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Electric co-ops sponsor delegates to TCC Young Leaders Conference

More than 300 young people from across the state gathered at the 2017 Young Leaders Conference held Feb. 24 and 25 at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Franklin. The annual conference brings couples and individuals together from rural communities to learn about cooperatives, share their views about agriculture and discuss current issues facing rural Americans. The agenda is targeted to rural Tennesseans 50 years old or younger.

The Tennessee Council of Cooperatives (TCC) co-sponsors the annual conference with Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers and Ranchers organization.

Electric cooperatives from across the state sponsor delegates to attend the event. “It is important to tell the co-op story,” says Todd Blocker, vice president of member relations and president of the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives for 2017. “This generation of young people are already leaders in their communities. The information and experiences they gain at the Young Leaders Conference can make them powerful co-op advocates.”

This year’s event began with a guided tour of the State Capitol. Breakout sessions covered a variety of subjects aimed at educating leaders about cooperatives and agricultural issues and strengthening their leadership skills. During “Getting Started” by Peyton Fair with Farm Credit Mid-America, attendees learned how to better analyze their farm finances. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Corinne Gould led a session on “Speaking Up,” and Alice Rhea of Farmers Services discussed “Keeping it Real.” House Speaker Beth Harwell gave the keynote address, and humorist and motivational speaker Lisa Smartt provided entertainment.

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Blocker named President of Tennessee Council of Cooperatives

Todd Blocker, vice president of member relations

The Tennessee Council of Cooperatives, a non-profit organization established to promote the cooperative way of business across the state, recently named Todd Blocker, TECA vice president of member services, as president for 2017.

The TCC functions as the state’s flagship organization for coordinating, promoting, educating and extending cooperative development in Tennessee. TCC often serves as a clearing house for the open exchange of information and experiences among cooperative businesses; as a sounding board for new ideas; and as a forum for discovery, discussion, and dissemination.

“Whether it be farming, communications or energy, co-ops have unique opportunities to serve the people of Tennessee,” says Blocker. “The Tennessee Council of Cooperatives tells the story of Tennessee’s co-ops, and it is an honor to be a part of an organization that has such an important mission.”

“We congratulate Todd on his appointment,” said David Callis, TECA executive vice president and general manager. “I appreciate Todd’s passion for co-ops and am confident he will provide the TCC with sound direction and represent Tennessee’s electric cooperatives with honor.”

Blocker was appointed at the TCC’s Young Leaders Conference held on Feb. 24-25 in Nashville.

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Co-op Statement on election of Howorth as TVA Chair

[NASHVILLE] –The Tennessee Valley Authority announced today that Richard Howorth was named chair-elect of the board of directors. Howorth will follow Lynn Evans as chair when her board term expires in May.

“Richard Howorth has a great deal of experience at both TVA and at the distribution level,” says David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “TVA and distribution utilities are complex businesses, and we believe that experience is critical. We are confident that Mr. Howorth’s small-town background will help TVA serve co-ops in an effective way. We congratulate him on his election.”

The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association provides legislative and communication support for Tennessee’s 23 electric cooperatives and publishes The Tennessee Magazine, the state’s most widely circulated periodical. Visit tnelectric.org or tnmagazine.org to learn more.

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TVA directors Lynn Evans, center, and Richard Howorth, right, address co-op leaders during the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s annual meeting in Nashville on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016.

 

Trent Scott | Vice President of Corporate Strategy
Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association
[email protected] | 731.608.1519

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Co-ops support Governor’s Broadband Accessibility Act

[NASHVILLE] – Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association CEO David Callis issued the following statement on the introduction of HB 0529 and SB 1215 earlier this week.

“Rural and suburban Tennessee have a great need for expanded high speed internet access, and electric co-ops are pleased to see the introduction of legislation this week that would allow co-ops to provide broadband to our members. We appreciate Sen. Mark Norris and Rep. David Hawk for sponsoring bills in their respective chambers, and we encourage members of the General Assembly to support this important legislation.”

Co-ops members are encouraged to visit takeactionTN.com to send a message to their legislators to encourage them to support the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act.

The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association provides legislative and communication support for Tennessee’s 23 electric cooperatives and publishes The Tennessee Magazine, the state’s most widely circulated periodical. Visit tnelectric.org or tnmagazine.org to learn more.

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Trent Scott | Vice President of Corporate Strategy
Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association
[email protected] | 731.608.1519

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