Annual Meeting is March 20

Transcription

1 The newsletter for members of Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. KILOWATT Annual Meeting is March 20 HELPING SC CO-OPS... In February, a group of Clay Electric employees spent more than a week helping two South Carolina electric cooperatives make repairs after an ice storm caused widespread damage. Clay Electric was thanked by the co-ops members for helping restore power. Clay sent 25 personnel from its central construction division and five of its six districts along with 15 vehicles. Clay Electric will be reimbursed by the co-ops for all of its expenses associated with the restoration effort. The co-op has assistance agreements with other cooperatives in the state and region so it can call on other cooperatives for help if the need arises. Top: Co-op trucks line up as they leave Keystone Heights on Feb. 13. Above: linemen Matt Hickey and Bruce Sapp work to restore power to Coastal s members on Feb. 14. Youth Tour winners selected... page 2 Reports from the president, general manager...pages 3-5 Join the Cooperative Action Network...page 6 Trustee elections information...page 7 Our annual session preview & Legislative Directory...pages 9-11 Official Notice of Annual Meeting...pages KILOWATT/1

2 NEWS IN BRIEF... YOUTH TOUR WINNERS SELECTED...Four high school juniors have been selected to go to Washington, D.C. in June as winners of Clay Electric s 2014 Youth Tour to Washington contest. This year s winners of the Youth Tour to Washington Contest are Brendan Register of Taylor High School; Bailey Creighton of Bradford High School; Taylor Warring of Buchholz High School; and Savannah Woodall of Union County High School. The winners will spend a week in Washington, D.C. June They 2/KILOWATT The winners of this year s Youth Tour to Washington contest are Brendan Register of Taylor High School; Bailey Creighton of Bradford High School; Taylor Warring of Buchholz High School; and Savannah Woodall of Union County High School. were selected based on their combined scores from a speech and written quiz. The group of students were in Tallahassee the week of Feb to participate in the Youth Tour contest and also tour state government buildings and learn about how the government operates. MEMBERS SAVING MONEY WITH CO-OP CONNEC- TIONS PROGRAM...Clay Electric members have saved more than $84,000 on prescription drugs with the Co-op Connections Card since the program was launched. The Co-op Connections Card is a national discount card program for cooperative members. We encourage you to visit the almost 200 local businesses that offer discounts when you present your card. A full list is available on clayelectric.com. The card also connects members with national discounts on everything from hotel stays to prescription drugs, health services and pet care. THINKING ABOUT SOLAR ENERGY?... Thinking about purchasing a photovoltaic (PV) system for your home or business? More than 100 of Clay Electric s members are harnessing the energy of sunlight to lower their bills. Before you invest, call your cooperative first. We have some important information to share about PV systems that will help you make the best decision. Visit our website (clayelectric.com) or call us to request a brochure. KILOWATT VOLUME 45 NUMBER 2 KILOWATT is published six times a year (in January, March, May, July, September and November) by Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc., Highway 100 West, Keystone Heights, Florida, as an informational and educational service to its member-owners. SUBSCRIPTION RATE: $1 a year, to Clay Electric members. Periodicals class postage paid at Keystone Heights, Fla. and at additional mailing offices. USPS ; ISSN BOARD OF TRUSTEES Meets March 18 and April 24 in Keystone Heights at 12:30 p.m. Susan Reeves - President Hawthorne - District 3 Carl Malphurs - Vice President Alachua - District 4 Angus Hastings - Secretary Fort McCoy - District 9 Kelley Smith - Treasurer Palatka - District 2 Carl Hagglund - Trustee Keystone Heights - District 1 Dewitt Hersey - Trustee Starke - District 5 Vacant - District 6 John Henry Whitehead - Trustee Lake Butler - District 7 Jo Ann R. Smith - Trustee Micanopy - District 8 Ricky Davis - General Manager & CEO Derick Thomas - Director Member & Public Relations Herman Dyal - Director Engineering Chip Gray - Director Human Resources, Safety & Training Mark Maxwell - Director Finance & Administrative Services Bruce McHollan - Director Information & Communication Technology Howard Mott - Director Operations Cheryl Rogers - Director Internal Audit DISTRICT MANAGERS Troy Adams - Gainesville & Lake City Dale Furlong - Keystone Heights Andy Chaff - Orange Park Jim Beeler - Palatka & Salt Springs COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION Wayne T. Mattox - Manager of Communications Kathy Richardson - Editor KRichardson@clayelectric.com PUBLISHING, EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING OFFICES CLAY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. P.O. Box 308, Keystone Heights, Florida Telephone (352) POSTMASTER: In using Form 3579, please give key letter and mail to KILOWATT, P. O. Box 308, Keystone Heights, FL

