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Happy Retirement to Todd Blocker

Over the course of almost three decades, Todd Blocker has dedicated his career to the electric cooperative world. The last 13 of those 27 years have been spent with the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association as the director of member services. Blocker will retire January 2025.

“Todd’s impact on our cooperatives is not just in what he did, it will show itself for years through what he has done,” Mike Knotts, CEO of TECA, says. “He has a tremendous love for young people, and by providing young leaders from all across the state the opportunity to learn more about their co-op, their state, their nation and themselves he has truly helped mold the next generation.”

A major part of Blocker’s role was helping with the Washington Youth Tour where students in cooperative areas write a short story and the winners explore our nation’s capital during a six-day, all-expense paid trip.

“I worked on 13 youth tours, went on 10, and missed two (everyone did) due to COVID,” Blocker says. “I have personally been on tour with over 1,800 student delegates and cooperative chaperones.”

Helping cooperatives and their service areas during disaster was another key aspect of Blocker’s service. Over his time, he helped with approximately 26 hurricanes as well as countless tornadoes and ice storms throughout the Valley.

“Even after long hours of coordinating crew movements to assist cooperatives when disasters hit, you can always count on Todd to bring a positive attitude and a smile for everyone around him,” Knotts says.

When asked what Blocker will miss most about his time with TECA, he said the answer was simple.

“It has been a true privilege to serve as part of the electric cooperative family,” Blocker says. “I will always cherish the countless experiences and the lasting relationships I’ve built with our members, as well as with my extended family and friends over the years.”

BJ Bernard has joined the TECA team as the incoming vice president of member services.

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Connecting During the Holiday Season

Caney Fork Electric Cooperative has “decked the halls” and “brought some corn for popping” this month as it hosted Christmas Open House events. Every year the cooperative puts forth the effort to connect with members during the holiday season. Members across the service area can visit all four decorated locations in Smithville, Sparta, Spencer and McMinnville. Not only are members able to see the offices and faces behind the scenes, but they also have the opportunity to give canned foods and receive cookbooks in return.

“After the pandemic, we decided to turn it into a giving and receiving event since so many were struggling,” Angel Wood, CFEC’s communications coordinator says. “We knew our employees and members were up for the challenge.”

The challenge also helped bring attendance numbers back up. The idea of the open house was spurred from meetings that took place in the 1940s and 1950s.

“The concept was a throwback to when co-ops had home economists that would demonstrate the latest in electric appliances,” John Chisam, CFEC’s director of member services, says.

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation was doing something similar at the time and both the former director of member services and marketing coordinator at CFEC decided to bring something similar back home. The event kicked off in 1991 and was originally called “Holiday Festive Foods”. Recipes have been involved ever since.

As years went on, attendance declined at the event as the older generation stayed home at night and younger ones used their phones to find recipes. The size of the event has been scaled down to afternoons at the office rather than an evening party, and now members have a purpose – to help those in need.

“So far, the numbers at each office for attendance have held steady for this new concept,” Chisam says. “We are still giving out about 2,500 or so books each year.”

The cookbook is special this year as it encompasses the theme of “Nostalgic Noel”, including recipes from throughout the history of The Tennessee Magazine.

“We pulled and compiled all of these recipes, with the help of the TECA staff, and we truly hope our members will love reflecting on a simpler time,” Wood says. “Many of our members have the full collection of cookbooks and think they are worth more than gold.”

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A Day of Serving Those Who Served

Electric co-op employees across the state devoted their time and effort to various service projects to make the eighth annual Tennessee Electric Co-op Day of Service a success, with two co-ops focusing their efforts on serving those who have served. Both Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation and Forked Deer Electric Cooperative used the day to honor and serve veterans in their communities.

Forty employees from Cumberland EMC and 10 employees from TVA volunteered at YAIPak, a nonprofit organization in Clarksville. Their mission is to meet the needs of those who are neglected, hurting or affected where they are by providing support, comfort and resources. The 50 volunteers spent the morning at the organization’s warehouse sorting donated items to prepare a shipment of supplies for east Tennessee flood victims from the recent hurricanes. They also delivered furniture and other household goods to a newly housed veteran.

“My goal each year when choosing a service project for the Cooperative Day of Service is to find something that is meaningful and will leave a lasting impression on our employees,” Susie Yonkers, Cumberland EMC community relations coordinator and coordinator of the day of service event, says.

Thirty employees from Forked Deer EC chose to assemble gratitude packs for local veterans. Each pack included small, useful items as well as a meaningful message inside showing the co-op’s appreciation for their service.

“Being able to give back to those who have served our country is truly special to us,” Anna Grissom, Forked Deer EC’s project coordinator, says. “This project is a small but heartfelt way we can show our appreciation, and it reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the communities we’re a part of.”

The gratitude packs will be donated to the local Veterans Affairs and distributed throughout the month in honor of Veterans Day.

31 separate community service projects were completed with 630 co-op employees volunteering approximately 1,300 hours to their communities on October 17, 2024. Since the inception of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Day of Service, 210 projects have been completed with the help of 4,164 volunteers who have collectively contributed 10,000 hours of service to their communities.

