Directors Elected, Updates Given at Blue Ridge Electrics Annual Membership Meeting
For Immediate Release
Contact: Renee Whitener, Director of Corporate Communications, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, (828) 758-2383 ext. 3213; Pager:1-800-471-1323; or E-mail: Renee Whitener
Boone, North Carolina (June 8, 2002) — Four directors were elected to the board of Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation on Saturday during the cooperative’s Annual Membership Meeting held at Watauga High School.
Re-elected in uncontested elections to serve three-year terms on the board were: Jackie Blackburn of Ashe district, Martha McKnight of Alleghany district, and G.C. Norris of Watauga district.
In Caldwell district, two nominees vied for a new seat approved by the board last year to more thoroughly represent the growing membership in Caldwell County: David Eggers, nominated by the nominating committee and Tana Murray, nominated by petition. Eggers, a retired Caldwell County principal who lives in the Patterson community, was elected by the membership to serve a three-year term.
During the meeting, members also honored the memory of Johnnie Austin, who passed away in January, with the acceptance of a resolution recognizing his contributions as a director for 31 years and board president the last 21 years. The board presented his wife Carolyn the framed resolution, a photo “memory book”, and a dozen pink roses as an expression of their gratitude and memory of Austin.
After President John Woodruff delivered introductory comments, G.C. Norris, secretary-treasurer, reported that the cooperative is in sound financial condition and remains one of the strongest cooperatives in the nation.
Chief Financial Officer, Lee Chase, reaffirmed that message, adding that Blue Ridge Electric retired $1.1 million to members in capital credits for 2001, providing additional savings for the members. Chase added that while mild winter weather in 2001 had an impact on the cooperative, modest electric sales growth occurred last year and kilowatt-hour sales increased by 2.8 percent to reach 1.13 billion kilowatt-hours.
Doug Johnson, chief executive officer, gave members an update on key strategic issues for the cooperative and its subsidiary, Blue Ridge Energies.
Referencing the challenges our country and state are facing, Johnson added that a changing wholesale energy market affected Blue Ridge Electric and the energy industry as a whole last year. He noted the failure of deregulation in California and the collapse of Enron, as well as September 11th and economic factors as other influences on the industry.
“Challenges strengthen our resolve to find creative solutions to persevere through events and circumstances beyond our control and to seek direction, purpose, and opportunities,” Johnson said.
“As I look ahead, I see an incredibly bright future for Blue Ridge Electric and our subsidiary company, Blue Ridge Energies. This company, more than anything, desires to serve with humility and care for our members,” he continued. “We desire to be an invaluable partner with other organizations, groups, and leaders to shape a better northwest North Carolina…..to be a part of creating communities where people are proud to live, raise a family, work or retire…a place where there is opportunity.”
Johnson listed critical areas on which the company will focus for the next few years in order to achieve its goals: delivering best performer reliability by investing in and maintaining a strong electric delivery system; pursuing the best possible cost for reliable wholesale power; achieving the vision for Blue Ridge Energies; delivering unequaled customer service and being a model corporate citizen.
“I know the employees of Blue Ridge Electric and Blue Ridge Energies are totally committed to successfully achieving these critical results. I also know that we will deliver our efforts with honesty and integrity, with respect for people, and with full recognition of our accountability to you: the member-owners,” Johnson concluded.
The meeting ended with the announcement of the prize winners:
GRAND PRIZE: 1995 Ford Explorer:
Ray Jones of Ashe County
Carolina Country Gift Basket:
Charles J. Swann of Ashe County.
Diamond Rio Concert Tickets: Janet Jurgensmier of Ashe County
$50 Cash Winners
Caldwell:
Paulma P. Laws of Hudson; Nadine E. Colvard of Hudson; Shelby Rominger of Granite Falls; and James W. Rader of Lenoir.
Watauga:
J. D. Phillips of Boone; Harry L. Bame of China Grove; Melvin Trivette of Deep Gap; Lois Lorch, of Albemarle
Ashe:
James E. Hayes of Jefferson; Ronald C. Cox of Jefferson; Paul H. Woodall of Jefferson; Amy S. Michels of Creston
Alleghany:
John W. Joines of Sparta; Faye R. Bare of Sparta; John R. McMillan of Sparta; Norma Jean Cox of Sparta