3 The President s Message Susan Reeves Please join us at our Annual Meeting March 20 It s my privilege as president of Clay Electric s Board of Trustees to present to you our special Annual Report issue of the Kilowatt. In this issue, you ll find key information about your cooperative, including a report from General Manager/CEO Ricky Davis, the Official Notice of Annual Meeting, and a preview of activities planned for the Annual Meeting, which will be held later this month in Keystone Heights. From a financial standpoint, Clay Electric remained strong during We returned a substantial amount of Capital Credits last year, and we are returning $5 million this year as well. Our ability to return Capital Credits is a good indicator of the sound financial health of your cooperative. Capital Credits are a distinct benefit of being served by an electric cooperative. Our Annual Meeting will take place on Thursday, March 20 in Keystone Heights, and I encourage you to attend. As a member of the cooperative, this is one of the most important events you can attend, and it is your opportunity to elect three members to the board of trustees. After elections in January, the candidates for trustee are incumbent Kelley Smith for District 2; incumbent Carl Malphurs for District 4; and nominees Jimmy Wilson and Julia O Sullivan for District 6. There are many activities planned for the Annual Meeting, and I urge you to read more about these activities on page 8. The musical entertainment will be provided by the Palmetto Bylaws amendment on Annual Meeting ballot On this year s annual meeting ballot, members will be asked to vote on several amendments to the cooperative s bylaws. The amendments reflect an effort to improve and clarify the bylaws which govern the co-op s board of trustees and employees in many matters, including establishing the responsibilities of the cooperative and its members. The amendments to the coop s bylaws were composed through a lengthy process which included review and approval by the board of trustees. Here is a brief overview of the proposed bylaw amendments: Special Meetings: This bylaw amendment allows for special meetings of the members to be held within a county served by the Ramblers, a local bluegrass group. We ll also serve a chicken lunch on the grounds at noon, plus there will be energy-related exhibits and the popular health screenings. More than 100 door prizes will be given away to lucky ticket holders. This year s grand prize is a white 2007 Chevrolet Colorado pickup. That will be a terrific prize indeed! In conclusion, all of us at Clay Electric appreciate the support you ve shown us over the years. You can count on us to do our best to provide you with competitive electric rates and excellent service in the future. option in the event they are Cooperative instead of limiting the meeting location to unable to attend the annual meeting due to work or other Keystone Heights. This is very commitments. Similar to the similar to the amendment approved in 2013 by the mem- federal and county elections, members will be able to request an absentee ballot to be bership for annual meeting. This amendment will provide mailed to their homes. They the board of trustees more options when selecting a meet- will complete the ballot and mail it back in by the deadline ing location for special meetings. The meeting location prior to the annual meeting. To facilitate absentee voting, several additional amend- will still have to be specified in the notice of meeting. ments are being proposed Voting: to allow the trustee district If approved by the membership, these bylaw amend- meetings to be held earlier and a record date to be ments will allow the co-op to established for determining offer members the option to eligible voting members. vote by absentee ballot for the Quorum Requirements: 2015 trustee election held at This bylaw amendment the annual meeting. increases the quorum requirement from 50 members to 1 Members will still be able to vote in-person at the annual percent of the total membership for annual and special meeting as they do today. Absentee voting will allow member meetings as required members an additional voting Continued on page 7 KILOWATT/3

4 The General Manager s Report Ricky Davis We provided competitive rates, reliable power and improved services to members in 2013 am pleased to report that I while we had our share of challenges in 2013, your cooperative had a very successful year. Throughout the year, we celebrated 75 years of service by taking a look back at our history. I hope you enjoyed the photos and stories we shared for this special milestone. This month I thought I d share some information about how we worked to provide our members with affordable power, maintain our distribution system and expand the services we offer. Last year, we focused on providing excellent service and competitively-priced power. We remain lower than all but one of the other electric co-ops in the state, and lower than many of our neighboring utilities. Last year, our board of trustees approved a small rate increase that went into effect on Oct. 1. Despite this small increase, our residential rates remain very competitive with utilities around the state. We will continue to strive to offer you affordable power and topnotch service. Member opinion surveys from last spring provided very positive feedback from our members. We conducted our biannual written survey and, for the first time ever, a telephone survey. Both of the surveys asked members about their experiences and opinions related to the co-op. The overwhelmingly positive results indicate we are focusing on the important thingsproviding excellent service, 4/KILOWATT maintaining competitive rates, and making sure outages are handled in a safe and efficient manner. Of the members surveyed, 96 percent said we exceeded their expectations, 95 percent said we were close to their idea of an ideal utility, and 96 percent said if they could choose any utility, they would choose Clay Electric. We appreciate the support our members show toward Project Share. Funds collected through our Project Share program enable the Salvation Army to assist families with their electric bills when they experience difficult times. We re seeing more families who have needed assistance due to layoffs and tough economic times. Since its inception in 1997, the program has helped 3,273 members with a total of $475,982 in disbursements. We are in our third year of providing you with the Co-op Connections Card program, another member benefit. As a coop, we believe our commitment to you goes beyond providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Our participation in the Co-op Connections Card program is a money-saving tool we are proud to offer our members. As of February, our members have saved more than $84,500 on prescription drug costs alone. Our focus at last year s Strategic Planning session was on maintaining our financial stability during a period of economic uncertainty and preparing for the likely passage of environmental legislation that could affect our operations and those of our power supplier. Member s use of electronic payment options continues to grow and 57 percent of all payments now come in electronically. This is up from 50 percent in Member s use of credit and debit cards to pay their bills continues to increase. Approximately 5.3 percent of all payments (about 8,700 payments a month) are now made using cards. Charge card usage, through our partner Western Union, has more than doubled in just the last couple of years. More members are choosing the convenience of receiving their Clay Electric bill via . With the help of a successful promotion late in 2013, participation in the e-billing program increased by 33 percent, with 14,000 bills now going out electronically each month. During this past Christmas holiday period, a number of our employees conducted food and gift drives to help less fortunate families in their communities. Our employees continued to recognize the importance of working safely. Many of our departments and districts were recognized by the safety division for meeting safety performance criteria established for the year. Clay Electric employees have more than 2.5 million hours (3 years) worked without experiencing a lost-time injury. Continued on page 5