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ERMCO to Expand in Dyersburg

The Electric Research Manufacturing Cooperative Inc. (ERMCO) is expanding in West Tennessee.

The project aims to boost transformer manufacturing capacity at the Dyersburg plant through three separate phases which will create 400 new jobs. It’s an effort to help the nation – including Tennessee’s electric co-ops – meet critical infrastructure needs while bringing new jobs to the region. The plan is supported by $54.1 million in tax credit financing from five lenders and will include the establishment of an employee training center.

“Electric cooperatives across the state depend on a steady supply of transformers and other equipment to maintain the electric grid,” Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, said. “ERMCO’s announcement is exciting not only for improved supply chain, but also for the economic development and growth of the region.”

It is a sentiment shared by the team at ERMCO as well. “We’re helping to ensure a reliable and resilient electrical grid,” Adam Kruzich, the company’s CFO, said in a statement. “We’re proud to contribute to the economic growth of Dyersburg and play a vital role in building a sustainable energy future for the United States.”

ERMCO’s initiative is part of a growing trend, with multiple industrial players investing to address a power sector in need of more transformers. ERMCO is part of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Inc. and is North America’s largest manufacturer of oil-filled distribution transformers. The company currently employs around 2,000 people, produces more than 9,500 transformers per week and has been in business in West Tennessee for more than 50 years.

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Thirty-one projects completed during Tennessee Electric Co-op Day of Service

NASHVILLE –Electric co-op employees from across the state got their hands dirty and brows sweaty today during the eighth Tennessee Electric Co-op Day of Service event. Thirty-one separate community service projects were completed with 630 electric co-op employees volunteering approximately 1,300 hours to their communities.

“We are incredibly grateful to all the volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to make this year’s Tennessee Electric Co-op Day of Service a success,” said Trent Scott, vice president of communications for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and coordinator of the Day of Service event. “Your commitment to serving our communities exemplifies the spirit of cooperation and community support that electric co-ops stand for.”

This year’s projects included food and clothing drives, building a playground and cleaning up storm damage.

“Electric cooperatives have a unique relationship with the communities they serve. Unlike other utilities, co-ops are owned by the people they serve, which means we are deeply invested in the well-being and prosperity of our local areas. The people of Tennessee’s electric co-ops are committed to not just providing reliable electricity, but also to enhancing the quality of life for their neighbors. Their passion for making a positive impact is contagious.”

Sponsors of the 2024 Day of Service were TVA, Bass, Berry and Sims, Central Service Association, Ervin Cable Construction, Silicon Ranch, Tennessee 811 and The Tennessee Magazine.

Since its inception, the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Day of Service has made a significant impact across the state. Over the past eight years, the program has completed 210 projects with the help of 4,164 volunteers who have collectively contributed 10,000 hours of service. These efforts have not only improved local communities but also strengthened the bond between electric cooperatives and the people they serve.

Co-ops participating in the 2024 Day of Service and the projects they completed:

  • Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation – Helped YAIPAK in Clarksville assist a veteran moving into permanent housing and organize warehouse
  • Fayetteville Public Utilities – Assembled beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace
  • Forked Deer Electric Cooperative – Assembled Veteran Appreciation Bags
  • Gibson Electric Co-ops – Decorated Rutherford elementary and middle school teachers lounges
  • Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative  – Hosted American Red Cross blood drive and completed litter pickup project and food drives
  • Middle Tennessee Electric – Constructed wheelchair ramps in the Hard Bargain neighborhood, provided a community tailgate event at a high school football game, participated in a touch-a-truck event in Murfreesboro and a STEM Festival and provided lunch for teachers
  • Pickwick Electric Cooperative – Assembled and delivered bags for nursing home patients
  • Powell Valley Electric Cooperative – Hosted first responder luncheons
  • Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative – Built beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, assisted RAM setup a mobile clinic in Marion County and cleaned up a cemetery
  • Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation – Coordinated supply drives for Carl Perkins Centers in Chester, Haywood, Madison and Tipton counties
  • Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association – Assisted with setup for the NAIA Tennessee Pow Wow
  • Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation – Decorated the Smith County sign, served meals  and conducted a supply drive for the Cookeville Rescue Mission, revitalized landscaping at Jackson Co. Middle and High schools and assisted with a recreation center cleanup in Rickman
  • Volunteer Energy Cooperative – Donated supplies to The Caring Place, Meigs Ministries and teddy bears to the Highway 58 Fire Department
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Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts

Hurricane Helene made landfall along the Florida Gulf Coast on Thursday, Sept. 26. With winds reaching 140 miles per hour late that evening, the damage was catastrophic. The storm continued north weakening to a post tropical cyclone over Tennessee the next day, stalling over the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina and dumping upwards of 30 inches of rain on some communities. The storm created severe flooding, hundreds of fatalities and billions of dollars in property damage across Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Despite the extensive damage created by Hurricane Helene, electric co-ops are doing what they do best – helping their own.

