Homegrown power
WFEC annual meeting celebrates Co-op's local roots
Hundreds of West Florida Electric Cooperative members gathered for a tribute to Cooperative founders, prize drawings, music, food and family-oriented fun at WFEC’s 2003 Member Appreciation Day/Annual Meeting Sat., April 26. On the grounds of the Baptist College of Florida in Graceville, WFEC members and their families enjoyed a display of antique tractors and automobiles, a blacksmithing demonstration, complimentary barbeque sandwiches prepared by Sonny’s, soft drinks served by the Poplar Springs High School cheerleaders, children’s activities and fellowship.
Meanwhile, inside the BCF Assembly Center, WFEC Executive Vice President William S. "Bill" Rimes recalled the origins of America’s rural electric cooperatives and the contributions of 712 area residents who organized West Florida Electric. "Many historians regard the lighting of rural America to be one of this country’s greatest achievements," he said. "With this in mind, we recognize the charter members and pioneers who, with grit, sweat and vision, delivered our rural area from the depths of despair and darkness to the splendor of hope and light."
Rimes presented plaques to Arthur Williams, son of A. L. Williams, Sr., who served on WFEC’s first board and enrolled its first member; Gertha Simpson, oldest living Co-op founder and wife of A. D. Simpson, one of WFEC’s first employees and, later, a board member; Bobby Woodham, daughter of Dock Peel, WFEC’s first member; Lola Silver, daughter of John M. Brownwell, who donated land in Holmes County for WFEC right-of-way; Kenneth L. Conner, son of J. B. Conner, one of the first WFEC members in Grand Ridge; and Martha Henley Efurd and W. W. "Bill" Henley, Jr., children of W. W. "Bill" Henley, Sr., first president of WFEC’s board of trustees.
WFEC received an award, as well, from the American Cancer Society’s Florida Division. Presenting the organization’s Excalibur Award for WFEC’s three consecutive years of regional Premier sponsorship of Relay for Life fundraisers, ACS Regional Vice President Linda Davidson said, "Touchstone Energy and West Florida Electric’s involvement is allowing us to expand our research programs, education efforts, advocacy initiatives and services in Florida and around the country. The past few years have seen some of the most significant scientific developments in cancer research, and that would not have been possible without your support."
Following the ceremonies and business session, a representative of McDaniel and Associates certified public accounting firm announced the results of WFEC’ trustee elections. District 7 incumbent Randy Bush defeated challenger Tamphus Messer by 5,089 votes to 1,925. In District 9, Henry Prescott won re-election with 4,130 votes to opponent Ronald Stafford’s 2,876. District 8 trustee Joe Rone was unopposed.
In the prize drawings at the meeting’s close, Dennis Bryan, of Westville, won a Ford one-ton pickup truck retired from WFEC’s transportation fleet. Other prizes included a portable generator, a DVD player, savings bonds, an electric grill and other small appliances.
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