RONNIE’S DESK - mPrint Design · old documents that cast some doubt on who owned some parcels ......

COOPERATIVE SOLAR KEEPS GROWING

RONNIE’S DESK

“Now that we’re growing again, we foresee regularly adding new employees to interact with customer-owners…“

SOLAR UPDATEAfter many months of unexpected delays, we are finally ready to begin construction of our third solar facility. We hoped to have new panels installed and producing by now, but circumstances beyond our control slowed the process to a crawl.

The reason for the delay was difficulty in getting the land sale closed. Unfortunately, the landowner who made the original deal passed away between contract signing and closing. The deal stayed intact, but a layer of complication in dealing with the will, probate and heirs came into play.

On top of that, there were some difficulties in obtaining a clear title. During research, our attorney found old documents that cast some doubt on who owned some parcels of the tract. After several weeks of untangling the property deed, we closed on the land.

The land was rezoned before we agreed to purchase the site, so the next step is site preparation. When the site prep is finished, Radiance Solar, the company that built our other two installations, will begin its work. We hope to be producing energy out of the site by November.

The price of solar panels continues to drop. The panels for this project will cost significantly – one-third to one-half – less than the panels on our first project. We’ll use approximately 9,400 panels at our new site to produce three megawatts of power.

RENOVATIONS IN THE WORKSThere are some construction projects about to begin or underway around the co-op.

Space has become available in Snellville building A, so we’re going to make clinic access much easier for employees and their families in that area.

Empty offices are being renovated for a new waiting room, lab and exam room. Cabinets are installed and wiring and plumbing are taking place now. The project should be finished by mid-August.

We’ll begin by having this clinic open for a half day every Monday. If demand is great enough, hours will be increased. We’ll send more details when the clinic is ready to accept patients.

The next project involves expanding our contact center. When the contact center was originally built, we made provisions to allow easy demolition of what is now the back wall. This wall will come out and the contact center will be expanded to what is now the outside wall of the truck shed. This doubles the amount of space available for customer care representatives.

Now that we’re growing again, we foresee regularly adding new employees to interact with customer-owners on the phone and on the internet by a variety of methods.

Lastly, the Monroe front counter will undergo a remodeling. Plans are still being developed, but features will include more visibility of the entrance doors for customer care representatives and a safety barrier like the Snellville office.

As always, I appreciate what you do for our customer-owners. They notice your hard work, too. I continually get calls and emails praising employees for a job well done. You are the best at what you do.

Two-Way Feed Summer 20172

Last Lost-Time Accident:February 2016

Operating Report

Marketing Programs updated July 2017

Meter Socket Adapters 2,620

Plug-in Surge Protectors 3,020

Pre-Pay 1,363

Walton Gas 72,701

Community Solar (Active) X,XXX

Community Solar (Waiting) XXX

Operation Round Up XX,XXX

PROGRAMSUnits Sold/Customers

EMC Security XX,XXX

Electric Cars XXX

SAFETY PAYS

Share a safe act, get a T-shirt! Have you seen a co-worker doing something to promote safety? Share it!

Please include the name of the person, the safe act, your name and the words “Safety Pays.” Drop it in inter-office mail to Debra Jackson or email it to [email protected].

It might take a little longer to complete a task safely, but always remember: Safety pays!

After noticing a leak, Courtney Wray used a trashcan to catch the water and dried the floor. She attempted to put out wet floor signs, but couldn’t locate them.

Two-Way Feed Summer 2017 3

SAFETYOur line technicians represented Walton well at the annual Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo near Perry.

Apprentice Line Technician Ben Campbell captured fourth place honors in the overall apprentice division and EMC apprentice division as well as third place in written test. Apprentice Brandon Brooks placed eighth in the overall apprentice and EMC apprentice divisions. Both will advance to the International Lineman’s Rodeo competition this October.

Other apprentice division competitors were Jacob McNary and Jason Higgins. Competing in the journeyman division were Bradley McCallister, Preston Roberts and Ryan West.

The rodeo is an annual event that tests line technicians’ skill and knowledge in performing electrical line work. Journeymen compete on three-man teams while apprentices compete individually. This year’s event saw 86 apprentice competitors and 11 journeyman teams.

Practice and preparation for the event increases the competitors’ efficiency and safe work habits during everyday tasks.

Line Technicians Sharpen Skills

This year’s event saw 86 apprentice

competitors and 11 journeyman teams.

Ben

Jason

Preston

Ryan

Bradley

Brandon

Jacob

FEATURE


SAFETYSafety education for both customer-owners and employees has always been a staple of the co-op. Life-saving safety principles have traditionally been taught using speeches, photos, videos or models. But now, audiences will be able to see the real thing.