“Tennessee co-ops are rolling up their sleeves and helping when it’s needed most, both with our own here in the state and with sister co-ops in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina,” said Mike Knotts, CEO of TECA. “We could not be more proud of the lineworkers who are making this happen.”

Some of the hardest hit co-ops in the Volunteer State were Powell Valley Electric Cooperative in New Tazewell and Mountain Electric Cooperative in Mountain City.

Powell Valley Electric Cooperative had 735 individual outages following the storm, 95 broken poles and more than 11,000 consumers without power, but with the help of the co-op family, all power has been restored. The co-op received mutual aid from co-ops, contractors and tree trimmers.

“Fortunately, nearly 40 linemen from our sister cooperatives in Virginia—Northern Neck, NOVEC, Choptank, and Mecklenburg—answered the call, working alongside our crews to restore service. The coordinated efforts between the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and the Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives were key in quickly finding help for us, ensuring that we received the necessary support to speed up the restoration process,” said Brad Coppock, PVEC’s general manager. “The principle of cooperation among cooperatives truly shines during times like these, and PVEC is deeply grateful for the assistance from both TECA and our fellow co-ops in Virginia and Maryland.”

Reconstruction efforts continue into the second week at Mountain Electric Cooperative. After the storm, 25,000 consumers–well over half of the co-op’s system–were without power.

“Hurricane Helene impacted Mountain Electric Cooperative with severe damage to our electrical grid,” said Rodney Metcalf, general manager of MEC. “There were thousands of trees, poles and electrical lines damaged. The grid in several areas will need to be completely rebuilt. Many of our employees have sustained damage to their own homes and are unable to do any repairs because they are working to serve others in the community above themselves. Please keep our community and our employees in your prayers for safety.”

MEC’s outage numbers are down to around 2,000, and lineworkers from MEC, joined by crews from Tennessee Valley Electric Cooperative and Fayetteville Public Utilities, continue working 15 hour days to assist those in need. With the help of its community, FPU was able to send nearly 75,000 pounds of supplies to those impacted by the hurricane and plan to send another load in the coming days.

“TECA is always ready to answer the call for mutual aid,” said Todd Blocker, TECA’s vice president of member services and coordinator for mutual aid in the state. “Hurricane Helene certainly caused devastation and destruction for some of Tennessee’s electric cooperatives, but it has been encouraging to see other co-ops from across the state rush to assist.”

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Research Highlights The Tennessee Magazine’s Status as an Effective, Trusted Source for Co-op Information

Earlier this year several electric co-ops volunteered to participate in a readership study of The Tennessee Magazine. Preliminary results are in, and the findings show high levels of readership, trust and appreciation for the publication.

MRI Simmons, a leading provider of consumer profiling, media planning and activation tools, surveyed members of eight electric co-ops in Tennessee, and more than 6,300 co-op members took the time to respond to the study. Given the high number of responses, the study provided the team with highly accurate data, including a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of just 1%.

“This new research data validates what we already knew in our hearts – that co-op members not only read, but trust what they read in The Tennessee Magazine,” Mike Knotts, TECA’s CEO, says. “With a delivered cost less than the price of a stamp, I can say with confidence that there is no better, more effective and more appreciated tool available to communicate with electric co-op members in Tennessee.”

Key Findings

The research shows the magazine is widely read and that readers invest significant time with each issue.

  • 80% of participants read three out of the last four issues.
  • 66% of participants read four out of the last four issues.
  • 51% of participants spend more than 30 minutes reading each issue.

The research reveals a preference for print among The Tennessee Magazine audience.

  • When asked how respondents prefer to receive information from their electric co-op, The Tennessee Magazine was the most commonly selected choice. Other options included email, bill inserts, social media and websites.
  • 9 out of 10 respondents prefer to continue receiving the magazine in the printed format.

The research found high levels of trust in The Tennessee Magazine at a time when trust in the media is at an all-time low.

  • 96% of participants responded that they trust what they read in the magazine and feel that The Tennessee Magazine is a name they can trust.

The research shows that The Tennessee Magazine helps electric co-ops build affinity among their members.

  • 96% of readers know that the magazine is provided by their local electric co-op.
  • 9 out of 10 readers feel that the magazine helps them better appreciate their electric co-op.

“The Tennessee Magazine is a high quality publication that provides an affordable way for local electric cooperatives to communicate important information to our member-owners,” said Dan Rodamaker, president and CEO of Gibson Electric Membership Corporation and TECA board president. “The pages that surround our section include beautiful photography and interesting stories about people and places in our state.”

The Tennessee Magazine team also questioned readers about the content that appears in the magazine. “Stories about Tennessee places” ranked number one, followed by “Tennessee history”, “food/recipes” and “stories about Tennessee people”.

“We are thankful for everyone who took the time to participate in this study,” Chris Kirk, editor of The Tennessee Magazine, says. “This research and data help us better understand what our readers want to know and read, and ultimately it will help shape the content that appears in the magazine each month. We are focused on making the magazine the most effective communications tool for electric co-ops, and the findings of this research are very encouraging.”

