Nonprofit, fully online university will provide $50,000 in scholarships through its “Power Your Future” initiative for new students who are electric cooperative members 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 28, 2021) – In an effort to empower residents in rural areas of Tennessee to go back to school and further their education, WGU Tennessee, an affiliate of Western Governors University, has announced it has partnered with Tennessee’s electric cooperatives to provide $50,000 in scholarships to residents who are served by an electric cooperative and are interested in pursuing a degree from the online, nonprofit university. The “Power Your Future” scholarship is open to new students in rural areas of Tennessee who are consumers of, or live in a household served by, one of the 23 rural electric co-ops that power rural Tennessee.

Learn more about the Power Your Future scholarship

“Electric co-ops and WGU share a mutual goal of supporting and investing in the future of rural communities,” said David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “This partnership with WGU will provide new opportunities for the 2.5 million Tennesseans served by electric co-ops in Tennessee to pursue a degree in higher education without the barrier of cost. We are excited to be on the front lines of building a brighter Tennessee.”

WGU is a leader in providing fully online, affordable, competency-based education to working adults who are interested in furthering their skillset but need the flexibility of online education to fit their busy lives. Through the “Power Your Future” scholarships, WGU aims to empower students in rural Tennessee who are committed to going back to school to complete their undergraduate or graduate degrees. Each scholarship is valued at up to $3,000 and will be applied at a rate of $750 per six-month term.

To be eligible, scholarship applicants must be officially admitted to WGU and enrolled in one of the university’s more than 60 accredited bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in business, information technology, K–12 teacher education, and health professions, including nursing. Students must also complete the scholarship application at wgu.edu/power and be interviewed by a WGU scholarship counselor. Recipients will be selected based on academic records, financial need, readiness for online study, and current competency, among other considerations.

“We are delighted to partner with Tennessee’s electric cooperatives in this important venture, making education more accessible and affordable for working adults across Tennessee,” said Kim Estep, chancellor of WGU Tennessee and vice president, Southeast Region of WGU. “Together we seek to provide a streamlined approach and expand access to higher education, particularly for rural residents served by electric cooperatives who do not have easy access to high-quality higher education in their communities.”

Over 4,000 Tennesseans are currently enrolled at WGU Tennessee, which has conferred more than 7,000 degrees in the state.

For more information about WGU or the Power Your Future scholarship, visit wgu.edu/power.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and SP-Teri officials announced today that the company will relocate its headquarters and manufacturing operations from Nashville to McEwen, creating 35 new jobs.

“We appreciate SP-Teri’s continued commitment to Tennessee,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “This expansion of 35 new jobs and relocation to Humphreys County will positively impact this community that continues to recover and rebuild from the flood in August.”

SP-Teri chose to relocate following the 2020 Nashville tornado when its facility was destroyed. Through this new expansion and relocation, SP-Teri will invest $435,000 in its new McEwen operations, located at 55 High Street West.

“TVA and Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative congratulate SP-Teri on its decision to expand operations in Humphreys County,” said John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development. “It’s always an exciting day when we can celebrate a company’s commitment to continued growth in the Valley. We are proud to partner with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and the Humphreys County Economic Development Council to support companies, like SP-Teri, to create job opportunities and investment in the region and celebrate this announcement together.”

For over 50 years, SP-Teri has created high quality boots for elite figure skaters. After being shut down for almost a year, this expansion will allow SP-Teri to not only restart its operations, but expand its product offerings to make roller plates and trucks as well as inline skates.

In the last five years, TNECD has supported more than 200 economic development projects in Northern Middle Tennessee resulting in nearly 50,000 job commitments and roughly $8.4 billion in capital investment.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Lodge Manufacturing Company officials today announced the company will invest $56 million to expand its South Pittsburg facility, where it has operated for 125 years.

“For 125 years, Lodge has called South Pittsburg home and relied on skilled Tennesseans to make products that last for generations,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “I’m proud that this respected brand continues to thrive in our state, and we thank the company for its additional investment in Southeast Tennessee.”

In order to meet increased demand, Lodge will expand and reconfigure its existing facility and add additional manufacturing equipment to enhance production capabilities. Lodge will create 239 new jobs as a result of the expansion.

