WFEC holds annual meeting
West Florida Electric Cooperative’s 58th Annual Meeting/Member Appreciation Day Saturday, April 9, paid tribute to a long-time WFEC member -- Graceville community leader and near-centenarian Gertha Simpson. After WFEC’s establishment in 1937, Simpson was among its earliest members and the wife of one of its first employees, A. D. Simpson.
"She truly remembers ‘the night the lights came on,’" said WFEC President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Rimes. "If West Florida Electric has a matriarch, the title belongs to [her]." Rimes presented Simpson with a framed print bearing a brass plate inscribed, "Mrs. Gertha Simpson, West Florida Electric Cooperative Century Club, 1905 -- 2005. Presented April 9, 2005, by West Florida Electric Cooperative with appreciation, affection and admiration for your invaluable, enduring contributions to the creation and continued success of our cooperative and to the overall betterment of our community."
Upon accepting the presentation, Simpson recalled WFEC gatherings of yesteryear, when members brought covered dishes or cooked a chicken and rice dish called purleau. "I’m probably the only person here who was at the first meeting," She said. "Ya’ll mean the world to me."
In his subsequent report to the members, Rimes expressed unease over rising wholesale power costs and the lack of a national energy policy. "It’s a major concern to [WFEC’s] board and our employees, and we are seeking ways to become more energy-efficient," he said.
"In these times of uncertainty in the world of energy, you can be assured that we will remain true to our core values of innovation, integrity, accountability and commitment to community," he continued. "We will never lose sight of our promise of service to our four-county community, and we will continue working to ensure that WFEC is here to serve you today, tomorrow and for generations to come."
At the close of the meeting’s business session, McDaniel and Associates, the certified public accounting firm that oversees WFEC’s trustee elections, announced the outcome of the District 5 race. Incumbent A. C. Miles won with 3,369 votes to challenger James Jarmon’s 1,403.
Prize drawings completed the morning’s activities, with Jennifer Bammon, of Caryville, taking the grand prize – a 3 kilowatt portable generator. Meeting attendees also enjoyed complimentary sandwiches prepared by Sonny’s Barbeque.
WFEC is a Touchstone Energy® cooperative serving over 25,000 member-owners in Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson and Washington Counties.
From left, WFEC Member Services Manager Terry Mullen presents a 3 kw portable generator to WFEC annual meeting grand prize winner Jennifer Bammon, of Caryville
From left, Gertha Simpson, of Graceville, recalls WFEC's earlier days as WFEC President and CEO Bill Rimes, WFEC District 4 Trustee and Graceville Mayor Charles Holman -- who's also Simpson's son -- and Senator Durrell Peaden look on.
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