 

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More than 185 Tennessee lineworkers answer the call for assistance following Hurricane Helene

NASHVILLE – Power restoration efforts are still underway today as communities across East Tennessee work to recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene. Heavy rain and strong winds left nearly 100,000 electric co-op consumers without power on Friday morning. Crews worked through the weekend to restore power to many of those impacted, but some 900 electric co-op members across eastern Tennessee remain without power today.  

“At TECA we are always ready to answer the call for mutual aid,” said Todd Blocker, vice president of member services for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and coordinator of electric co-op mutual aid efforts in the state. “18 of Tennessee’s electric cooperatives have answered the call for mutual aid assistance. Two of the seven cooperative principles that are the cornerstones of electric cooperatives throughout the country are ‘concern for community’ and ‘cooperation among cooperatives.’ Our members take pride in helping other communities in getting the power back on as safely and quickly as possible.” 

The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association has continued to coordinate assistance from Tennessee cooperatives. 

Assisting cooperatives in Tennessee are: 

  • Eight lineworkers from Fayetteville Public Utilities and eight lineworkers from Tennessee Valley Electric Cooperative are assisting Mountain Electric Cooperative in Mountain City 
  • 20 lineworkers from Middle Tennessee Electric are assisting Appalachian Electric Cooperative in New Market 
  • 18 lineworkers from Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation, 10 from Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, 4 from Forked Deer Electric Cooperative, 10 from Pickwick Electric Cooperative, six from Plateau Electric Cooperative, 10 from Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation and 16 from Volunteer Energy Cooperative are assisting Holston Electric Cooperative in Rogersville 
  • 50 contractors from Volunteer Energy Cooperative are assisting Powell Valley Electric Cooperative in New Tazwell 

Assisting cooperatives in other states are: 

  • 15 lineworkers from Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation are assisting Rutherford Electric Membership Corporation in Morgantown, North Carolina
  • Five lineworkers from Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation are assisting Blue Ridge Energy in Lenoir, North Carolina
  • Six lineworkers from Chickasaw Electric Cooperative, five from Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative and 15 from Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative are assisting Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation in Pickens, South Carolina  
  • 10 lineworkers from Caney Fork Electric Cooperative, five from Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative and eight from Gibson Electric Membership Corporation are assisting Excelsior Electric Membership Corporation in Metter, Georgia
  • Eight lineworkers from Gibson Electric Membership Corporation are assisting Planters Electric Membership Corporation in Millen, Georgia
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Helene impacts Tennessee co-ops

NASHVILLE – Power restoration efforts are underway this afternoon as the remnants of Hurricane Helene move through the Volunteer State. Heavy rain and strong winds have left some 60,000 electric co-op members without power across eastern Tennessee.

“Electric co-op crews are working tirelessly to restore power to every affected home and business,” said Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “The damage in eastern Tennessee is significant, and ongoing flooding is hampering restoration efforts. During situations like this, the hard work and dedication of electric lineworkers cannot be overstated. They are performing a dangerous job under difficult conditions, and their commitment to serving their neighbors is truly inspiring.”

As of Friday afternoon, the hardest-hit cooperatives are:

  • Mountain Electric Cooperative, Mountain City – 25,000 consumers affected
  • Appalachian Electric Cooperative, New Market – 11,900 consumers affected
  • Holston Electric Cooperative, Rogersville – 11,900 consumers affected
  • Powell Valley Electric Cooperative, New Tazewell – 11,200 consumers affected

The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association is coordinating assistance from Tennessee cooperatives. Appalachian Electric Cooperative is being assisted by Middle Tennessee Electric and Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation. Holston Electric Cooperative is being assisted by Middle Tennessee Electric. Mountain Electric Cooperative is being assisted by crews from Fayetteville Public Utilities and Tennessee Valley Electric Cooperative. Several additional cooperatives have pledged to send crews once the storm system moves through their own service territories.

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How Pocket Change Can Change the Community (and the Co-op)

Cooperatives are special because they are owned by the consumers they serve and guided by a set of seven principles that reflect the best interest of those consumers. Two of those principles are having concern for the community and education, training and information. Mountain Electric Cooperative is exemplifying both principles through their Operation Pocket Change (OPC) program.

OPC is a voluntary round-up program that helps local organizations and members during difficult times through the generosity of the co-op. Members can choose to round up their monthly electric bills to the next whole dollar amount. The extra pocket change flows into a special fund that is managed by a board of volunteer members who have a desire to help the service area. To date, more than $2 million has been provided to the community as a result. A quarter of those contributions are designated for scholarships. This fall MEC awarded 43 $1,000 scholarships and one of the recipients is currently attending lineman school.

Another way MEC serves the youth in the community is through their annual career day.

“The high school students take a field trip to our facilities where they climb poles, take bucket truck rides, operate equipment and talk to our employees about what an average day at MEC is like,” said Sally Snyder, MEC’s director of member services.

Logan Barnett received the OPC scholarship, attended the annual career day and is now in MEC’s apprenticeship program.

“Operation Pocket Change helped me get to the dream job I have today,” Barnett said. “I don’t know if I’d been able to do it without it!”

Over the years, more than ten of MEC’s current employees received this scholarship or attended the cooperative’s annual career day.