“TVA and Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative congratulate Lodge Manufacturing on its decision to expand operations in Marion County,” said John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development. “It’s always an exciting day when we can celebrate one of our region’s most long-standing companies and its continued commitment to growth in the Valley. We are proud to partner with Marion County Government, City of South Pittsburg Government, and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to help support companies, like Lodge Manufacturing’s business success.”

Founded in 1896, Lodge is a fifth-generation, family-owned company that manufactures the largest selection of American made cast iron cookware. Lodge operates two foundries in South Pittsburg, the second of which opened in 2017 and increased the company’s manufacturing capacity by 75%.

Lodge offers a variety of products ranging from its signature seasoned cast iron to enameled cast iron and carbon steel cookware. Customers can also shop a wide range of items specifically made for grilling or baking.

For more information about Lodge Manufacturing Company, visit lodgecastiron.com. To view open positions, visit lodgecastiron.com/careers.

Nashville, TENN. – Nearly 300 electric co-op employees participated in the fifth annual Tennessee Electric Cooperative Day of Service on Thursday, Oct. 21. Twenty individual service projects were completed across the state with 292 employees from 10 electric co-ops volunteering more than 700 hours in service to their local communities. This year’s projects included painting and repairing playground equipment, cleaning a small business damaged in the Waverly flood and coordinating food, clothing, classroom supply and toy drives.

“Our commitment to the people and places we serve runs deep,” says Trent Scott, TECA’s vice president of corporate strategy and organizer of the event. “Our employees are raising families in these communities, and they want to give back. The Day of Service is an opportunity for our employees to complete projects that have a real impact.”

Sponsors for the 2021 Day of Service were Bass, Berry and Sims, Calix, Silicon Ranch, Tennessee811 and The Tennessee Magazine.

In the five-year history of the Day of Service event, 1,900 employees have volunteered more than 4,900 hours to complete 116 individual projects in co-op communities across the state.

Co-ops participating in the 2021 Day of Service and the projects they completed were:

  • Caney Fork Electric Cooperative – Coordinated Christmas toy drive for area children
  • Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation – Painted playground equipment for local schools
  • Fayetteville Public Utilities – delivered gift bags to residents in local assisted living and nursing facilities
  • Gibson Electric Membership Corporation – Provided classroom supplies for 11 teachers and 96 students
  • Pickwick Electric Cooperative – Assisted the Jesus Cares Thrift Store and packed and delivered care packages to nursing home residents
  • Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association – Helped clean a small business impacted by the Waverly, Tenn., flood
  • Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative – Donated meals to local healthcare workers and raised money for a veterans group
  • Volunteer Energy Cooperative – donated food to food banks and a back pack program

In the photo: Caney Fork Electric Cooperative employees collect toys to ensure that area children have a special holiday.

DETROIT – Ford Motor Company announced Monday that it has selected the Memphis Regional Megasite for one of the largest battery and vehicle manufacturing campuses in the U.S. The partnership between Ford and SK Innovation is a $5.6 billion investment that will bring 5,800 new jobs to the region. Called Blue Oval City, the complex will be constructed on a nearly 6-square-mile site near Stanton in West Tennessee and build next-generation electric F-Series pickups and advanced batteries.

“This is a watershed moment for Tennesseans as we lead the future of the automotive industry and advanced manufacturing,” said Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee.

The site, located approximately 25 miles east of Memphis and 32 miles west of Jackson, lies within the service areas of two electric cooperatives: Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation and Chickasaw Electric Cooperative. While the assembly plant is expected to be directly served by the Tennessee Valley Authority, both co-ops expect the project to have a significant impact.

“The scope of this project is unlike anything Tennessee has ever seen,” said Kevin Murphy, CEO of Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation and board president of TECA. “This development will have a lasting impact on the communities we serve and all of West Tennessee. We are honored that Ford selected our region to for this historic investment, and we are celebrating the exciting opportunities that this will create.”

“This week’s Ford announcement will have a lasting, positive affect on our region,” said Loyd Muncy, CEO of Chickasaw Electric Cooperative. “The economic opportunities created by a project of this size will benefit Chickasaw Electric, our consumers and all the communities we serve for generations.”

Blue Oval City will be designed to be the largest, most advanced and most efficient automotive production campus in Ford’s history. The campus will include the Ford assembly plant, a supplier park and a battery manufacturing plant operated by BlueOvalSK, Ford and SK Innovation’s joint venture. The site will become a vertically integrated ecosystem with key suppliers and battery manufacturing on the same campus where Ford will assemble next generation all-electric F-Series trucks.