5 General Manager s Report Continued from page 4 We continue to help our members with energy efficiency and energy conservation information. Just over 750 members received rebates totaling $178,006. Energy efficiency loans totaled 49, resulting in $234,949 loaned for various energy efficiency upgrades. We completed a large number of projects last year, including installing new equipment in our substations, that enhanced the reliability of our distribution and transmission systems. We finished a GPS inventory of our entire electrical distribution system. Contractors with Davey Resource Group visited each individual piece of distribution equipment, including poles and meters, to record the piece s Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates. This process will ensure our maps are as accurate as possible and will enable us to provide timely and efficient service. Our new Lake City District office opened last spring, and an extensive remodeling project to expand and enhance our Orange Park District office was completed last year as well. Many of our buildings are showing their age because they were built in the 60s and 70s, they lack adequate space and are in need of costly repairs. These building projects enable us to better serve our members, and lower our maintenance and energy costs. We continue to invite our members to join Co-op Owners for Political Action (COPA). This is the political action committee focused on the needs of America s electric cooperatives. So far, more than 270 of you have joined. By joining COPA, our members become part of a strong grassroots network of citizens concerned about the New offices for Lake City and Orange Park in 2013 Above, in 2013 the co-op opened a new Lake City District office and hosted the Board of Trustees in the new facility. At right, the Orange Park District office underwent extensive remodeling and renovation to provide a modern, energy-efficient facility for members. long-term success of the electric cooperative program. COPA supports elected officials and candidates who understand and support electric cooperatives and their members. During 2013, we monitored a variety of legislative issues in Tallahassee and Washington that could impact our ability to provide competitively-priced power, and many of you responded when we asked you to participate in our call to action efforts. We may call on you again this year to assist us in voicing concerns over legislative matters. There are a number of legislative proposals being considered in Washington and in Tallahassee we re watching closely which could impact your cost of power. We also make a sincere effort to reach out to the federal and state legislators that represent our North Florida service area to explain how energy legislation could impact our members cost of power. We intend to keep you informed when these issues come up. It s so very important for the folks you elect to office to understand how the energy issues they ll vote on can affect your cost of electricity. In closing, we accomplished much on your behalf during We must continue to prepare for the many challenges that will come our way in the future. Be assured that we will work hard to provide you with affordable and reliable power, we ll seek new ways to serve you, and we pledge to maintain the cooperative s financial health so that it s ready and able to meet your power needs in the coming years. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve you. KILOWATT/5

6 EPA plans could mean higher utility rates in future Would it concern you if grocery prices were hiked 80 percent in the near future? What if you learned gasoline prices were going up by 80 percent, or your favorite restaurant was nearly doubling its prices? You d probably be upset and want to know why. How would you feel if your electric rates were headed up that much? While Clay Electric works hard to provide you with affordable power, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has other plans. Thanks to the EPA s new clean coal rules, your power prices could increase by 70 or 80 percent, reports Dr. Julio Friedmann, deputy assistant secretary for clean coal at the Department of Energy. He recently told members of the House of Representatives the first generation of carbon capture and storage (CSS) technology would increase the price of wholesale electricity by 70 or 80 percent. It s important for members of Clay Electric to understand how the EPA s efforts to take coal out of this nation s energy mix could have a very expensive impact on the price of electricity. The EPA s plans will impact everyone s cost of electricity if that electricity is generated with coal. If the EPA moves forward with its anti-coal campaign, ratepayers across this nation will find electricity less affordable and less reliable. The EPA needs to hear from you on this matter! Last August, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) launched the Cooperative Action Network (CAN). This website gives members like yourself an opportunity to participate in a grassroots effort to change opinions in Washington. We need your help, and your participation. If the thought of 6/KILOWATT having your electricity prices rise by 80 percent upsets you, visit Action.coop and add your voice to the thousands who are telling the EPA to stop its anticoal campaign. Please visit Clay Electric s Cooperative Action Network booth at our annual meeting on March 20, fill out a Take Action card, and participate in a drawing to win a $50 Visa gift card. Let your voice be heard: join COPA! Co-op Owners for Political Action (COPA) is a program that gives co-op members the opportunity to become politically active and help advance policies that secure the future of electric cooperatives and the communities they serve. By joining COPA, you can help this cooperative continues its efforts to provide affordable and reliable electricity. Electing political leaders who support co-ops and their mission to improve the quality of life for their communities is vital. If you plan to attend this year s annual meeting, stop by the COPA booth and sign up. It s only $25 for a yearly membership. Your name will be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card.