“It has been amazing to see the amount of employees we have now that attended as a high school student,” Snyder said. “I absolutely love this program and how much it has changed our communities with just a small amount of pocket change.”

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Making Each Meeting Better Than the Last

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or some might say – especially in the cooperative world – the most tiring time of the year. Summer has come to an end, school is back in session, holidays are right around the corner and to top it off, it is annual meeting time. A time where local cooperatives come together to meet with members, handle official business, celebrate the year and what’s to come.

We spoke with annual meeting planners from a few Tennessee co-ops to learn about their planning process, the new things they are trying out and how they are working to best engage their members at this year’s event.

Caney Fork Electric Cooperative

Caney Fork Electric Cooperative has a little bit of time left to plan for their annual meeting. Each year the event is held on the Saturday before the third Sunday in October, which falls on October 19. This year members will vote on a couple of bylaw changes and one area has a contested election.

Of course, there is fun to be had at the meeting, too. The cooperative will have its normal BBQ lunch and entertainment. This year it will be a fan favorite band that is local to the area who has a following with both the younger and older members.

“We are striving to get our younger members to attend to better understand the importance of the cooperative and the value it brings to the rural communities in which they live,” John Chisam, Caney Fork Electric Cooperative’s director of member services, said.

Chickasaw Electric Cooperative

In the southwest corner of the Volunteer State, Chickasaw Electric Cooperative is gearing up for its annual meeting next month. Their team’s methods may be a bit different from most because its meeting is held virtually. The annual meeting is in the form of a video. It will be posted on the co-op’s YouTube channel on September 1 and be live for two weeks until September 15. Members from across the cooperative participate to make it a huge success, even with a silly blooper video to follow. Viewers can text a specific code to be entered to win a door prize.

“We started this in 2021, and it has been a huge hit with our membership,” Andrea Kee, Chickasaw Electric Cooperative’s communication specialist, said. “Our views grow each year.”

Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation

Moving one cooperative north, Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation is even closer to its annual meeting, which will be Friday, August 9. The co-op always has its yearly event on the second Friday of August, but planning, like many others, begins at the beginning of the year.

“We have a meeting with our department, executive staff and a couple others that are a huge help to start brainstorming ideas,” Kenley Mitchell, Southwest Tennessee Electric’s community relations specialist, said.

The planning includes the gift (this year, a cast iron skillet with the STEMC logo on the back), entertainment, door prizes and what they can do differently to better engage members. They have been actively engaging with members by explaining what and when the annual meeting is on social media, through The Tennessee Magazine, on their website and monthly bills. The cooperative works hard too to make sure the engagement is worth it by keeping the event fun for all ages through live music, free food and children’s activities.

“The annual meeting at STEMC is the marketing department’s most important task throughout the year. This is nearly a year-long, tiring project, but it is so rewarding to see the smiles on our members’ faces at the event,” Mitchell said. “Like most co-op’s, our numbers have dwindled since Covid. We do our best to make each meeting better than the last, and we are looking forward to seeing what this year brings.”

Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative

Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative is making the final planning touches on their annual meeting as it takes place on Thursday, August 8. They are celebrating their 85 anniversary, and as a commemoration of the co-op’s connection efforts over the years, they have created a show poster highlighting the beauty of the counties they serve.

SVEC is working with local industry Lodge Manufacturing to create custom skillets for their members. They are bringing in a local band to entertain guests at dinner, and they will have an ice cream truck on site to serve everyone’s favorite sweet treat. Most importantly, SVEC takes the busy season as a time to step back and reflect on the previous year.

“It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and not look at the monumental accomplishments that we in the electric utility industry make to ensure our members don’t have to worry when they flip the switch,” Kari Crouse, SVEC’s vice president of communications and business strategy, said.

This year the event will focus on the theme “There wouldn’t be an us without you”, which will be debuted at the meeting, in their annual report and echoed throughout all speeches.

“It’s not just the big moments that make up a legacy, it is powering Friday night lights so communities can come together to support their favorite team. It is the look on a child’s face when they learn the power behind the switch. It’s customizing community training to ensure our friends and family serving as first responders come home safe each day to their families,” Mike Partin, SVEC’s President and CEO, said. “It’s knowing that when you flip the switch we are there, because we know that there wouldn’t be us without a you.”

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Tennessee’s electric co-ops, 4H sponsor STEM camp

KNOXVILLE – More than 150 sixth and seventh graders from across the state learned about energy, science and engineering during the 2024 4-H Electric Camp. The annual event was held on the campus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville on Tuesday, June 25 through Friday, June 28.

During the event, students rotated through STEM (science, technology engineering and math) earning centers that taught them to program robotics, wire an extension cord, fly a drone and design a model electric grid. Participants also learned about electrical safety and climbed inside an electric vehicle.

Electric camp is a partnership between 4-H, Tennessee’s cooperative and municipal electric utilities, the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, TVA and Tennessee Valley Robotics.

“STEM education is vital in preparing the next generation of innovators and problem solvers,” said Todd Blocker, vice president of member services for TECA and co-op representative on the planning committee. “The students who participated in this year’s 4-H Electric Camp demonstrated remarkable curiosity, creativity, and a strong commitment to learning. Their enthusiasm was inspiring and gives us great hope for the future.”

