A Matter of Principles

You might be surprised by the number of co-ops around you. Co-ops have been formed to sell produce and electricity, offer financial and banking services, provide housing and health care, and much more.

So where did the bright idea for co-ops come from? It’s a matter of principles (seven, to be exact). The modern movement traces its roots to a store started by weavers in the town of Rochdale (pronounced Rotch-dale) in northern England in 1844. The group was guided by a set of principles drawn up by one of its members, Charles Howarth. When introduced into the U.S. by the National Grange in 1874, these “Rochdale Principles” fueled a cooperative explosion.

Although stated in many ways, the Rochdale Principles require that a cooperative must be open for anyone to join. Every member retains one voice, one vote. Electric co-ops hold member business meetings annually, allowing members to elect fellow consumers to guide the co-op and have a say in how their utility is run.

There also have to be real member benefits. For example, members of electric co-ops often get money back (called capital credits or patronage refunds) when the co-op’s in good financial shape. More than $9.5 billion has been returned to members by electric co-ops since 1988—nothing to sneeze at.

Education remains another big focus. Electric co-ops provide safety information in schools, share ideas on how to make your home more energy efficient to keep electric bills affordable, and make sure elected officials and opinion leaders know about the co-op business model. Because there is strength in numbers, co-ops tend to stick together when tackling regional and national issues.

Perhaps most important of all, co-ops are independent and community-focused, not tied to the purse strings of far-flung investors. Co-ops help drive local economic development, fund scholarships, support local charities, and work to make life better in the areas they serve—the heart of the cooperative difference.

Learn more about cooperatives and the principles that define them at www.go.coop.

 

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GA directory now in App Store

NASHVILLE –A new iPhone app released today is designed to help residents connect with members of the 107th Tennessee General Assembly. The app was developed by the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and Bass Berry & Sims PLC and contains detailed and searchable contact, staff and committee information for Tennessee representatives and senators.

“For more than 30 years, the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association has produced the most widely distributed print directory of the Tennessee General Assembly,” says TECA general manager David Callis. “Today, the same information is available in an interactive, searchable application for the iPhone.”

“This app is the first of its kind in Tennessee,” says Dick Lodge, attorney and long-time lobbyist with Bass, Berry & Sims PLC. “The app is ideal for anyone who wants to monitor the activities at the state Capitol and is designed to be the best reference possible for those who are interested in or work with Tennessee legislators.”

The Tennessee General Assembly app features:

  • a functional database of all Senate and House members
  • contact, staff and committee information
  • fast and easy search function
  • one-click call or e-mail ability

Apple iPhone users can find the $4.99 app by searching for “Tennessee General Assembly” in the App Store. A version for the iPad and Android devices will be available soon. An new app will be released with each General Assembly.

The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association represents the interests of Tennessee’s 23 electric cooperatives and publishes The Tennessee Magazine, the state’s most widely circulated periodical. Visit tnelectric.org to learn more.

Bass, Berry & Sims PLC advocates on behalf of its clients’ interests in matters where government and business intersect, including lobbying Tennessee’s legislative and executive branches of government. Richard Lodge, Lee Barfield and Erica Bell Vick are registered lobbyists for the firm’s clients in the State of Tennessee. Mr. Lodge has been recognized by Business Tennessee magazine as one of the most effective, top-tier lobbyists for business interests.

[button link=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/107th-tennessee-general-assembly/id502888540?ls=1&mt=8″]Download the app →[/button]

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Powering Progress

by David Callis, Executive Vice President and General Manager for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association

Near the end of “Saving Private Ryan,” as Tom Hanks’ character is dying, he leans forward and mutters one last command to the young private: “Earn this.” He speaks the words after most of his men have died saving the private’s life. He speaks the words to the soldier in an effort to convey the magnitude of the sacrifice made on his behalf.

Moving forward with a new team in place for 2012, “Earn this” is our internal watchword at the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association.While not as dramatic as a life-or-death struggle, the foundation on which we’re building involves a legacy that began in the 1930s.Early cooperative leaders were more than pioneers. The tactics they used were revolutionary, and the business acumen they possessed was cutting edge. Investor- owned utilities and legislators first ignored them and then tried to run them out of business. The co-op organizers took them on — and won. They were fighting for a better life for themselves, their children and their communities.

More than 70 years later, those cooperative principles and goals remain unchanged.Whether the work was done in the 1930s or the 1990s, we have a legacy of service and commitment that is to be earned — not squandered. Just like our predecessors from the ’30s, we’re committed to using nothing less than the best tools and technologies available to us today. Though the methodology is dramatically different — electronic social media has replaced the telephone party line — the basic principles of our business model remain the same.

