73rd Annual Meeting A Success

West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) held its 73rd Annual Meeting/Member Appreciation Day on Saturday, April 24 in Graceville. The event took place at the Graceville Civic Center from 8:00 a.m. until Noon. Some of the activities taking place throughout the day included health screenings, safety demonstrations, a blacksmithing demonstration, face painting and more. Musical entertainment was provided by the Bibletones from Mississippi.

Member-owners were also able to register for door prizes and enjoy a great meal. In addition to these events, members of the cooperative heard an address from WFEC President & CEO, Bill Rimes. Rimes outlined some of the significant events taking place within the cooperative during 2009 like the completion of the Automated Meter Reading (AMR) conversion; the loss of long-time trustee, Henry Prescott; the appointment of Myron Hudson to the board of trustees. Rimes also touched on the impact recently passed legislation could have on the cooperative as well as its members. He also stated that the cooperative is strong and continues to grow and enhance its financial strength. In fact, the cooperative was able to reduce its wholesale power cost rate a few weeks ago.

“Unlike most utilities, it is our desire, through our energy conservation programs, to sell you less electricity, not more,” said Rimes. “That is why the majority of our consumer education efforts have focused primarily on energy efficiency and conservation,” he continued.

In closing, Rimes urged those in attendance to make their voices heard in Washington, D.C. by voting in the November 2010 elections.

During the meeting, member-owners also had the opportunity to win a variety of prizes such as electric grills, small appliances, electronics and more. WFEC awarded member-owner, Juanita Nelson of Chipley, Florida the grand prize, a 4 kW Gillette Honda powered portable generator, donated by Cowart Air Compressor & Generator, Inc. in Valdosta, Georgia.  

Complimentary sandwiches were served for lunch by Southern Country Barbeque and drinks were provided throughout the day by cheerleaders from Cottondale High School.

Photo Above: WFEC member-owner, Juanita Nelson (right) won the drawing for a 4 kW Gillette Honda powered portable generator donated by Cowart Air Compressor & Generator, Inc. Vice President, Member Services, Gary Clark presents Nelson with her prize.