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Electric co-ops take Tennessee students to Washington, D.C.

Nashville – 139 high school juniors had the opportunity of a lifetime to spend a week in our nation’s capital as delegates of the 2024 Washington Youth Tour, a weeklong trip that began on Friday, June 14.

This annual event is sponsored by Tennessee’s electric cooperatives and the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. The students were selected for the trip by writing a short story titled “Co-ops Connect” that explains how co-ops connect Tennessee communities with energy, education, broadband, economic development and more.

“It’s so rewarding to see these students experience the nation’s capital and witness their growth throughout the week,” said Rachel Human, a chaperone from Plateau Electric Cooperative. “The Washington Youth Tour is not just a trip; it’s an investment in the future leaders of our communities.”

The Washington Youth Tour’s nonstop, seven-day itinerary is jam-packed with places to visit and experiences to give the Youth Tour delegates a trip that they will never forget. Highlights include a guided memorials tour around the city, visiting museums at the Smithsonian Institute, touring Washington’s Mount Vernon and Jefferson’s Monticello and taking a trip to Arlington National Cemetery. Delegates also got to see Washington, D.C., staples like the White House, U.S. Capitol and the Washington National Cathedral.

“The Washington Youth Tour is more than a trip,” said Todd Blocker, vice president of member services for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and tour director. “Transformative. Unforgettable. Life-changing. Whether the trip cultivates a love for history, leadership or active citizenship, we are empowering young minds to shape the future. Seeing the impact the trip has had on many over the years is awe-inspiring.”

While in D.C., winners were announced in the statewide competition for the Robert McCarty Memorial Scholarships. Charlsie Strech from Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative, Elijah Jones from Appalachian Electric Cooperative and Ayden Anderson from Gibson Electric Membership Corporation were awarded $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 Robert McCarty Memorial Scholarships for having the first, second and third place papers of the thousands of papers submitted across the state for this year’s contest. The scholarships are named in memory of Robert McCarty, an employee of Volunteer Energy Cooperative and longtime chaperone on the annual Youth Tour.

Yuridia Garcia, a senior from Appalachian Electric Cooperative, was awarded a $10,000 Cooperative Youth Ambassador Scholarship. Garcia was a 2023 delegate on the Washington Youth Tour. Delegates who remain engaged with their sponsoring cooperative during their senior year and complete certain community service requirements are eligible for the scholarship. Garcia’s name was randomly selected among the delegates from across the state who completed the requirements.

“An investment in the Washington Youth Tour delegates today is also an investment in the future of co-op communities across Tennessee,” said Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “The future is bright for this group of Youth Tour delegates. We are honored to be a part of supporting their academic journeys and look forward to seeing what the future has in store for them and the impact they will have on their communities.”

The Washington Youth Tour was inspired by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1957 when he encouraged electric cooperatives to send young people to the nation’s capital. Since then, more than 6,000 young Tennesseans have participated in the Washington Youth Tour as delegates.

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$16,000 in scholarships awarded to Tennessee students in D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight Tennessee’s electric cooperatives awarded $16,000 in scholarships to Washington Youth Tour delegates in Washington, D.C.

Yuridia Garcia, a senior from Appalachian Electric Cooperative was awarded a $10,000 Cooperative Youth Ambassador Scholarship. Garcia was a 2023 delegate on the Washington Youth Tour. Delegates who remain engaged with their sponsoring cooperative during their Senior year and complete certain community service requirements are eligible for the scholarship. Garcia’s name was randomly selected from among the delegates from across the state who completed the requirements.

Charlsie Strech from Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative, Elijah Jones from Appalachian Electric Cooperative and Ayden Anderson from Gibson Electric Membership Corporation were awarded $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 Robert McCarty Memorial Scholarships for having the first, second and third place papers of the thousands of papers submitted across the state for this year’s contest. McCarty was an employee of Volunteer Energy Cooperative and long-time chaperone on the annual youth tour. McCarty lost a battle with cancer in 2015, and sponsoring cooperatives renamed the scholarship in honor of his love for young people.

Allison Hoesel, a delegate from Middle Tennessee Electric, was selected as Tennessee’s representative on NRECA’s Youth Leadership Council. Hosel will attend NRECA’s 2025 PowerXchange meeting in Atlanta, Georgia..

One hundred and thirty-nine high school Juniors from across the state are in the nation’s capital this week for the 2024 Washington Youth Tour. The annual event teaches students about public policy, history, leadership and electric cooperatives. The tour is coordinated by local electric cooperatives, the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

“Embracing the potential of these young individuals not only nurtures their growth but also secures the future of rural and suburban Tennessee,” expressed Todd Blocker, tour director and vice president of member services for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “Envisioning the positive influence these talented youth will bring to their communities is truly exciting, and electric cooperatives take pride in supporting their educational pursuits.”

