Co-op Leaders Focus on Energizing Every Moment During Annual Event in Nashville
NASHVILLE – More than 350 electric cooperative leaders from across the state attended the 83rd annual meeting of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, on Sunday, Nov. 17, through Tuesday, Nov. 19, in Nashville.
Attendees learned about new developments in energy, policy, economic development, employee retention, workplace safety and more. Futurist Peter Leyden, former editor of Wired Magazine, provided a glimpse into the future as he discussed the intersection of artificial intelligence and energy. Congressman John Rose and his wife Chelsea discussed balancing life serving in public office while raising a family. Attendees of the two-day event were also able to participate in breakout sessions to dive deeper into topics like the history of electric cooperatives and the future of broadband.
The program concluded with an inspiring message from Tony Vitello, head coach of the University of Tennessee baseball team which won the national championship earlier this year. Coach Vitello was presented with the “True Tennessean” award by The Tennessee Magazine in recognition of his unique contributions to Tennessee and embodiment of the Volunteer spirit.
“The annual meeting allows leaders to learn more about topics important to Tennessee,” said Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “This is a complex industry, and it is critical that co-op leaders be informed and updated on trends and new developments that will impact their communities and their co-ops.”
Elections were held for three positions on the association’s board of trustees. Ron Weir, a director for Forked Deer Electric Cooperative in Halls; Chris Davis, general manager of Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation in Clarksville; and Vicki Davidson, a director for Mountain Electric Cooperative in Mountain City, were elected to four-year terms.
Dan Rodamaker, president and CEO of Gibson Electric Membership Corporation in Trenton, was elected to serve as chairman of the association’s board of trustees for another year. Vice President John Bowers, president of Pickwick Electric Cooperative in Selmer, and Secretary/Treasurer Dana Salters, director for Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, were each reappointed to their positions as well.
“I am grateful for the time our executive committee and directors give to the association,” says Knotts. “Tennessee’s co-ops benefit from their service and leadership.”
TECA recognized excellence in communication efforts during the annual TopTenn Communications Awards ceremony. Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative received an award for Best External Newsletter or Magazine Section; Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative, Best Internal Newsletter; Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation, Best Website; Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, Best Use of Social Media; Middle Tennessee Electric, Best Video; Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative, Best Photo; Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, Best Annual Report; Gibson Electric Membership Corporation and Middle Tennessee Electric received awards in the Wild Card category.
“Successful co-ops understand the importance of building connections with members,” says Trent Scott, TECA’s vice president of communications. “Congratulations to these winners for sharing the electric cooperative story in a professional, compelling way.”
Electric cooperatives serve more than three million consumers and 72 percent of Tennessee. The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association provides leadership, advocacy and support for the association’s 25 electric cooperatives and publishes The Tennessee Magazine, the state’s most widely circulated periodical. Visit tnelectric.org or tnmagazine.org to learn more.