“I wanted a lifelike demonstration for training purposes,” said Loss Control Director Brad Adcock. “I think that’s a better way to get the message out than the small demo we’ve been using.”

So, Adcock put the wheels in motion to build a full-size power line mounted on a trailer for just that purpose. Other employees pitched in to make it a reality.

“Operations gave us a retired Ditch Witch trailer,” said Adcock. “Apparatus painted it so that it looks like new. They also helped wire the breakers. Several of the line techs also helped.”

After planning, gathering the parts and pieces and refurbishing the trailer, actual assembly took about a week. “It’s still not quite finished,” said Adcock. “I’m waiting on a couple of pieces to make it complete.”

The demo made a low-key trial run at June’s annual meeting. Adcock says the demo was well received and that he got feedback and suggestions from employees and even some customer-owners who watched.

New Safety Demo Debuts

Journeyman Line Technician Ryan West, left, Loss Control Director Brad Adcock and Journeyman Line Technician Ben Powell recently used the new life-sized power line safety demonstration trailer at the annual meeting. The trailer can recreate several actual safety scenarios for educational purposes.

When the demo is ready for prime time, Adcock plans to use the trailer to teach fire departments, law enforcement, road crews, schools and others real life lessons on electrical safety.

“We can draw a big arc and demonstrate a line fault, we can explain how a breaker works and why members’ lights flash three times before going out and we can show why it’s important for linemen to test their rubber gloves,” said Adcock.

But the star of the show might turn out to be a common hot dog.

“Using a hot dog, because its moisture and fat content is similar to human flesh, we’ll be able to show what happens if someone touches a power line,” said Adcock.

And that’s likely a lesson the audience won’t soon forget. At least that’s what Adcock hopes.


Security Alert

Revised Vacation and Sick Time Policy

UPS Label Delivery 1ZBE312TNY00015011

BREAKING: United Airlines Passenger Dies from Brain Hemorrhage – VIDEO

A Delivery Attempt was made

All Employees: Update your Healthcare Info

Change of Password Required Immediately

Password Check Required Immediately

Unusual sign-in activity

Urgent Action Required

CYBER SAFETY

For second quarter, 2017. Capitalization appears as it was in the actual email.

We’ve all probably received it – that email saying we have money waiting in a foreign bank account and the sender only needs us to send a payment to get the money coming our way.

That’s pretty easy to spot. But internet phishers have become way more sophisticated in their attempts to get our usernames, passwords, credit card numbers and all sorts of other personal data.

A typical phishing email includes a link that takes the user to a site that mimics another real, legitimate website. From there, scammers can steal your personal information or inject a virus into your computer that can spread to the entire network.

How can you avoid becoming a victim? Heed these tips:

• Learn to identify phishing email. Among other mistakes by scammers, real companies don’t have spelling or grammatical errors in their communications.

• Never respond to an email request to send your password or personal information.

• Don’t click on links embedded in an email unless you first verify them by hovering with your computer’s mouse.

• Enter data into only secure websites that you went directly to by typing in a URL. Look for “https://” or a lock icon.

• Use a strong password and change it often.

• Be wary of pop-up windows.

• Never download attachments from unknown senders.

• If you have even the slightest doubt, don’t risk it.

Internet Phishing: Don’t Get Caught

TOP 10 MOST CLICKED PHISHING EMAIL SUBJECT LINES

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For second quarter, 2017. Capitalization appears as it was in the actual email.

Remember when? Despite the shaggy dos, feathered locks and poofy bangs, these are your co-workers a from a few years back. Can you tell who’s who?


FEATURE


Walton EMC achieved its highest score ever in the latest J.D. Power and Associates Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study.

The cooperative scored 783, only six points behind the top-scoring utility and ranking Walton EMC fourth in the nation. Walton EMC’s index score is well above the national average of 719, placing it in an elite group of electric utilities. Our score is 42 points higher than the 2016 score.

Cooperative utilities compete nationally while other electric utilities compete in much smaller regional categories.

The study, now in its 19th year, measures customer satisfaction with electric utility companies by examining six factors: power quality and reliability; price; billing and payment; corporate citizenship; communications; and customer service. The study is based on responses from 99,145 online interviews conducted from July 2016 through May 2017 among residential customers of the 138 largest electric utility brands across the country.

In 2014, J.D. Power ranked Walton EMC “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Midsize Utilities in the South.” The company also ranked Walton Gas “Highest in Residential Customer Satisfaction with Retail Gas Service Three Years in a Row” from 2011 through 2013, when the natural gas market study was discontinued.