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2024 Washington Youth Tour Heads to Nation’s Capital

Nashville, TN – This morning, 185 high school juniors, teachers and co-op chaperones from across Tennessee left for the nation’s capital as part of the 2024 Washington Youth Tour. Sponsored by Tennessee’s consumer-owned electric cooperatives and the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, these students will spend the week learning about the nation’s government, history and public policy.

“We are thrilled to provide this opportunity for Tennessee’s young leaders,” said Todd Blocker, tour director and vice president of member services for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “The Washington Youth Tour is a life-changing experience that empowers students with knowledge about our government and inspires them to be active, informed citizens. Our electric co-ops are proud to support the growth and development of these exceptional young individuals.”

One of the participating students, Blake Goodman from DeKalb County High School and delegate from Caney Fork Electric Cooperative, shared her excitement about the trip. “I am excited to have this opportunity!” she said. “I’ve already made great friends, and I am super excited to learn more about our country’s history.”

The chaperones, who are employees of electric cooperatives across the state, play a crucial role in guiding and mentoring the students throughout the tour. Rachel Human, a chaperone from Plateau Electric Cooperative, expressed her enthusiasm for the program. “It’s so rewarding to see these students experience the nation’s capital and witness their growth throughout the week,” she said. “The Washington Youth Tour is not just a trip; it’s an investment in the future leaders of our communities.”

The Washington Youth Tour began over 50 years ago and demonstrates electric cooperative commitment to fostering leadership and education among young people. By providing this unique learning experience, Tennessee’s electric co-ops are helping to shape the next generation of informed, engaged citizens.

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Union University honors Matthew Keen with $10,000 Washington Youth Tour scholarship

JACKSON – Union University is pleased to announce that Matthew Keen of Halls, Tennessee, is the recipient of the school’s first $10,000 Washington Youth Tour Creative Writing Competition scholarship. Keen plans to attend Union University this fall.

“Matthew is an exceptionally bright young man, academically gifted and musically talented,” said Robbie Graves, Assistant Vice-President for Undergraduate Admissions at Union University. “We believe that he will thrive here and are so excited to keep this family’s Union legacy alive.”

Keen, a student from the Forked Deer Electric Cooperative service territory, had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. as a part of the 2023 Washington Youth Tour to learn more about leadership, history and public policy.

“Forked Deer Electric is proud and honored to have a local student receive such an award,” said Jeff Newman, general manager of Forked Deer Electric Cooperative. “Mathew is an exceptional student with so much potential. Forked Deer Electric will continue to support our community and encourage others to follow Mathew’s example of what is possible.”

Keen, along with 6,000 other high school students from across the state, have participated in the Electric Cooperative Creative Writing and Scholarship Competition since its start in the 1960s.

“This scholarship means a lot to me as it allows me to attend college at an affordable cost,” said Matthew Keen, scholarship winner. “The Washington Youth Tour was an eye-opening experience that changed the way I view our country. I believe that every American should visit Washington at least once, and the depth that we were allowed to go on with the tour was a big bonus. It truly gave me memories that will last a lifetime.”

The scholarship is part of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s partnership with both Carson Newman and Union University. Union University will also award 24 $4,000 per year scholarships for other delegates who plan to enroll at the school for the fall semester immediately after high school graduation.

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Electric co-op leaders discuss Tennessee issues with D.C. lawmakers

Nashville – Leaders from Tennessee’s electric cooperatives traveled to Washington, D.C., on Monday and Tuesday, April 22 and 23, to advocate for policies that could impact Tennessee’s rural and suburban communities. The delegation was made up of board members, executives and other leaders from electric cooperatives across Tennessee.

In meetings with legislative staff, co-ops discussed reliability, energy policy, broadband and other issues that directly impact Tennessee’s electric co-ops and the consumers they serve. Lawmakers were also invited to visit their local co-ops to meet employees, attend annual meetings or tour co-op facilities.

“Meetings with lawmakers are important opportunities to build bridges between policymakers and the communities they represent,” says Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “These conversations are not merely exchanges of words; they truly help shape policy that impacts our communities. I’m grateful for each co-op member who took time away from work and family to serve their co-op in this way.”

In addition to visits with members of Congress, attendees also heard from industry and policy experts, including Xochitl Torres Small, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; David Turk, deputy secretary of the Department of Energy; and Bret Baier, chief political anchor for FOX News.

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Hard to Comprehend, Easy to Understand

Numbers can be tough to grasp — especially the really big ones. How tall do you think a stack of dollar bills might be? One hundred would be less than ½ inch thick, easy enough to put in your pocket. But what about 1 billion? That stack of cash would be a whopping 68 miles tall, extending practically into space.

That scale is hard to comprehend. But you have a good handle on numbers that matter to you, right? Your spouse’s birthday? How much you owe your friend for lunch? Well, maybe numbers are pretty tough.

If you are a frequent reader of this publication, you know that we often highlight the important work that electric co-ops do across the state. Whether it is economic development, youth programs, broadband or making sure the lights come on when you flip the switch, electric co-ops work behind the scenes to make your community stronger, more resilient and better prepared to face the future.

New research conducted by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and Cooperative Finance Corporation assigns economic value to these efforts, and the numbers are — forgive the pun — shocking.

