marshall with:
Hunter Miles | Marvie Marchbanks | Charles Cole | Mark Atkinson
Cerell
Metcalf | Buell Harris | Teresa
Kell | Barry Spiller
Mark
Carden | Christy Vaughn | Dennis
Mayo | Melissa Akers
Hunter Miles
KM: How long have you worked at Tombigbee EC?
HM“I’ve worked at Tombigbee since the first day of February of 1977. That’s 29 years and counting, and I hope to live to retire!”
KM: What is your currentjob title and description?
HM“I am the line foreman over the construction crews here at TEC. Our crews do new construction of service orders to build power to a new consumer. We also set power poles, and do maintenance jobs as well.”
KM: What do you like the
most about your position at TEC?
HM“The fact that I have got a great crew to work with, and with this job having a great crew makes my job as foreman successful. I ask them to do something and they just do it - and they do their jobs with pride.”
KM: What is your favorite
activity?
HM: “My wife says that I have too many hobbies! I like to garden, and I’m an avid hunter and fisherman. I sing at my church, and am the Sunday School Director. I also really enjoy having time off with my family.”
KM: What is one thing you’d
like for our readers to know about you?
CC: “I would say that I have enjoyed working with our customers. As a whole, I have always tried to go the extra mile to help our members whenever I could, and if they need help I want them to know that I am available to them.”
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CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY 2006
Tombigbee was delighted to host the annual Customer Appreciation Day this past May. It was wonderful to meet and greet old and new friends. Also shown (bottom right) is NRTC area representative, Jason DiStefano, drawing for prizes from cards sent in by members who voted in the By-Laws update referendum.
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Marvie Marchbanks 
KM: How long have you worked at Tombigbee EC?
MM: “I’ve been here fifteen years. April was exactly 15 years. I’m happy to be here, and hope to see more years with this company. It’s a great company, and a great secret that should be shouted out. It allows people to stay here, and work here with opportunities.”
KM: What is your currentjob title and description?
MM:“WarehouseManager - basically we handle all of the material that comes in and out. I dispense the materials that the construction and service crews use on their jobs and oversee the main warehouse facility here at TEC.”
KM: What do you like the
most about your position at TEC?
MM: “The fact that I know that we’re seeing the progress of the community, and we’re helping to enhance people’s lives in Marion, Lamar, and parts of Fayette counties. And being involved in a lot of different aspects of the day to day working of the Co-Op. We’re a big family here, and I’m entrusted with helping make sure they’re lives are in better hands. I’m humbled by the fact that my job helps people, that it’s going to be a benefit to others. The reward is the smile you see on their faces, and it goes deeper than just that salute.”
KM: What is your favorite
activity?
MM: “I love to read. Helen Keller is probably my favorite author, along with Benjamin Franklin and Martin Luther King. Their ability to take people to another level and expressed themselves to the world and the human race is what is so captivating to me.”
KM: What is one thing you’d
like for our readers to know about you?
MM: “That I’m here to help them in any way. My office does not have a closed door. I want people to feel that I am accessible and that I’m here and available for them in any way.”
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Charles Cole
 KM:
How long have you worked at Tombigbee EC?
CC:“I’ve worked at
Tombigbee for thirty-one years, and I’ve had some good time,
and some bad time. Overall, I’ve had a good time, and wouldn’t
take nothing for it.”
KM: What is your currentjob title and description?
CC:“I’m a Serviceman
for Lamar County, and I repair anything that needs repairing, in
regards to power lines.”
KM: What do you like the
most about your position at TEC?
CC: “I enjoy working with
the crews, and working with the customers.”
KM: What is your favorite
activity?
CC: “Fishing. I enjoy bass
fishing for the pleasure of bass fishing. I love to fish with my
three boys, Timothy, Scott, and Josh. And I enjoy spending time
with my two girls, Marsha and Krystal.”
KM: What is one thing you’d
like for our readers to know about you?
CC: “That I’ve just
worked hard since I’ve been here at Tombigbee, and I want the
customers to know that I’m here for them when they need me.”
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Mark Atkinson
 KM:
How long have you worked at Tombigbee EC?
MA: “Three years this June.