7 Candidates selected at trustee meetings Four candidates were nominated at the trustee district meetings held in late January. These candidates names will appear on the ballot to be voted upon by all members who attend the annual meeting and register to vote. Each year, three trustee positions on the nine-member board are up for election. For District 2, incumbent Kelley Smith of Bostwick was nominated as the candidate. For District 4, incumbent Carl Malphurs of Bland was selected as the candidate. Jimmy Wilson and Julia O Sullivan, both of Middleburg, were nominated as candidates for the vacant seat in District 6. The seat had previously been held by the late Floyd Gnann, who served on the board from Smith Malphurs Wilson, a lifelong resident of Clay County, retired from the Clay County Sheriff s Office as major of operations after 31 years of service. Wilson said he believes in a common sense approach to problem solving and wants to continue to keep electric rates low and customers happy. He added that he wants to bring his experience and insights to the organization while representing the members. O Sullivan, a business consultant with 36 years of management, analytical and accounting Clay Electric s Board of Trustees Wilson O Sullivan experience, has lived in Clay County for 15 years. A military widow, O Sullivan said she has been involved as a political watchdog at the federal, state and local levels to promote economic growth and energy efficiency, along with oversight and accountability. The cooperative s Board of Trustees is composed of nine Clay Electric members. The Board meets monthly at the co-op s central office in Keystone Heights. Clay Electric s Trustee District Map Carl Hagglund District 1 Kelley Smith District 2 Susan Reeves District 3 Carl Malphurs District 4 Dewitt Hersey District 5 John Henry Whitehead District 7 Jo Ann Smith District 8 Angus Hastings District 9 Bylaw Amendments Continued from page 3 by Florida state statute. It will also allow for members who vote by absentee ballot to be counted toward the quorum requirement. The quorum requirement for district meetings will remain at 15 members. Termination of Membership: This bylaw amendment clarifies the conditions under which termination of membership can occur, and establishes that termination of membership does not release the member or the cooperative from debts, liabilities or obligations, or release the co-op from paying Capital Credits to former members who are entitled to receive them. KILOWATT/7

8 Annual Meeting offers something for everyone Clay Electric s 76th Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 20 in Keystone Heights. Members will find it to be an activity-filled day with musical entertainment provided by the Palmetto Ramblers, a regional touring bluegrass band based out of north Florida. The group is made up of five semi-retired professional musicians whose individual careers have taken them from the Grand Ole Opry to the IBMA music awards. They were voted Florida s Best New Bluegrass Band in There will be health screenings, a delicious chicken lunch, energy-related exhibits and a chance to win a door prize. This year s grand prize is a 2007 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck. Following a brief morning session which begins at 9 a.m., the poll opens for members to cast their ballots to elect three members to Clay Electric s board of trustees. Members who register to vote at the Annual Meeting will receive a gift and tickets for door prizes. The afternoon business session includes comments by Board President Susan Reeves and General Manager/CEO Ricky Davis. 9:00 AM Opening of Meeting...Susan Reeves, President, Board of Trustees Certification of Notice of Meeting Candidates for Trustee placed in Nomination Appointment of Tellers & Inspectors Other Announcements Recess for Voting, Entertainment, Lunch Entertainment...Palmetto Ramblers NOON Chicken lunch 1:00 PM Meeting Called to Order...Susan Reeves, President Invocation Announcement of Quorum This year s annual meeting features the Palmetto Ramblers. Come out and listen as they pick and croon their way through bluegrass favorites. The grand prize at Clay Electric s Annual Meeting is this 2007 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck. Annual Meeting Schedule of Events Approval of Minutes of 2013 Meeting Introduction of Board of Trustees & Management...Susan Reeves, President Introduction of Special Guests Presentation of Service Anniversaries and Employee Recognition Award President s Remarks... Susan Reeves, President Manager s Report... Ricky Davis, General Manager/CEO Unfinished Business, New Business Drawing of Door Prizes Recess Until Poll Closes 7:00 PM Poll Closes at 7 p.m. Report of Election Results Adjournment 8/KILOWATT