EMPLOYEE PERKS!SIX FLAGS and WHITE WATER

Six Flags One Day Discounted Admission $44.51

White Water One Day Discounted Admission $38.15

Gold Combo Season Pass for Six Flags/ White Water (Parking included) $67.83

Tickets are sold online at sixflags.com/PartnerLogin. User name: waltonemcog Password (case sensitive): SixFlags10

STONE MOUNTAIN PARK

Stone Mountain Park Daily Adventure Pass $23.54

Stone Mountain tickets are available online at stonemountainpark.com/save Promo code: wemc

CARMIKE CINEMAS

Movie Tickets $8.00

REGAL CINEMAS

Movie Tickets $8.50

GEORGIA AQUARIUM

Visit the following link forexclusive ticket savings: www.georgiaaquarium.org/waltonemc

For more info, contact Kimberly Knowlton @ ext. 2308, Amanda Christian @ ext. 2377, or Denise Sheffield @ ext. 2201

Highest J.D. Power Score in Utility’s History


NEW CAREHERE CLINICThe Snellville office is getting their very own CareHere clinic beginning August 1st. The exam room, lab area and waiting room will be located near the front counter.

Great Health Benefits That Won’t Lighten Your Wallet

HEALTH + SAFETY

ZERO OUT OF POCKETMedical diagnostics like CT scans, MRIs and X-rays are expensive. Did you know there’s a way to have these tests done at no extra cost to you?

Our Zero Out of Pocket benefit cuts your medical imaging costs to $0. You don’t have to pay a co-pay, deductible or co-insurance. Here’s how it works:

1. If your doctor orders medical imaging, tell them you want to use our medical plan’s Zero Out of Pocket provider.

2. The doctor sends the orders to your choice of Zero Out of Pocket providers:

• Athens Diagnostic, 1063 Baxter Street, Athens, 706-316-3662

• Metro Imaging, 5730 Glenridge Dr., T-300, Sandy Springs, 470-440-2700

3. When you check in for your test, show your Zero Out of Pocket ID card at registration.

That’s it. You’ll pay nothing when you visit the provider and never get a bill. If you have more questions, contact Janie Hoyt, [email protected] or ext. 2357.

SCRIPT SOURCINGPrescription drugs cost a lot, especially if they’re newer drugs that don’t have generic equivalents. But medicines are often less expensive in other countries.

Script Sourcing is an option that allows your name brand drug to be dispensed from a pharmacy in another English-speaking country where the price is much lower, like England, Australia or Canada. Best of all, there is no cost to you!

You’ll receive the same drug that you’d get in the United States. This saves you money because there’s no mail order copay and saves Walton EMC money because of reduced prescription costs.

To get started, call 866-215-7874. You’ll get a $25 Walmart gift card for enrolling!

“The service is so easy to use. It is true Cadillac treatment. The pharmacy calls and verifies how much is left of my prescription instead of me having to hunt them down for a refill. It is true customer service. If everyone knew just how easy it is to use they would never want to get their medicine any other way.

“The price is DEFINITELY right! Thank you for telling me about this wonderful benefit. We have so many.” –Cindy Haddon


2017 BLOOD DRIVESSeptember 14December 21

Gary Power on the passing of his father, Jere Power

Sherry Horvieth on the passing of her father-in-law, Joseph Horvieth

Pete Ervin on the passing of his father-in-law, Mark Butler

Ryan Smith on the passing of his grandmother, Leora Leonard Leach

Chad Wilkes on the passing of his grandmother, Kathryn Veale

Jeff Peters on the passing of his grandmother, Alice Hawk Aycock

Tony Easley on the passing of his brother, Johnny Easley

Denise Borchers on the passing of her mother-in-law, Linda Borchers

Shyrel Nellenback on the passing of her step-daughter, Lori Lee Nellenback Small

Dan Bennett on the passing of his father-in-law, Dan Dixon

Kay Myotte on the passing of her brother, M. Wayne Ramsey

Angie Meeler on the passing of her sister-in-law, Cheryl Ann Meeler

HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT EVENTAugust 15th • 7:00–11:30 a.m. Monroe auditorium.

Must be fasting to have blood drawn. Vendors include: Liberty Mutual, AFLAC, Legal Shield, and Sam’s Club. One of the CareHere health coaches will also be there preparing a healthy snack.