I like working here at Tombigbee. Previously, I worked at Contential
Conveyor for fifteen years, then was lucky enough to get on here.
It’s a totally new working experience, and I’m still learning.”
KM: What is your currentjob title and description?
MA: “I work on the right
of way maintenance crew. We trim the trees and bushes along the
right of way, and also do bushhogging. I also help the servicemen
and linemen when they’re shorthanded.”
KM: What do you like the
most about your position at TEC?
MA: “Everyday is a new
learning experience for me, so that keeps the job interesting. Most
people think that it’s second nature to you, but for the work
here - everyday is unique and challenging. I also enjoy working
with Bob Norris, (right of way foreman), and Ed Johnston.”
KM: What is your favorite
activity?
MA: “I enjoy coaching my
kids in softball and basketball. I also enjoy working on my farm.”
KM: What is one thing you’d
like for our readers to know about you?
MA: “I’m just glad
to have the opportunity to work at Tombigbee Electric Cooperative,
and I look forward to continuing to learn, and being available to
our customers.”
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Cerrel Metcalf
 KM:
How long have you worked at Tombigbee EC?
CM:"I have worked at TEC
for forty years. I’ve seen a lot of stormy nights, and we’ve
had some bad days and good days. It all seems to balance out. Over
these forty years, I’ve seen it all.”
KM: What is your currentjob title and description?
CM:“I’m a TEC Serviceman,
and I work Marion county. Being a Serviceman is a good job. You
work by yourself, collect bills, work on night lights, and troubleshoot.
I’ve done it so long I’ve learned to really like all of
the aspects of my job.”
KM: What do you like the
most about your position at TEC?
CM: “I like working with
electricity. It’s a good challenge to be a part of this business.
I’ve gotten real used to my job, and I must say that I really
like working for TEC. Good people, and a good job.”
KM: What is your favorite
activity?
CM: “About all I like to
do is eat! I also enjoy sports, though. I particularly like all
types of football. High school, college, the pros... I just like
to watch it. I also enjoy staying up with politics as well.”
KM: What is one thing you’d
like for our readers to know about you?
CM: “Well, I guess I’d
like for people to know that I believe in hard work, and in working
together with people. I also believe in moving ahead, not backwards,
and I like to try my best at whatever it is I’m doing, and
do what’s right.”
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Buell Harris
 KM:
How long have you worked at Tombigbee EC?
BH:"I completed ten years
of service last year. Looking back it seems like those years have
passed very quick. When I came to work there was only a small amount
of computer technology being used and now they are an integral part
of everything we do. To me, that is the best indicator of how much
time has passed.”
KM: What is your current job title and description?
BH: “My job title is Manager
of Computer Services. I think the best description of what I do
is, a support function. It is my responsiblity to see that our technology
helps everyone at Tombigbee do their job as efficiently as possible,
in order to better serve our customers needs. This includes both
the office personnel and the outside crews. My work day may include
anything from assisting one of my co-workers with software functions,
providing customer support related to the various internet services
we provide, to the detailed and intricate job of maintaining our
computer system hardware and software.”
KM: What do you like the
most about your position at TEC?
BH: “I try to stay away
from cliches’ but honestly, the one thing that gives me the
most satisfaction is helping someone learn a new skill that makes
their job easier. I enjoy solving problems (probably why I am in
a support position), once I have resolved a problem, or created
a process to
accomplish a new task, I like to move on to the next challenge.
I am always trying to come up with a better way to do our day to
day work.”
KM: What is your favorite
activity?
BH: “I don’t know
that I really have a favorite. I enjoy doing a lot of different
things, including camping, birdwatching, playing golf occasionally,
and love to pick and grin. You may have noticed that most of what
I consider recreation
involves being outdoors. That is totally opposite of sitting looking
at a computer screen, and may be why I enjoy them as much as I do.”
KM: What is one thing you’d
like for our readers to know about you?
BH: “I don’t know
of anything really interesting that anyone would like to know about
me. One of the things I look back on with satisfaction is that I
spent over twenty-five years as a Boy Scout Leader. I would probably
refer back to what I said about helping people. I love teaching
and sharing any small amount of knowledge I may have with anyone
who is interested in learning.”