The Ford buildout of the Memphis Regional Megasite is anticipated to result in significant job creation and capital investment. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development projected the following:

  • The project is anticipated to generate more than 27,000 new jobs, both directly and indirectly, to support the site’s operations. This will result in more than $1.02 billion in annual earnings.
  • This project is anticipated to contribute $3.5 billion each year to Tennessee’s gross state product.
  • This project is also expected to generate temporary construction benefits, including $5.6 billion spent on land, buildings and other real property improvements. Additionally, more than 32,000 jobs are expected to support the construction period with around $1.87 billion in salaries related to construction activity.

“Today is a historic day as we welcome Ford Motor Company and SK Innovation to Tennessee,” said Tennessee Department of Economic Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe. “The ripple effect resulting from these projects will be transformational for our state, especially West Tennessee, and we are most grateful for this enormous investment and the addition of two top global brands. To have such a world renowned, American company land as our first tenant at the Memphis Regional Megasite underscores the site’s strength and potential for additional joint venture partners and suppliers.”

Murfreesboro, Tenn. – The Nominating Committee of Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) announced today that Vanessa Hickman will serve on the MTE Board of Directors, completing the term of the seat vacated by the retirement of Tom Purkey.

Hickman was nominated to the Board after submitting her candidacy during the submission period and completing an interview process.

She will fill the Wilson County District 4A seat left open by the retirement of Tom Purkey, who moved out of the MTE service territory after serving on the Board for nine years.

Regarding Hickman’s nomination, MTE’s Board Chairman Mike Woods said, “Vanessa is a dedicated and highly respected member of our community, and we have no doubt her skills will be an asset to our Board. We’re honored to have her fill this role, and we appreciate the work of the Nominating Committee in exercising its duty to fill the board vacancy through an open process.”

Hickman recently retired from the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority as Assistant Vice President of Information Technology and was the Authority’s first Chief Information Officer. Over the course of a career spanning more than 40 years, including roles at Gaylord Entertainment and IBM, she provided information systems advice on managing IT applications and applying technology to support business goals.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from East Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in healthcare informatics from Lipscomb University. Hickman is a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives and serves as an adjunct professor of healthcare informatics at Trevecca Nazarene University. In addition to her new role on the MTE Board, she has been heavily involved with various community organizations throughout the years. Currently, she is a member of Women of Technology in Tennessee and the Nashville Technology Council (NTC), of which she recently was inducted into their Hall of Fame.

Additional recognitions and honors throughout her prestigious career include Fifty Forward’s 2019 Harriet Folley Leadership Award and being named a 2019 finalist for the NTC CIO of the Year award.

Hickman lives in Mt. Juliet with her husband, James, and they have a daughter, Jamette.

Sixty-three lineworkers from 7 Tennessee electric cooperatives are assisting with Hurricane Ida recovery efforts. The massive hurricane left widespread damage across Louisiana where power restoration is expected to take weeks.

“Our crews have a reputation for responding quickly, working safely and showing compassion to those who have been impacted by storms like this one,” says David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “We commend their desire to serve and wish them well in the days to come.”

Jean Sutton, a resident of St. Gabriel, Louisiana, who is originally from Morristown, Tennessee, took to Facebook earlier this week to thank Appalachian Electric after meeting one of their contract crews restoring power to her home. “You don’t have any idea the hope you give us after such destruction and the life you restore when the power comes back on!,” reads her post.

“We know that there is a long road ahead for the people of Louisiana,” says Todd Blocker, vice president of member relations and coordinator of statewide mutual aid for TECA. “Our Tennessee co-ops are proud to be able to assist them during this time of need.”


Below is a list of Tennessee co-ops providing assistance and the name and location of the co-op they will be helping. This information is likely to change as the storm nears the coast.

  • Appalachian Electric Cooperative in New Market, Tenn. – eight lineworkers to DEMCO in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
  • Chickasaw Electric Cooperative in Somerville, Tenn. – six lineworkers to Washington St. Tammany Electric Cooperative in Franklinton, Louisiana
  • Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation in Clarksville, Tenn. – 10 lineworkers to DEMCO in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
  • Fayetteville Public Utilities in Fayetteville, Tenn. – nine lineworkers to DEMCO in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
  • Holston Electric Cooperative in Rogersville, Tenn. – 10 lineworkers to DEMCO in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
  • Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation in Brownsville, Tenn. – 10 lineworkers to Washington St. Tammany Electric Cooperative in Franklinton, Louisiana
  • Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation in Carthage, Tenn. – 10 lineworkers to DEMCO in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Photo by David Abernathy. CEMC crews depart Clarksville to assist with power restoration following Hurricane Ida.