7th Annual Walton EMC

August 17 – 9 a.m.Cherokee Rose Gun Club, Griffin, GA

SPORTING CLAYCHARITY SHOOT

Benefitting Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer

Walton Gas + EMC Security = Bundle Billing Starting September 1, 2017 Walton Gas and EMC Security will offer combined billing. Previously, only electric customers could bundle services. We hope this added a layer of convenience benefits our customers.

Fall Customer Promotions

All 12-month rate customers will receive a tote bag.

intro here?

All 24-month rate customers will receive an umbrella.

Walton Gas customers can help their ??? charities and enter for a chance to win tickets and accomodations to the GA vs. FLA game in Jacksonville October 28, 2017.

Sweet Summer Loan!

Loan qualification is based on an assessment of individual creditworthiness and our underwriting standards. All Credit Union loan programs, rates, fees and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Federally Insured by NCUA. Must apply by August 31, 2017.

All emc employees areapproved for a Summer Loan of at least $500 from GEMC Federal Credit Union


Thank you for showing your support for the 7th cooperative principle “Concern for Community.”

How to join the fun:

1. Purchase shirt from Kathy Ivie

2. Purchase $2 sticker for each Monday you want to participate

3. Wear your blue jeans, shirt and sticker on Mondays!

Blue Jean Mondays are a Hit!


employee stats

Bonifay, FL (1) .4%

Madison (8) 3%

Nicholson (1) .4%

Opelika, AL (1) .4%

Oxford (4) 1.5%

Rayle (1) .4%

Rome (1) .4%

Rutledge (2) .8%

Snellville (7) 2.7%

Social Circle (6) 2.3%

Statham (4) 1.5%

Wadley, AL (1) .4%

Watkinsville (17) 4%

Winder (4) 1.5%

Winterville (1) .4%

Monroe (94) 36%

Athens (6) 2.3%

Bethlehem (6) 2.3%

Bishop (6) 2.3%

Bogart (7) 2.7%

Bostwick (2) .8%

Braselton (1) .4%

Buford (3) 1%

Carlton (1) .4%

Conyers (9) 3.5%

Covington (6) 2.3%

Dacula (2) .8%

Danielsville (1) .4%

Good Hope (16) 6%

Grayson (1) .4%

Hull (2) .8%

Jefferson (1) .4%

Jersey (1) .4%

Lawrenceville (4) 1.5%

Lexington (1) .4%

Lilburn (1) .4%

Lithonia (1) .4%

Loganville (29) 11%

1–5

5–10

10–15

15–20

20–25

25+

260EMPLOYEES

OFFICES

DEPARTMENTSNumber of employees in each department

YEARS OF SERVICE

20%

While the majority of Walton EMC employees reside in Monroe, we have employees living as far away

as Bonifay, Florida!

10–20 YRS107

4133

6

30–40 YRS

20–30 YRS

40–50 YRS

Linemen

Contact Center

Engineering

Accounting/Data Processing

Other

16LESS THAN 1 YR

361–5 YRS

5–10 YRS 24

FL

AL

784255

6721

74%Monroe

Snellville

FEMALE

37%63%MALE

5%Watkinsville


Recent Customer Comments Some edited for length or clarity

GOOD NEWS!

Last night, 2/24/17 at 7:25pm, I called Walton EMC to report a power outage at my home. I received a call back within 15 min and 2 trucks arrived within 30 min. These very nice and courteous gentlemen had my power restored within an hour. My husband and I would like to thank these men and let Walton EMC know what a great job they did. Working in retail myself, I know you mostly receive negative comments. I hope this message brings a smile to everyones face. Please Thank these men for us and let them know they are very appreciated. Thank you and have a fabulous day!

Great job!!!!

–Amy C. Smith

My power went out last night during that vicious storm. A few years back at annual meeting our bucket had a miniature battery operated Coleman lantern. Had the opportunity to use it again last night. It is amazing how much light that little thing gives out! Thank you WEMC!

And heartfelt thanks to those brave guys out in that storm to restore our power. Thanks to all of you working the storm damage last night. Thank you Ryan Smith for the telephone call to make sure my lights were on. Good job WEMC!

–Brenda Brown

I just wanted to say that I am greatly impressed with your service with a recent sudden outage here on my street. I was on a conference call working from home and heard a big boom and then no power. Once I was off the call I called in to report it and the recording already had it on the system. not even 10 minutes later, I see one of the truck go by and less than 10 minutes after that power was restored. like I said i am greatly impressed and keep up the good work.

–Kevin Iilas, Satisfied Customer


Greg Brooks and Savannah Chandler recently received awards for their work in the Cooperative Communicators Association (CCA) annual communications contest.

CCA is an international organization emphasizing the unique mission and needs of professionals who communicate for cooperatives.