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Teresa Kell
KM: How long have you worked
at Tombigbee EC?
TK: "I have been an employee
at Tombigbee for twenty-nine years. I started here when I was in
the 10th grade - as a BOE student - and worked here until I graduated.
There was not an opening at TEC for seven years, and my knees were
knocking during the interview because I was afraid that I would
not measure up. I am so happy to work at Tombigbee. It’s like
a family here.”
KM: What is your current
job title and description?
TK: “My title is Billing
Supervisor. I am mostly involved with billing, but I am also involved
with meter reading. In addition, I discuss power bills with our
customers, and I also help at the cashier’s desk, if I’m
needed.”
KM: What do you like the
most about your position at TEC?
TK: “I love the one-on-one
contact with our members. I particularly like working at the cashier’s
desk because I get to be face to face with the members as well.”
KM: What is your favorite
activity?
TK: “I don’t have
a hobby, or one that I would be good at, but I do like any activity
that involves my family or my friends. It really doesn’t matter
what it is, as long as I’m with them. I especially enjoy watching
and attending bull-riding events.”
KM: What is one thing you’d
like for our readers to know about you?
TK: “I don’t claim
to be perfect, but by the grace of God, I do claim to be a Christian,
even with all of my faults. I guess, I’m just really thankful
for my job, and the opportunity that I have had to meet different
people in the business that we are in... and I hope that I have
made a lot of friends along the way.”
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Barry Spiller
KM: How long have you worked
at Tombigbee EC?
BS:“October 12th, 2005
marked my 40th year at Tombigbee, and my retirement is coming up
in 2008. I’ll be able to fish and play golf as much as I’d
like!”
KM: What is your current
job title and description?
BS: “My title is Operations
Superintendent. My job includes overseeing the outside crews, plus
two contract crews. I assign the line crews their responsibilities
for the day, then shortly afterward I check on the progress of the
crews. I’m on 24-hour call. If the Co-Op is closed, I am the
first one contacted when we have a major outage. So my phone is
always on, and near me."
KM: What do you like the
most about your position at TEC?
BS: "Well, I just enjoy
my job. I really enjoy it all. If I had to pick one thing, it would
have to be when I assign a job and see the progress that the crew
has accomplished. Setting up a day’s work, and seeing it completed
is very satisfying. Also, most rewarding is that we are working
on our fourth year of no lost time injuries.”
KM: What is your favorite
activity?
BS: "I love hunting and
fishing, but golfing is my favorite pastime. I’m a bogie-golfer,
so if I play a round of 90 that’s about as good as I can shoot!*
In fact, a lot of us here at Tombigbee enjoy playing golf together,
and I enjoy trying to beat them!"
KM: What is one thing you’d
like for our readers to know about you?
BS: "That I am most happy
when I can keep our consumers power on.”
*The interviewer has learned that
Mr. Spiller is quite modest regarding his golfing ability.
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Mark Carden
KM: How long have you worked
at Tombigbee EC?
MC:“I’ve worked at
TEC since February 18, 1991, and I have really enjoyed working with
the other employees here, and the consumers that we serve.”
KM: What is your current job
title and description?
MC:“I’m in charge
of engineering. I supervise all engineering for the Tombigbee EC
System. Some examples are substations, distribution lines, mapping,
aid with the general accounting system, and I manage the engineering
department.”
KM: What do you like the most
about your position at TEC?
MC:“I enjoy meeting the
day to day challenges of electric utility, and being able to interact
with our member-owners because I really like working with people.”
KM: What is your favorite summertime
activity?
MC:“I’ve been on the
Guin Park & Rec Board since 1989, and for the past twelve years
I have enjoyed coaching summer league baseball. It requires a lot
of time, but I enjoy serving the community that I live in, and I
love fishing in general.
But most of all, I enjoy the quality family time with my wife and
son.”
KM: What is one thing you’d
like for our readers to know about you?
MC: “That my door is always
open to any questions or concerns from the consumers that we serve.”
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Christy Vaughn
KM: How long have you worked at Tombigbee
EC?
CV: “I
have been employed with TEC since January 2004. I began at a part-time
status, and became full-time as of March 2005.”
KM:
What is your current job title and description?