NASHVILLE – A new law that protects Tennesseans from improperly installed electric generation equipment was signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee on Tuesday, April 20.

The law requires owners of generators, solar panels, wind turbines or other electric generation equipment that is connected to the power distribution grid to notify their local power company and to install an automatic disconnect switch that is accessible to the local utility.

Gov. Lee, a longtime friend of electric co-ops, expressed his support for the legislation. “Lineworkers power Tennessee, and this legislation will ensure they stay safe on the job,” says Gov. Lee. “Our homes, hospitals, farms, factories and everything in between depend on well-managed infrastructure, and this law is an important part of that.”

To protect the public from danger, the local electric distribution grid is designed to interrupt the flow of power to an area when the system detects damage such as a pole broken during an automobile accident or power lines damaged during a storm.

“Unfortunately, privately owned generation equipment that is connected to the grid might continue generating power onto the grid if it is not properly installed,” says Mike Knotts, vice president of government affairs for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, “and this could create a very dangerous situation for the public, first responders or utility lineworkers.”

“If you don’t know where these electric producing instruments are, you could have a tragic accident,” said Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, sponsor of the legislation, from the House floor on March 11.

Tennessee’s electric cooperatives championed the law throughout this year’s legislative session. “We appreciate the General Assembly and Gov. Lee for sharing our concern for public safety,” says David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association.

Owners of grid-connected generation equipment should contact their local electric utility for more information.

H.B. 252 discussion and vote during the Commerce Committee on March 2

NASHVILLE – This week, electric co-op leaders from across the state held online meetings with Tennessee’s congressional delegation as part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s 2021 Legislative Conference. During the meetings, co-op leaders discussed issues that are important for electric co-ops and for rural and suburban Tennessee.

Mike Knotts, vice president of government affairs for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, said that hearing from people back home is important. “Lawmakers consider hundreds of pieces of legislation, and co-op leaders can help them better understand the real-world impacts of laws and policies created in D.C.”

Lawmakers were encouraged to support broadband and other investments in rural infrastructure and to co-sign legislation that would allow electric co-ops to take advantage of historically low interest rates. Lawmakers were also invited to visit their local co-ops to meet employees and tour co-op facilities.

“Tennesseans know all too well the importance of keeping the lights on in the Volunteer State,” said Sen. Marsha Blackburn. “Thank you to Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association for mobilizing industry leaders and solving problems for hardworking Americans.”

Co-op leaders hosted meetings with Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Sen. Bill Hagerty’s staff, along with Reps. Tim Burchett, Scott DesJarlais, Chuck Fleischmann, Mark Green, Diana Harshbarger, David Kustoff and John Rose.

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. – A little sunshine will soon be in your next glass of whiskey as Jack Daniel’s partners with the Tennessee Valley Authority, Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, and Nashville-based solar power producer Silicon Ranch to provide the iconic Tennessee whiskey maker’s Lynchburg distillery with 20 megawatts of solar energy.

TVA signed a long-term power purchase agreement with Silicon Ranch to build, own, and operate the solar facility just a few miles from the world-famous distillery in Moore County, Tennessee, pending environmental reviews.

This Middle-Tennessee solar project is another win for TVA’s nationally recognized Green Invest program, which has already secured solar farms to help meet the renewable energy goals of auto manufacturers, data centers, local power companies, cities, and universities.

“Our commitment to making great whiskey is only matched by our commitment to preserving the world we call home through sustainable practices,” said Jack Daniel’s Vice President and Assistant General Manager Melvin Keebler. “We’re excited to be the first distillery to sign a Green Invest deal that will provide nearly three-quarters of our electricity needs. Now the world’s most iconic whiskey is even greener.”

Jack Daniel’s runs its distillery with a zero-waste to landfill policy and has programs to protect the water and wood used to make its whiskey.

“This announcement demonstrates the environmental leadership of Jack Daniel’s and Duck River, fueled by our shared long-term commitment to renewable energy and community engagement,” said Chris Hansen, TVA vice president, Origination and Renewables. “TVA’s Green Invest program is the nexus for any organization interested in making renewable energy a part of their business.”