9 A preview of the 2014 Florida Legislative session Taxes, 3rd party generation & cyber-security are on our agenda By Mike Bjorklund, Director of Legislative Affairs, Florida Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. Tallahassee, Fla. Florida s legislative leaders began working in late 2013 to prepare for the annual 60-day legislative session that began on March 4. The Legislature will consider hundreds of bills and must write and approve Florida s annual budget. Electric cooperatives will focus our attention on legislative proposals that would allow unregulated third party renewable generators to sell electricity to retail customers, and legislation that would increase penalties for cyberattacks on utilities. We also will support legislation to reduce the sales tax rate businesses pay on their electric bills, and we will continue to thank the Legislature for strengthening the electricity theft laws last year. Electric cooperatives support renewable generation that is cost-competitive, but we oppose legislation that would require cooperative members to pay higher electric bills due to renewable mandates. Some groups are seeking legislation to allow non-utility third party renewable generators to sell electricity to existing retail customers of electric utilities. This scheme would permit the non-utility third party renewable generators to operate with no regulatory oversight and to use the existing utilities lines and equipment for little or no cost. This proposal would undermine the current regulatory regime and could shift a significant amount of the utility s costs of serving these renewable customers to the utility s other customers. The utility also would be forced to reevaluate its load forecasting and planning methods, which could lead to a more expensive generation design and increased costs to the general body of ratepayers. Electric cooperatives are opposed to legislation that would require non-participants to subsidize those customers who choose to install a renewable generator to sell power to a utility s customers. The term cyber-security refers to protecting the electric grid from computer-generated attacks that are meant to disrupt the distribution of electricity to consumers. Electric cooperatives are working with our partners at the federal level to address cyber-security nationally. In addition, legislation is being considered at the state level to increase penalties for cyber-attacks. Proposed legislation would create a third-degree felony for attempting to hack into a utility s computer system. Further, if a hacker does gain access to a utility s computer system, it would be a seconddegree felony if they tamper with the system. Protecting Florida s electric grid is one of our top priorities, and electric cooperatives will support legislation to keep the grid secure and operational. Electric bills for Florida s businesses include numerous taxes and fees, including a seven percent sales tax on their monthly electric bills. Florida s taxes and fees on electricity are much higher than in our neighbor states of Georgia and Alabama. This year, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is proposing to reduce the taxes businesses must remit to make Florida more competitive with other states. Fortunately, residential customers already have an exemption from the state sales tax. Another measure would allow certain new businesses to qualify for a sales tax rebate in rural counties. These two proposals working in tandem could help spur economic development in our area and throughout Florida. Electricity theft is a growing problem for electric cooperatives. Last year, electric cooperatives successfully implemented stronger laws to deter electricity theft and to minimize losses due to theft that must be recovered from the other members through higher electric rates. Previously, the law only allowed law enforcement to seek a misdemeanor charge regardless of the amount of electricity that was stolen. The new law allows penalties to vary depending upon the value of the stolen electricity, which treats stealing electricity like the theft of any other commodity. The new law also increases the minimum award in a civil action from $1,000 to $3,000, which will mitigate the utility s time and cost of recovering its losses. As a not-for-profit utility, Clay Electric is very sensitive to legislative changes that could increase electric rates. Your co-op is committed to fighting legislation that would force the general body of customers to subsidize a few customers, such as the proposal to allow third party renewable generators to sell electricity to existing electric utility customers. Moreover, we will support legislation such as the sales tax exemption bills that can help strengthen our economy. As these proposals move through the Legislature, we will continue to fight against proposals that could raise electric rates and will support legislation that keeps your co-op strong. KILOWATT/9

10 2014 Legislative Directory Florida House of Representatives Elizabeth Porter (R) House District 10 Alachua, Baker, Columbia & Suwannee counties. Address: 678 SE Baya Drive, Lake City Ph. (386) Tallahassee: 405 House Office Bldg, 402 S Monroe St, Tallahassee 32399, (850) elizabeth.porter@myfloridahouse.gov Clovis Watson (D) House District 20 Alachua & Marion counties. Address: 2815 NW 13th St., Suite 202, Gainesville Ph. (352) Tallahassee: 1301 The Capitol, 402 S Monroe St., Tallahassee 32399, (850) clovis.watson@ myfloridahouse.gov Dennis Baxley (R) House District 23 Marion County. Address: 315 SE 25th Ave, Ocala Ph. (352) Tallahassee: 412 House Office Bldg, 402 S Monroe St, Tallahassee 32399, (850) dennis.baxley@myfloridahouse.gov Florida Senate Charlie Dean (R) Senate District 5 Baker, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Marion, Suwannee & Union counties. Inverness: 405 Tompkins St, Inverness, FL Ph. (352) Statewide: (866) Ocala: 315 SE 25th Ave, Ocala Ph. (352) Tallahassee: 311 Senate Office Bldg, 404 S Monroe St, Tallahassee 32399, (850) dean.charles.web@ flsenate.gov The legislators listed in this directory serve constituents that reside within Clay Electric Co-op s service area. Only counties served by the co-op are listed. 10/KILOWATT Travis Cummings (R) House District 18 Clay County. Address: 580 Wells Road, Suite 2, Orange Park Ph. (904) Tallahassee: 1102 The Capitol, 402 S Monroe St, Tallahassee 32399, (850) travis.cummings@myfloridahouse. gov Keith Perry (R) House District 21 Alachua, Dixie & Gilchrist counties. Gainesville: 2440 SW 76th St., Suite 120, Gainesville Ph. (352) Tallahassee: 405 House Office Bldg, 402 S Monroe St, Tallahassee 32399, (850) keith. perry@myfloridahouse.gov Travis Hutson (R) House District 24 Flagler, St. Johns & Volusia counties. Address: 4875 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Unit 5, Palm Coast, FL Ph. (386) Tallahassee: 1102 The Capitol, 402 S Monroe St, Tallahassee 32399, (850) travis.hutson@myfloridahouse.gov John Thrasher (R) Senate District 6 Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns & Volusia counties. Address: 113 Nature Walk Parkway, Suite 106, St. Augustine Ph. (904) Tallahassee: 400 Senate Office Bldg, 404 S Monroe St, Tallahassee 32399, (850) thrasher.john.web@flsenate.gov Dorothy Hukill (R) Senate District 8 Lake, Marion & Volusia counties. Port Orange: 209 Dunlawton Ave, Unit 17, Port Orange Ph. (386) Ocala: Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave, 3rd Floor, Ocala Ph. (352) Tallahassee: 210 Senate Office Bldg, 404 S Monroe St, Tallahassee 32399, (850) hukill. dorothy.web@flsenate.gov Charles Van Zant (R) House District 19 Bradford, Clay, Putnam & Union counties. Address: 3841 Reid St, Suite 5, Palatka Tallahassee: 405 House Office Bldg, 402 S Monroe St, Tallahassee, Ph. (850) charles.vanzant@myfloridahouse. gov Charlie Stone (R) House District 22 Marion & Levy counties. Address: Suite 104, 3001 Southwest College Road Ocala, FL , Phone: (352) Tallahassee: 1003 The Capitol 402 South Monroe St., Tallahassee, , Ph. (850) charlie.stone@myfloridahouse.gov Dwayne Taylor (D) House District 26 Volusia County. Address: 1020 W International Speedway Blvd., Suite 103, Daytona Beach, FL Ph. (386) Tallahassee: 1101 The Capitol, 402 S Monroe St, Tallahassee 32399, (850) dwayne.taylor@myfloridahouse.gov Bryan Nelson (R) House District 31 Lake County. Eustis: 301 W Ward Ave, Eustis Ph. (352) Tallahassee: 303 House Office Bldg, 402 S Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32399, (850) bryan. nelson@myfloridahouse.gov Rob Bradley (R) Senate District 7 Alachua, Bradford & Clay counties. Address: 2233 Park Ave, Suite 303, Orange Park Ph. (904) Tallahassee: 208 Senate Office Bldg, 404 S Monroe St, Tallahassee 32399, (850) bradley. rob.web@flsenate.gov Alan Hays (R) Senate District 11 Lake & Marion counties. Umatilla: 871 S Central Ave, Umatilla Ph. (352) The Villages: 1104 Main St, The Villages Ph. (352) Tallahassee: 320 Senate Office Bldg, 404 S Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32399, (850) hays.alan.web@flsenate.gov