The report, “Economic Powerhouses: The Economic Impacts of America’s Electric Cooperatives,” details the economic impacts of the activities conducted by co-ops through the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity as well as capital investments in the grid, operations and maintenance.

Across the nation, electric co-ops support 622,832 American jobs and contribute more than $111 billion each year to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. There are 11 states that contribute less to the U.S. GDP than electric co-ops do. That is staggering.

While the national numbers are important, the study also looked at economic impact on a state-by-state level.

Electric co-ops in Tennessee create 10,085 jobs annually. Of these, about 3,300 Tennesseans work directly for co-ops, and the remainder are employed by contractors or other businesses that support co-ops. Each year, these 10,085 jobs produce $780 million in income for Tennesseans.

One of the most notable findings to me is that 95% of these jobs and income are created in the rural and suburban communities that co-ops serve.

The study also examined the taxes paid by electric co-ops, their suppliers and other businesses impacted by the work of electric co-ops. This amounts to $113 million in federal taxes, $240 million in state taxes and $112 million in local taxes each year. Your county commissioners will know that the electric co-op is almost always the largest taxpayer in the county.

So what’s the bottom line? Electric co-ops contribute $1.9 billion each year to Tennessee’s economy. Instead of stacking them up, if you laid that many dollar bills out like a blanket, it would cover nearly 4,500 acres. That’s roughly 16 times larger than the entire landmass of New York City.

The findings of the study are interesting, but they point to something more fundamental. Your electric co-op is a foundational institution in your community. Co-ops are local and care about people and the places we call home.

So even if it is easy to get lost in the numbers, you can trust that your co-op wants to do what is best for you and your family. The good people who work there know that connecting you to what is important makes a difference, and they want to make your home a better place. And that is easy to understand.

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Young leaders learn about government during co-op event in Nashville

NASHVILLE – Forty-six high school juniors from across the state were in Nashville this week for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s annual Youth Leadership Summit. Delegates to the event receive a hands-on look at state government, learn networking and leadership skills and develop a better understanding of their local electric cooperatives.

Tre Hargett, Tennessee Secretary of State, welcomed the students to the Capitol where they visited with legislators, sat in on committee meetings and debated and voted on a mock bill.

In addition to meeting lawmakers and experiencing the state Capital, students also developed their leadership and team-building skills at the Joe C. Davis YMCA Outdoor Center at Camp Widjiwagen, participated in an electric safety demonstration and completed a leadership training course with leadership expert Amy Gallimore. Delegates also attended a Nashville Predators hockey game as special guests of the Preds.

“When I was invited to go on the Youth Leadership Summit, I never thought I would be leaving with new friends and memories like the ones I have now,” said Nathan Salvador, a junior from Chester County High School and a YLS delegate from Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation in Henderson. “I am deeply honored to have been nominated to go and am forever grateful to the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. The knowledge I have now of electric cooperatives, specifically the teamwork and networking aspects, will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Delegates to the Youth Leadership Summit are encouraged to be leaders and use their talents to improve their communities. “The future of Tennessee is only as strong as the next generation of leaders,” says Todd Blocker, vice president of member services for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and director of the Youth Leadership Summit. “Investing in these young people is a great opportunity to make a lasting impact on the communities we serve. These students are selected by their local electric co-ops, school officials and guidance counselors, and they are among the most talented students in the state. It is an honor to help them learn and grow.”

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Electric co-ops build relationships during day on the hill

NASHVILLE – More than 175 electric cooperative leaders from across the state gathered in Nashville on Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 20 and 21, for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s 2024 Legislative Conference. Electric co-op members and employees in attendance had important conversations about energy and policy that will impact electric co-ops and the rural and suburban communities they serve.

Attendees at the event heard from political strategists and policy advisors as well as Tennessee leaders, including advisors to Gov. Bill Lee and Secretary of State Tre Hargett.

“Reliability took center stage during discussions with legislators this year,” said Ryan King, vice president of government affairs for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “From cybersecurity to EPA regulations, co-op leaders advocated for specific legislation that will harden the grid and protect energy supply.”

Meetings were also about building relationships. “When a bill crosses a legislator’s desk that can impact energy or rural and suburban Tennessee, we want them to know who to call,” said King. “Building strong relationships with lawmakers can have a significant impact on bills that are passed and, ultimately, an electric co-op’s ability to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to its communities.”

“We have great legislators serving Tennessee’s rural and suburban communities, but energy is an incredibly complex industry,” said Dan Rodamaker, CEO of Gibson Electric Membership Corporation and chairman of the TECA board of trustees. “It is critical that electric co-ops are at the table, helping lawmakers understand the real-world impacts of policy and law.”

More than 100 legislative visits were made during the conference, and many elected officials from across the state attended a reception honoring members of the Tennessee General Assembly.

The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association provides leadership, advocacy and support for Tennessee’s 23 electric cooperatives and 3 million consumers. The association also publishes The Tennessee Magazine, the state’s most widely circulated periodical. Visit tnelectric.org or tnmagazine.org to learn more.

 

Photos from the event are available here.

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