Since 2018, Green Invest has attracted nearly $2.7 billion in solar investment and procured over 2,100 megawatts of solar on behalf of its customers – maintaining TVA’s green energy leadership as the energy provider with the greatest amount of renewable generation in the Southeast.

“TVA, Jack Daniel’s and Duck River are excellent neighbors who are valuable assets to our community,” said Mayor Bonnie Lewis, Metro Lynchburg, Moore County, Tennessee. “Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world tour the distillery, and this solar farm from our newest corporate citizen Silicon Ranch will be another attraction as they provide additional construction jobs and tax revenue to Moore County.”

Silicon Ranch collaborated with local landowners Cumberland Springs Land Company, the leadership at Motlow State Community College, and officials in Moore County to develop the solar project.

“The Tennessee Valley is our home, and Silicon Ranch is honored to be part of this compelling story that demonstrates what’s possible when partners work together with a shared commitment to our local communities,” said Reagan Farr, Silicon Ranch Co-Founder and CEO. “Thanks to the leadership of our friends at TVA, local power companies such as DREMC, and visionary companies such as Jack Daniel’s, Silicon Ranch is on pace to invest more than $1 billion across the Valley, and we are proud to expand this legacy to Moore County.”

TVA sees a bright future for solar fueling the region’s economy and has increased its contracted solar capacity by 60% since October 2020.

“Duck River is honored to serve as Jack Daniel’s trusted energy provider,” said Scott Spence, DREMC president and CEO. “We have witnessed great things happen over the years through Jack Daniel’s investment in the Metro Lynchburg, Moore County community, and this is no exception. Duck River is thrilled to be a part of this project.”

Congressman David Kustoff met with Gibson Electric Membership Corporation management Thursday, April 8. During the visit, Kustoff gave a Washington legislative update and asked questions about Gibson EMC’s broadband subsidiary, Gibson Connect.

“We really appreciate the information Congressman Kustoff shared with us and we are grateful for the work he is doing to help Gibson EMC and other electric cooperatives provide high-speed internet service to our member-owners and communities,” said Dan Rodamaker, President and CEO of Gibson EMC and Gibson Connect. “His discussion with us demonstrated a keen understanding of the importance of broadband to rural west Tennessee and a sincere concern for those we serve.”

Gibson EMC formed Gibson Connect in 2017 when the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act was passed, allowing cooperatives to provide and sell internet directly to their member-owners.

“Since then, we have worked diligently to build our fiber network and provide access to our eligible members,” Rodamaker said.  “Thanks to Congressman Kustoff and others in our state and federal government who have provided support, Gibson EMC has applied for and been awarded $7.5 million in state construction grants,” he said.  “This is extremely important to all of our members because it will enable us to provide access to this essential service more affordably.”

Nashville – Today the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced that five Tennessee electric co-ops will receive a total of $5.3 million to expand access to broadband in rural Tennessee. Now in its fourth year, the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Grant Fund has invested more than $100 million in state and federal dollars to bring fast and reliable internet access to all Tennesseans.

“Every Tennessean should have access to the same high-speed broadband, no matter what ZIP code they live in,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “Our continued investment in internet connectivity will help level the playing field for rural communities across our state, and I thank these 13 providers for partnering with us to help nearly 18,000 more Tennesseans get connected.”

Since the Broadband Accessibility Act passed in 2017, 14 of Tennessee’s 23 electric co-ops have launched broadband projects.

“Broadband access is an essential service for  families and businesses alike, and that is just as true on the farm as it is on Main Street,” said Mike Knotts, vice president of government relations with the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “We appreciate Gov. Lee and ECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe’s commitment to bring high-speed connectivity to rural Tennessee, and we are honored that they have once again turned to co-ops to get the job done.”

Electric co-ops and their partners receiving grants are:

Nashville, TENN. – Electric cooperatives across Tennessee continue to assess damage to their power grids following a significant icing event on Monday, Feb. 15. More than 20,000 co-op consumers remain without power Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 16. Crews from Tennessee co-ops and neighboring states are assisting in the recovery.