11 U. S. House of Representatives Ted Yoho (R) District 3 Columbia, Bradford, Suwannee, Levy, Marion, Alachua & Clay counties. Address: 511 Cannon House Office Bldg, Washington, DC Ph. (202) Gainesville office: (352) Orange Park office: (904) Website: Ron DeSantis (R) District 6 Flagler, Putnam & Volusia counties. Address: 427 Cannon House Office Bldg, Washington, DC Ph. (202) Port Orange office: (386) Website: house.gov U. S. Senate Marco Rubio (R) Address: 284 Russell Senate Office Bldg, Washington DC, Ph. (202) Jacksonville office: 1650 Prudential Dr, Suite 220, Jacksonville Ph. (904) Website: Ander Crenshaw (R) District 4 Baker County. Address: 440 Cannon House Office Bldg, Washington, DC Ph. (202) Jacksonville office: (904) Mobile: (904) Website: house.gov Richard Nugent (R) District 11 Marion County. Address: 1727 Longworth House Office Bldg, Washington, DC Ph. (202) Marion office: (352) Website: Bill Nelson (D) Address: 716 Hart Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC Ph. (202) Jacksonville office: 1301 Riverplace Blvd, Suite 2010, Jacksonville Ph. (904) Website: Tips on getting your point across to legislators... L egislators are generally very interested in the opinions of their constituents. Lawmakers like to know that their support for or opposition to a certain piece of legislation reflects the sentiments of the residents in their district. If, during this year s Legislative session, a bill is introduced that you have strong feelings about, consider writing a letter to your representative and/ or senator. However, there are a few guidelines to consider before taking action. Your legislators receive a huge amount of phone calls and mail. Unfortunately, their full agendas limit their ability to personally read and respond to all calls and letters. How can you be sure your voice is heard? Here are some tips to help you get the most impact out of your communications with your legislators. General Tips... Know who your legislators are and how to contact them. Information in this month s Kilowatt Legislative Directory will help you get started. For those who have access to the Internet, there s lots of resource information available about the Florida Legislature and individual lawmakers. One useful website address is state.fl.us Make sure you understand the legislative process. Even the most basic understanding of the process will help you effectively express your ideas. Contact your legislator about a particular issue before the Legislature takes action on it. Use a variety of communication methods. You might choose to telephone, write, , or visit your legislator. You might also choose to give testimony at public hearings held by the Corrine Brown (D) District 5 Alachua, Clay, Lake, Marion & Putnam counties. Address: 2111 Rayburn House Office Bldg, Washington, D.C Ph. (202) Orlando office: (407) Jacksonville office: (904) Gainesville office: (352) Website: When contacting your legislator... - Be certain to use your legislator s correct spelling & address. - Type or print legibly. Sign neatly and give your address correctly so they can respond. - Keep correspondence brief. Never write more than one page. Short and to-the-point is more likely to grab and keep their attention. - Identify your issue at the beginning of the letter. Don t bury your main point under trivial text. - Cover only one issue per letter. If you have another issue to address, write another letter. - Don t send the same letter to more than one legislator. Personalized letters have more impact. When telephoning or visiting your legislator... - Plan your call or visit carefully. Keep to the point and discuss only one issue. Organize your thoughts beforehand & make notes to help you stay on track. - Make an appointment. - Prepare a fact sheet on your issue. Legislature. To give testimony, you would need to contact the appropriate committee secretary before the hearing to sign up. Tell your legislator what effect you think a particular bill, if it becomes law, will have on you, your children, business, or community. Be concise, but specific. Be polite, even if you disagree strongly with the legislator you are addressing. Lawmakers cannot please everyone. Your communication will be more effective if you are reasonable in your approach. Suggest a course of action and offer assistance. Don t make promises or threats. KILOWATT/11