The duo placed third in four categories – employee publication, broadcast advertising, campaigns and programs and news release.

Comments from the judges evaluating their entries included:

“I felt your publication was welcoming and easy to read.”

“Neighbors helping neighbors delivers a strong local message.”

“Use of social media and crisis management is particularly strong.”

This year marks the 21st year Walton EMC has entered and placed in the CCA communications contest.

Congrats!TO OUR CCA AWARD WINNERS

“Use of social media and crisis management is particularly strong.”

Look for your invitation this month!

Saturday, September 30, 2017UGA Hotel & Conference Center-Mahler Hall

Featuring Entertainment by a Comedian


2017 BLOOD DRIVESFebruary 16

April 27

June 29

September 14

December 21

Jill Mincey on the birth of her grandson, Jackson Kyle McBrayer

Jennifer Butler on the birth of her grandson, Rorek Newt Butler

Jennifer Lester on the birth of her granddaughter, Charlee Noell Lester

Janie Hoyt on the birth of her granddaughter, Ryleigh Anne Hoyt

Randall Pruitt and Kevin Underwood on the birth of their granddaughter, Presley Elizabeth Underwood

Betty Little on the birth of her granddaughter, Destinee Marie Robinson

Denise Borchers on the birth of her grandson, Ryland Carter Borchers

TO EMC FAMILIES

Congrats!Jennifer Butler on the birth of her grandson, Laiken William Pack

Phil Matthews on the birth of his grandson, Phillip Brody Matthews

Jason Wright on the birth of his son, Ethan Michael Wright

Liz Wright on the birth of her son, Caleb Michael Wright

Keith Kirk on the birth of his grandson, Brady Dwayne Kirk

Back Row (L to R): Logan Santos, Mill Creek High School; Jordan Hilsman, Stephen Guinn, Monroe Area High School and Logan Broach, Monroe Area High School.

Front Row: Mariah Briney, Salem High School, Rebekah Sims, Mill Creek High School and Claire Weatherly, Grayson High School

TO 2017 WALTON ELECTRIC TRUST SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

“My grandson ‘Jaiven Robinson’ made ‘Merit List’ at Harmony Elementary School. Although he wasn’t feeling well, he insisted he wanted to be there to get his Award for ‘Merit List’. He didn’t even feel like smiling. So PROUD of him, and he will be a 3rd Grader next year!!”


2017 BLOOD DRIVESFebruary 16

April 27

June 29

September 14

December 21

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1. Tim Morris, Technical Services Director, Monroe

2. Alvaro Mendoza Martinez, Line Technician Trainee I, Monroe

3. Jordan Cox, Line Technician Trainee I, Snellville

4. Jason Coffey, Customer Care Representative I-Contact Center, Monroe

5. Kacey Malcom, Customer Care Representative I-Contact Center, Monroe

6. Whitney Grogg, Customer Care Representative I-Contact Center, Monroe

7. Jacob Mitchell, System Engineer I, Monroe

1. James Childs, Project Engineer I, to Project Engineer II, Monroe

2. Dennis Simmons, Journeyman Line Technician, to Line Crew Supervisor, Snellville

3. Taylor Houser, Line Technician Trainee II, to Apprentice Line Technician, Watkinsville

4. Blaine Ogle, Line Technician Trainee II, to Apprentice Line Technician, Watkinsville

5. Bob Gibbs, Line Crew Supervisor, to Contract Construction Coordinator, Monroe and Snellville

6. Ryan Glosson, Line Technician Trainee II, to Apprentice Line Technician, Monroe

7. Jason Higgins, Line Technician Trainee II, to Apprentice Line Technician, Monroe

8. Jacob McNary, Line Technician Trainee II, to Apprentice Line Technician, Monroe

9. Matthew Bradford, Line Technician Trainee II, to Apprentice Line Technician, Monroe

10. Josh Callaway, Line Technician Trainee II, to Apprentice Line Technician, Snellville

11. Pete Ervin, Customer Care Representative I-Contact Center, to Customer Care Representative II-Contact Center, Monroe

Denise Sheffield 6/29/17 after 31 years of service

Barbara Cleghorn 8/24/17 after 39 years of service

TO OUR MOVERS AND SHAKERS

TO OUR NEW EMPLOYEES

TO THE NEW RETIREES!


AROUNDTHE CO-OPMaybe a paragraph of text about some of the happenings around the co-op?

RONNIE’S DESK - mPrint Design · old documents that cast some doubt on who owned some parcels ......

Documents

Transcript of RONNIE’S DESK - mPrint Design · old documents that cast some doubt on who owned some parcels ......