“The dangerously cold weather makes this a serious situation, and co-ops are doing everything they can to get power restored to everyone as quickly as possible,” says David Callis, executive vice president of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “Damage from ice is widespread, and that will make restoration a slow process. Homeowners should be prepared for extended outages and take appropriate precautions. We commend the co-op crews who are battling these brutal conditions to serve their communities.”

Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation in Carthage reports that more than 13,000 of their 51,000 consumers remain without power. The co-op is being assisted by

  • Eight lineworkers from Appalachian Electric Cooperative in New Market
  • Four lineworkers from Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative in Vonore
  • Four lineworkers from Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation in Lafayette
  • Five lineworkers from Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation in Young Harris, Ga.

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation in Shelbyville reports that 6,900 of their 77,000 consumers remain without power. The co-op is being assisted by

  • Ten lineworkers from Middle Tennessee Electric in Murfreesboro
  • Ten lineworkers from Holston Electric Cooperative in Rogersville
  • Six lineworkers from Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative in South Pittsburg
  • Six lineworkers from Covington Electric Cooperative in Andalusia, Al.
  • Seven lineworkers from Marshall Dekalb Electric Cooperative in Boaz, Al.
  • Four lineworkers from Wiregrass Electric Cooperative in Hartford, Al.

Photo by Mike Partin, Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative

PVEC’s Coppock

New Tazewell, TENN. – Powell Valley Electric Cooperative Board of Directors has named Brad Coppock, senior engineer, as the cooperative’s next general manager effective March 1, 2021.

Current general manager and CEO Randell W. Meyers recently announced his upcoming retirement effective February 28, 2021.  Meyers has served the cooperative since 1964. He was named general manager in 1992 and later general manager and CEO.

Mr. Coppock is a graduate of Horace Maynard High School in Union County, Tennessee and a 2001 graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a degree in computer engineering. He has held a Professional Engineer license since 2013. Mr. Coppock has been employed with the cooperative for 19 years, serving as engineer until 2013 when he was promoted to senior engineer. While in college he was a co-op student with the cooperative for two summers.

Mr. Coppock is a resident of New Tazewell, Tennessee, where he resides with his wife and three children.

“We appreciate Randell’s 57 years of dedicated service to the co-op, with the last 28 doing an outstanding job as our general manager,” said Board President Roger Ball on behalf of the PVEC Board. “We look forward to working with Brad. He is well qualified for the position and we know he will do a great job.”

“We congratulate Mr. Meyers on his retirement,” said David Callis, executive vice president and general manager for TECA. “Thousands of businesses and families in the Powell Valley region depend on the critical services that the co-op provides, and we look forward to working with Brad and the team at PVEC.”

 

NASHVILLE – The Cooperative Communicators Association and the Statewide Editors Association recognized the communication efforts of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association in the past week.

The Cooperative Communicators Association, an organization of co-op communicators from all sectors, announced its communication awards on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Highlights of the CCA awards include Cover of the Year to The Tennessee Magazine, Photographer of the Year to Robin Conover, and Best Long-Term Campaign to Trent Scott for TECA’s 2019 Power and Opportunity Campaign. TECA competed against national brands like Dairy Farmers of America, GROWMARK, CoBank and FarmCredit.

The Statewide Editors Association, a national network of electric cooperative statewide magazine editors, announced its annual communication awards during a ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 10.

“We are honored to be recognized by our electric co-op peers,” says David Callis, executive vice president and general manager for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “Communications is a critical part of our work as co-ops. We are fortunate to have a talented and effective team of professional communicators here at TECA, and they take pride in sharing the stories of electric co-ops and the rural communities they serve.”


Awards presented by the Cooperative Communicators Association

Awards presented to the TECA Communications Department were:

  • The Tennessee Magazine was awarded Cover of the Year
  • 2nd place, Programs & Projects, Promotional Video, for the 2019 Washington Youth Tour video
  • 1st place, Publications, Brochures, Pamphlets and One-Time Publications, for the 2019 Tennessee Magazine media kit

Awards presented to Robin Conover were:

  • Robin Conover was awarded Photographer of the Year
  • 2nd place, Photography, Portrait, for Wilson Fly
  • 1st place, Photography, Scenic/Pictorial, for Fog at Sunrise
  • 2nd place, Photography, Scenic/Pictorial, for Smelling the Flowers
  • 3rd place, Photography, Scenic/Pictorial, for Little River
  • 1st place, Photography, Photo Feature, for Sparks Fly
  • 2nd place, Photography, Photo Feature, for Fly General Store
  • 1st place, Photography, Photo Feature, for Welding at Ermco
  • 1st place, Photography, Smartphone, for Washington Youth Tour
  • 3rd place, Photography, Photo Illustration, for Dressed for the Season
  • 1st place, Photography, Photo Essay or Story, for Santa Fe – The Place to Be
  • 2nd place, Best use of Photos in a Publication, for The Tennessee Magazine
  • 2nd place, Publications, Words and Pictures, for Santa Fe
  • 3rd place, Writing, Column or Series, for Point of View

Awards presented to Trent Scott were:

  • 1st place, Programs and Projects, Campaigns and Programs Long-term, for TECA’s Power & Opportunity campaign
  • Honorable Mention, Programs and Projects, Website, for tnelectric.org

Awards presented by the Statewide Editors Association

  • Gold Award, Best Historical Feature, Scopes Trial, to Bill Carey
  • Merit Award, Best Personality Feature, Santa Fe The Place to Be, to Robin Conover
  • Merit Award, Best Column, Point of View, to Robin Conover
  • Gold Award, Best Digital Communication, tnmagazine.org, to Trent Scott

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Earlier today President Donald Trump removed TVA board chairman Skip Thompson and board member Richard Howorth.

In response to this development, David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, issued the following statement.

“Tennessee’s 23 electric cooperatives purchase wholesale energy from the Tennessee Valley Authority. Our consumers are best served when TVA is focused on responding to the complex energy needs of the region. Decisions that impact TVA also impact our co-ops and the communities they serve, and we are following today’s developments closely.”

The Trump administration made the move following a TVA decision to outsource IT jobs to companies headquartered in other countries. TVA board members are appointed by the president and approved by the Senate.

Nashville, TENN. – Today Gov. Bill Lee announced that a portion of Tennessee’s aid from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund would be used to expand access to broadband service. The newly created Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund will expand broadband access to better facilitate participation in telemedicine, distance learning and telecommuting.  

“The coronavirus pandemic has underscored the digital divide that exists in Tennessee,” said Mike Knotts, vice president of government affairs with the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “Never before has the need for broadband access been greater or the limitations for Tennesseans who can’t access the internet been more obvious. The Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund will help bring this essential service to many of the homes and businesses that need it most.” 

Since the passage of the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act in 2017, 14 of Tennessee’s 23 electric cooperatives have launched broadband projects, and Tennessee’s electric co-ops have proven their ability to maximize state and federal funds. For every dollar of grant money received, Tennessee co-ops are investing $15 of their own money. This multiplier means that Tennessee electric co-ops are stretching grant funds further to have the greatest impact. 

“The Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund can position Tennessee to better respond to the current pandemic and be better prepared to face the challenges that will come our way in the future,” said Knotts. “The impact of this investment will be felt for years. We appreciate the vision of Gov. Bill Lee and Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Bob Rolfe as well as Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, Speaker Cameron Sexton, Senate Finance Chair Bo Watson and House Utilities Chair Pat Marsh. Their allocation of these funds will positively impact tens of thousands of Tennesseans. 

Learn more at tnelectric.org/broadband.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Trent Scott | Vice President of Corporate Strategy | 615.515.5534 | [email protected] 

Gibson Electric Membership Corporation and its not-for-profit subsidiary, Gibson Connect, have announced their boards have approved moving forward with Phase III of their broadband network buildout.  Phase III work will begin in the Rutherford, Kenton and Newbern zones.  These zones have met their participation goals using Gibson Connect’s registration website, join.gibsonconnect.com.

“A start date for Phase III has not been set, but board approval will enable us to soon begin the engineering step of the buildout,” says Dan Rodamaker, President and CEO of Gibson EMC and Gibson Connect.  “We plan to start Phase III with these three zones and add more zones a little later, based on join.gibsonconnect.com registrations, as well as engineering and grant/loan requirements,” he said.

Charles Phillips, Gibson EMC VP of Technical Services and Gibson Connect VP of Operations, explains, “Gibson Connect provides its internet service through Gibson EMC’s substations, meaning work must be completed in the substation and the fiber network must be built from the substation to the zone before Gibson Connect can begin construction in the zone.  A grant or loan can impact the order of our buildout because it is typically for an area that has met grant eligibility requirements and may have deadlines by which we must complete the work to receive the funding.”