12 Official Notice of Annual Meeting Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the members of Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held at the headquarters of the cooperative at 225 West Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, Clay County, Florida at 9 a.m., Thursday, March 20, 2014 to take action upon the following matters. (a) The election of a trustee from District No. 2, a trustee from District No. 4, and a trustee from District No. 6, to serve three-year terms. (b) The report of officers. (c) To amend ARTICLE 1 (Membership, SECTION 3. Joint Membership) of the co-op s bylaws, to read as follows: SECTION 3. Joint Membership. A husband and wife may apply for a joint membership and, subject to their compliance with the requirements set forth in Section 1 of this Article, may be accepted for such membership. The term member as used in these bylaws shall be deemed to include a husband and wife holding a joint membership and any provisions relating to the rights and liabilities of membership shall apply equally with respect to the holders of a joint membership. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the effect of the hereinafter specified actions by or in respect of the holders of a joint membership shall be as follows: (a) The presence at a meeting of either or both shall be regarded as the presence of one member and shall constitute a joint waiver of notice of the meeting; (b) The vote of either separately or both jointly shall constitute one joint vote; the first vote, signature, or action received by the Cooperative binds the joint membership and constitutes one vote, signature, or action. (c) A waiver of notice signed by either or both shall constitute a joint waiver; (d) Notice of either shall constitute notice to both; (e) The expulsion of either shall terminate the joint membership; (f) Withdrawal of either shall terminate the joint membership; (g) Either, but not both, may be elected or appointed as officer or trustee, provided that both meet the qualifications for such office. (d) To amend ARTICLE 1 (Membership, SECTION 7. Termination of Membership) of the coop s bylaws, to read as follows: SECTION 7. Termination of Membership. Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, a Member is terminated upon: (a) Cooperative learning of the Member s death, legal dissolution, or legal cessation of existence; (b) Member requesting termination; or (c) Cooperative learning that the Member has permanently ceased purchasing electric energy from the Cooperative. The board of trustees of the Cooperative may, by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of all the trustees, expel any member who fails to comply with any of the provisions of the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or rules or regulations adopted by the board of trustees, but only if such member shall have been given written notice by the Cooperative that such failure makes him liable to expulsion and such failure shall have continued for at least ten (10) days after such notice was given. Any expelled member may be reinstated by vote of the board of trustees or by vote of the members at any annual or special meeting. Termination of a Member does not: (1) release the Member from debts, liabilities, or obligations owed to the Cooperative; or (2) release the Cooperative from the obligation to retire and pay Capital Credits to the former Member or obligations to the former Member regarding the Cooperative s dissolution. Upon a Member s termination from the Cooperative, and after deducting amounts owed to the Cooperative, the Cooperative must return to the Member any amount provided in the Governing Documents. Continued on page 13 12/KILOWATT