CV: “My
position with TEC is as a customer service clerk. I receive customer
payments, and other general customer service duties. I assist
in the energy store and any other areas as needed.”
KM:
What do you like the most about your new position at TEC?
CV: “There
are so many aspects of my position that I enjoy. I am fortunate
to be able to be the person that gets to greet our customers when
they walk through the door. I enjoy meeting people, talking to them,
and hopefully brightening their day. I also absolutely love and
respect everyone employed here. It is truly a "second family"
to me!
I am so blessed to work for such wonderful people. Although, I not
only work for my employer, I also work for our customers. They are
the reason I am here!”
KM:
What is your favorite summertime activity?
CV: “My
favorite summertime activity would have to be spending time with
my family. We enjoy being outdoors - whether it be canoeing, camping,
fishing or just playing out in our own backyard. My family is my
life! ”
KM:
What is one thing you’d like for our readers to know about
you?
CV: “I would like for our
readers to know that I am always here to help them any way I can.
If I don't have the information they need, I will find someone who
does. No matter what, each and every customer will be treated as
if they were our only one and not just a number. We value everyone
that walks through our door. Everyone will be greeted with a smile
and provided with fast, friendly, informative service. ”
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Dennis
Mayo
KM:
How long have
you worked at Tombigbee EC?
DM: “I’ve been at
Tombigbee EC for twenty-eight years. I started at age 21. They've
been good to me. Tombigbee is a great place to work.. They're great
to work with and for, and they've been good to me.”
KM:
What is your current job title and description?
DM:“Construction Foreman:
Safety, and seeing that the work is done correctly. Where it's done,
and how quickly it's done. Mostly, everyone that works under me
are linemen, and they know what to do, so that makes my job a lot
easier. Training: I was a lineman, probably 18 years, and I had
filled in some as a foreman during that time. I just got to tote
the phone.”
KM:
What do you like the most about your new position at TEC?
DM:“I guess I'd have to
say, it's the guys I work with. A lot of them I've known since high
school. I went to school with several of them. MCHS. 1971 graduate.
The guys I work with are all very professional and they care about
what they do.”
KM:
What is your favorite summertime activity?
DM:“Gardening, and baling
hay. I live on a farm with my wife and father-in-law. We grow a
bit of everything, a full-service garden. Planted 15 lb. of purple
hull peas. I love to do that.”
KM:
What is one thing you’d like for our readers to know about
you?
DM:“I guess it's that I
have now, the sweetest grandchildren in the world. They're all a
bit mean, but all sweet, aged from 6 months to ten years. All girls,
but one boy. I have five kids in all -- nine grandkids.”
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Melissa
Akers
KM: How
long have you worked at Tombigbee EC?
MA: “I've been at TEC for
twenty years.
I started here in March of 1985 as a cashier, and I've seen a lot
of changes. When I first started, we just had a drawer and a cashbox,
that change alone is a big improvement!”
KM:
What is your current job title and description?
MA:“My current title is
Service Center. Here at the Service Center I take new applications
for power, and I do the pulls and moves on
service orders. I also take service orders for security lights,
as well as all of the calls for meter tests. This is also the department
where work orders for outages are sent.”
KM:
What do you like the most about your new position at TEC?
MA:“The TEC Service Center
is a very busy job, and so I like that. What makes the job special
is that I really enjoy meeting the new
people coming in for service, and into our communities.”
KM:
What is your favorite summertime activity?
MA: “The beach! I like to see how far I can put my toes into
the sand.”
KM:
What is one thing you’d like for our readers to know about
you?
MA:“I would like to let
our customers and readers know that if they ever need me I'd like
for them to feel free to call me here at the office... and if I
can't help them, I will find someone who can! I may not know the
answer, but I will help them find the answer they need.”
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TEC
Bids Farewell & Happy Retirement to...
Once
in the TEC family, always in the TEC family!
Retired
life is grand for Virginia!
Virginia Estill is a
beloved friend and former employee of Tombigbee EC. She recently
came in for a chat and caught everyone up on her retirement days.
Virginia’s career at TEC started in April 9th, 1979, and she
officially retired on January 8th, 2004. Her duties were clerking,
handling insurance and general accounts... and she helped keep all
of the office staff in line!