“Gibson EMC is actively seeking out and taking advantage of every grant opportunity in order to save our members’ money on construction costs,” Rodamaker says.  “Where grants are not available, we’re applying for low-interest loans.”

Rodamaker says the ReConnect loan Gibson EMC was awarded by the USDA will ultimately help construct the fiber network in certain parts of Obion County in Tennessee and in Gibson EMC’s Kentucky counties.  ReConnect also has a deadline by which Gibson EMC must complete the work, but Rodamaker says, “it allows a five-year period as opposed to the shorter deadlines of the grants.  Utilizing grants and low-interest loans will make the fiber network construction more affordable for Gibson EMC’s entire membership,” he says.

More than 4,700 consumer-members have been connected since construction started in February 2018.  “We’ve completed the initial construction in Phase I zones, and we are diligently working to connect those who have more recently signed up for the service,” Phillips says.  “Phase II is well underway, but there is still considerable work to do.  Board approval for Phase III zones will enable us to begin the initial step of the build in those areas,” Phillips said.

“We plan to ultimately provide high-speed internet access to all of our eligible members, but the buildout is a massive project that is time-intensive, he says.  “With about 3,100 miles of the fiber network to engineer and build, we knew from the time we started construction in August 2018 that it would take at least five years to provide access to all of our members.  Even so, we understand how urgently this service is needed and we are doing everything within our power to provide it as quickly as possible.”

“We began this project because our members told us they needed this service,” Rodamaker said, “and after experiencing the necessity to work and learn from home during the pandemic, we are more convinced than ever that we are doing the right thing for our members and our communities,” he said.  “Those who have already been connected are extremely pleased with and grateful for this service.”

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation is donating $30,000, which will be matched by the Tennessee Valley Authority through its COVID-19 Community Care Fund, making a total of $60,000 available to help members who qualify for the cooperative’s Project Help program amid financial hardships resulting from the COVID-19 crisis and recovery.

“The pandemic caused the loss of jobs, uncertainties and economic standstills in our communities, which left some members struggling to pay monthly bills, including electric bills,” says DREMC Office Supervisor Tara Groce. “With this additional funding for Project Help, more families impacted by the lingering effects of COVID-19 will receive assistance.”

For three decades, DREMC’s Project Help program has assisted many members who were unable to pay their electric bills. The program continues to be a successful part of how the cooperative cares for members, many of whom are finding themselves in need of assistance for the first time.

“Now more than ever, it is important to support the members we serve during tough times and financial hardships,” said DREMC President and CEO Scott Spence. “This is why Project Help exists.”

Project Help is an emergency residential energy-assistance program overseen by local charity organizations in seven counties served by DREMC and supported by generous monthly and one-time donations from members and employees, who have given more than $214,000 over the past five years to the program.

DREMC partners with the Franklin County Good Samaritan Association to offer Project Help assistance with electric bills. Assistance is available year-round to applicants who qualify.

“It’s great to be able to extend help to our community through the Project Help program,” said Christie Shaw, a director of the Franklin County Good Samaritan Association. “We can help more residents of Franklin County throughout the year because of this program.”

To apply for electric-bill assistance through Project Help, visit the Franklin County Good Samaritan Association at 1725 Decherd Blvd. in Decherd.

Normal hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. To speak to someone at the organization, call 931-967-9336.

“DREMC’s commitment to the communities we serve reaches hundreds each year through the power of Project Help,” Spence said.

Loyd Muncy

Somerville, TENN. – On July 1, Loyd Muncy became Chickasaw Electric Cooperative’s fifth general manager. Muncy replaces John Collins who announced his retirement in 2019.

Muncy, a 30-year veteran of the cooperative, has served in many capacities while at the cooperative including engineering supervisor, IT manager, project manager, and manager of finance and administration.

Muncy was drawn to the position because he has been involved with management and policies at the cooperative for several years, and he likes the direction the cooperative is headed. “Plus, it is pretty much the only title I have not held at the co-op,” he added. Muncy says his favorite cooperative principle is “Cooperation among Cooperatives,” and he believes there is great value in the co-op network that allows co-ops to solve problems together and learn from one another.

“I have always appreciated and respected the wise counsel of John Collins,” says David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of TECA. “We salute him for an exceptional career and wish him a wonderful retirement. The TECA team also congratulates Loyd and looks forward to working with him as he leads a great co-op.”