13 (e) To amend ARTICLE III (MEETING OF MEMBERS, SECTION 2. Special Meetings) of the co-op s bylaws, to read as follows: SECTION 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the members may be called by resolution of the Board of Trustees or by written request signed by any three (3) trustees, by the President, or by ten (10) percent or more of all the members. Upon receipt of request it shall be the duty of the Secretary to initiate the notice of members meeting as provided in these bylaws. Special meetings of the members shall be held at such place within a county served by the Cooperative as selected by the Board and shall be designated in the notice of the meeting. (f) To amend ARTICLE III (MEETING OF MEMBERS, SECTION 4. Quorum) of the co-op s bylaws, to read as follows: SECTION 4. Quorum. One percent (1%) of the total membership present in person or casting a vote by absentee ballot shall constitute a quorum. If less than a quorum is present at any meeting or by vote cast by absentee ballot, a majority of those present in person may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice, provided that the Cooperative shall notify any absent members of the time and place of such adjourned meeting. (g) To amend ARTICLE III (MEETING OF MEMBERS, SECTION 5. Voting) of the co-op s bylaws, to read as follows: SECTION 5. Voting. Each member shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting. Voting by proxy shall not be allowed. A majority of a quorum is required to approve any motion or matter before a meeting of the members. Voting shall be in person or by absentee ballot, and those members voting by absentee ballot shall be counted as present in person for determination of a quorum. Members voting by absentee ballot shall not be counted on any matter raised at a meeting which was not specifically listed and identified on the absentee ballot. For purposes of this section, the term absentee ballot shall mean a ballot mailed in to the Cooperative, or to an independent 3rd party designated by the Board of Trustees in lieu of the member s appearance in person to vote at the meeting. The manner and procedure for voting by absentee ballot shall be as determined by the Board of Trustees in a policy or policies addressing the matter, and shall be referenced in the Notice of Meeting. (h) To amend ARTICLE III (MEETING OF MEMBERS), of the co-op s bylaws, to add SECTION 7. Record Date. SECTION 7. Record Date. The Record Date is the date for determining the total number of members entitled to: (a) sign any petition, request, demand, consent, appointment, or similar document; (b) receive a ballot, notice of a member meeting, or similar document; or (3) vote. If a party is not a member on the record date, then the party may not sign a document, receive a document, or vote. The record date for voting at a member meeting is the date of the member meeting; provided, however, the Board of Trustees may fix a different record date so long as such date is no more than thirty (30) days before the date a ballot, notice, or similar document is due or required. (i) To amend ARTICLE IV (TRUSTEES, SECTION 5. Nomination and Election of Trustees) of the coop s bylaws, to read as follows: SECTION 5. Nomination and Election of Trustees. (a) Nomination at District Meetings. Not less than thirty (30) days nor more than ninety (90) days before any meeting at which trustees are to be elected, the board of trustees shall call a separate meeting of the members of each district from which a trustee is to be elected at a suitable place in such district for the purpose of selecting not more than two qualified persons as candidates for trustee to represent the members located within such district. The notice of such meeting shall be delivered to each member located in such district as provided in Section 3 of Article III and shall indicate the district to which such member belongs. The notice shall state that an election to select one or two nominees for trustee is to be made at the meeting. The meeting shall, however, be open for discussion of any other matters pertaining to the business of the Cooperative, regardless of whether or not such matters were listed in the notice of the meeting, and recommendations with respect thereto may be submitted to the board of trustees or the entire membership. The district meeting shall be called to order by the trustee representing the district, or by another designated representative of the board of trustees, or, in his absence, by any member residing within the district. The members shall then proceed to elect a chairman, who shall be someone other than a trustee and who shall appoint a secretary to act for the duration of the meeting. Fifteen (15) members residing in the district present at such duly called district Continued on page 14 KILOWATT/13

14 meeting shall constitute a quorum. Members of other districts present at the meeting may be heard but shall have no vote. Nominations for candidates for trustee shall be made from the floor at the meeting, and any member residing in the district shall have the right to nominate one candidate. The meeting shall remain open for nominations until no further nominations are forthcoming. Candidates must be members residing in the district and must possess the qualifications for trustee specified in Section 3 of Article IV of the bylaws. Voting shall be by ballot, and proxy voting shall not be permitted at any district meeting. Each member may vote for one (1) candidate. The two (2) candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared the official candidates of the district. The minutes of such district meeting shall set forth, among other matters, the name of each person nominated at the meeting and the number of votes received by each and shall specify the two (2) official candidates of the district. A certified copy of the minutes signed by the Secretary and the Chairman of the district meeting shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Cooperative within five (5) days after such district meeting. (b) Election of Trustees. Not less than ten (10) days before an annual or special meeting of the members at which trustees are to be elected, the Secretary of the Cooperative shall be responsible for mailing to each member eligible to vote a list of the candidates selected at all district meetings, the names to be arranged by districts and in order of preference indicated by the respective district vote. This list may be included with the notice of the meeting. Election of trustees shall be by voting in person at the annual meeting or by absentee ballot. The ballots shall only list the candidates selected at the district meetings, the names to be arranged by districts and in the order of preference indicated by the respective district vote. A member wishing to vote for any other candidate or candidates may do so by writing in the name of such candidate(s) on the ballot or at the designated place on the machine and indicating a vote for such candidate(s) by a check or a mark. Each member of the Cooperative eligible to vote shall be entitled to vote for one candidate from each district. The candidate from each district receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected as a trustee. (j) To conduct such other business as may properly come before this meeting. The Board of Trustees hopes you will be able to attend this meeting and learn more about the cooperative. Under the bylaws, as amended at the 1951 Annual Meeting, there can be no voting by proxy. This makes it imperative for you to be present in order to vote. Voting booths will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The bylaws provide that the two nominees of each district receiving the highest vote shall be the official nominees in the district and shall be listed in the order of preference indicated by the respective vote. You are hereby notified that at the meetings of Districts No. 2, No. 4 and No. 6, the following were nominated for membership on the Board of Trustees. District No. 2 Nominee: Kelley Smith District No. 4 Nominee: Carl Malphurs District No. 6 Nominee: Jimmy Wilson Nominee: Julia O Sullivan Please note: Legal boundary descriptions of Districts 2, 4 and 6 are provided in Clay Electric Co-op s Member Handbook. The handbook is also available in PDF format online at clayelectric.com (See Member Services, Communications, Member Handbook). If you have more questions, call the phone number listed in your monthly bill statement. At the Annual Meeting, the Secretary will place in nomination the above named official candidates from each district. Clay Electric members registered at the Annual Meeting will elect one trustee for each of the three districts. There will be music and entertainment from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Free luncheon will be served on the grounds at noon. CLAY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. By: Susan Reeves, President Attest: Angus Hastings, Secretary 14/KILOWATT