“I loved everyone at TEC! There wasn't one person I didn't
just love, and I miss them and try to keep up with what they're
all doing because they're my extended family,” Virginia said,
smiling. “I really keep my relationship going with them so
that I don't miss them. We talk regularly so I still feel like I'm
involved,” she said.
Speaking of her retirement,
Virginia was almost giddy. “Most of my days begin with who
needs me most, and I actually keep a calendar on my refrigerator
that I use every day. I help my mother-in-law, my parents, the twins,
Andrew Michael and Kade Spencer, and my 14-year-old grandson, Zachary.
So when anyone hollers and rings my number I say... ‘Well,
I’ll be right there!” she said, eyes twinkling.
Virginia still helps Team Tombigbee each year at Relay for Life
and will always be a very special part of the TEC family!
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Judy Williams retirement...
Although the staff at
Tombigbee is sorry to see Judy retire we are,at the same time, happy
to see her be able to spend more time with her family and to travel.
Judy has been a wonderful and faithful employee and she will be
greatly missed by all of the staff and our customers.
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TEC
Bids Congratulations to...
Opportunities
abound for hard-working employees like...
Melissa
Akers promoted...
Melissa Akers is now
working in the position vacated by Judy Williams. Melissa had previously
been the Energy Store Co-manager (with Ann Garrison) and also served
as a Cashier.Melissa is an excellent employee. She has a lot of
experience and does an excellent job in every position she’s
asked to fill. We are very pleased that she could move into this
position for our cooperative!
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Darlene
Peoples in new position...
We are pleased to announce
that Darlene Peoples has now been moved into the position of Energy
Store Co-manager and Cashier. Since Darlene came to work for Tombigbee
she has done an excellent job in her capacities and in all that
has been asked of her. We are pleased to offer her this new position
and know that you will enjoy working with her during your visits
to the Energy Store and to your TEC.
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Mail-in
Ballot Voting - passed!
From
your Trustee President, Terry Gosa:
"This is a historic time
for the members of Tombigbee. It will allow for much greater participation
by those who have been unable to participate such as the elderly,
those working, or family conflicts. This is a member-owned cooperative.
Now many more members will be able to participate in the business
of their company. The Board of Trustees congratulates the membership."
Tombigbee
EC has entered into a new era. On Monday, March 1, the members of
Tombigbee overwhelmingly approved a new by-law that will allow the
voting by U.S. mail of future business by the membership. This means
that each member of Tombigbee will be able to vote on things, like
Trustees, the same as if you were at the annual meeting.
For many years, just over 3% of the members could or would attend
the annual meetings to vote on the business of your cooperative.
That all changed on March 1 when over 36% of the membership voted
by mail to change the by-law. State law allowed the members the
right to vote by mail to change the by-laws, if approved by the
board of trustees. That is exactly what happened!
Almost 93% of those voting
approved of the new by-law change. Tombigbee EC, your cooperative,
tries to abide by the Seven Cooperative Principals. Principal number
Two "Democratic Member Control"is defined as the following;
"Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their
members, who actively participate in setting their policies and
making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives
are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members
have equal voting rights-one member, one vote-and cooperatives at
other levels are organized in a democratic manner."
Many members are not
able to attend the annual meetings. In fact, almost 97% have not
in the past. There are a lot of reasons for this, probably as many
different reasons as there are members. Now, with the ability to
vote by mail on the business of your cooperative, we fully expect
the participation to increase from a few hundred to several thousand.
This will only make your cooperative stronger by causing us to focus
on you the member/owner.
Of course, we have always placed the focus on our members, but now
we can focus better from the board room to every employee. This
is what we are here for, to serve you.
In the future, please
look carefully at the material we send you. Consider it, and then...
vote. It is your company. You own it. It will be what you vote it
to be and that is the American way.
Remember, you can still
come to the annual meeting in person Or you can get all the information
in the privacy of your home and vote by mail. Tombigbee Electric
Cooperative is a vital resource to this community. Take a part as
an owner by voting. Your vote does count very much. March 1, 2004
- we changed - and it will be for the better as long as you take
an active part!
Steve Foshee
TEC’s General Manager
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