As we move forward at TECA, we’re aware of our task, and we have our focus Squarely on you — the co-op members.In addition to publishing The Tennessee Magazine, TECA provides energy marketing assistance and a variety of education and training to today’s cooperative leaders. We also coordinate legislative efforts to protect the interests of the electric cooperative members in the state.

Those black-and-white images of the past serve as silent sentinels that repeat the charge to earn their sacrifice — a charge that we embrace with a tremendously talented group of employees with more than 160 years of varied experiences working on behalf of rural Tennessee. That background and commitment power our progress as we work for you — for the next 70 years and far beyond.

Our leadership team:

Robin Conover, vice president of communications and editor of The Tennessee Magazine; Mike Knotts, director of government relations; Todd Blocker, director of member relations; Trent Scott, communications coordinator.

Chris Kirk, Ron Bell and Susan Pilgreen round out the staff of The Tennessee Magazine. Amy Jordan, Tina Smith, Andrea Knight and Miyuki Fowler provide accounting, human resources and administrative support.

As for myself — I have more than 25 years of public power background. My decade of work as TECA director of government relations was preceded by service at Tri-County Electric in Lafayette and the Tennessee Valley Authority in Chattanooga.

For much more information on TECA and bios of the employees that work on your behalf, click here.

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Watson new DREMC VP

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation Creates and Fills the Position of Vice President.

SHELBYVILLE – The Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC) Board of Directors recently took action to elect Michael Watson to the position of Vice President, effective February 1, 2012.

After working for Memphis Light Gas and Water for five years in the substation and protective relaying department, Mr. Watson began his career at DREMC nearly 20 years ago in the engineering department. Watson was promoted to the Shelbyville/Lynchburg District Manager position, which he held for approximately five years, and has served as the Director of Operations for the past 10 years. “In each of his positions at DREMC Michael has tackled numerous complex projects and is currently overseeing DREMC’s entrance into automated meter reading and other technical projects,” stated DREMC CEO, Jim Allison.

Michael received his masters of electrical engineering from the University of Memphis, his bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Mississippi State, and is also a registered professional engineer in the State of Tennessee. Michael is a member of NRECA’s T&D Engineering Committee and served as a past chairman of the power quality subcommittee.

“Michael has been a tremendous asset to Duck River Electric throughout his tenure here and I would like to be the first to congratulate him in his new position,” stated Allison.

Watson commented, “I am honored to have been considered for this position and I look forward to the opportunity to continue helping DREMC best serve its members.” Michael Watson currently resides in Shelbyville, TN with his wife Dianne and three children, Ruth, Will, and Wes.

Duck River EMC, a Touchstone Energy® Cooperative, is an electric distribution cooperative with its headquarters in Shelbyville, TN. For more information please contact Duck River EMC at 931.684.4621 or visit our website at www.dremc.com.

Download a high resolution image of Michael Watson.

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Callis Appointed General Manager

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, an organization representing the interests of Tennessee’s 23 electric distribution cooperatives and the 1.1 million consumers they serve, announces the appointment of David Callis as executive vice president and general manager. Callis replaces Tom Purkey who recently announced his retirement.

Callis began his career with the Tennessee Valley Authority as an accountant and then as supervisor of power revenue. He then worked at Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation for almost nine years, serving first as director of finance and administration and then as general manager. In 2001 he joined the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association as the director of government and public affairs, and in 2010 he was named vice president of statewide services. Callis has served on the board of directors of the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives and the South Kentucky Industrial Development Association.

Callis and wife Dawnn have been married for 32 years and have two children, Megan, 27, and Brian, 23. Dawnn works with XO Communications in Nashville. Megan works as a legislative assistant for Tennessee State Senator Tim Barnes and is attending law school. Brian is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and works as an accountant at Franke in Smyrna.

“David has a deep appreciation for the electric cooperative business model,” says Bill Rogers, president of the association’s board of trustees. “He is immensely talented, well respected and a passionate advocate for Tennessee’s cooperatives and their members.”

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.

Download a high-resolution image of David Callis.

 

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Space Heater Safety

NASHVILLE – Tennessee residents are experiencing the first real taste of winter this week, and Tennessee’s electric cooperatives remind homeowners that space heaters can be dangerous when not used properly.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, half of all home-heating fires occur in December, January and February, and heating equipment fires account for 18 percent of all reported home fires and 22 percent of home fire deaths.

Here are a few tips to remember when using space heaters:

  • Be certain that space heaters at least 3 feet away from curtains, furniture and other household items.
  • Select a heater that has been certified by a recognized testing group like Underwriters Laboratories.
  • Do not allow children or pets to play near space heaters.

You can learn more about space heater safety from the National Fire Protection Association.

The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association is a trade group representing the interests of Tennessee’s 23 electric distribution cooperatives and the 1.1 million consumers they serve.

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