Co-opConnection

An inspiring example
2254 Highway 14 PO Box 700 Laurens, SC 29360 Office Hours 8 a.m.5 p.m. MondayFriday Toll Free 1-800-942-3141 en espaol: 1-800-942-3141 www.laurenselectric.com Email customercare@laurenselectric.com Board of Directors Lewis Harrison, Chairman Charles Adair, Vice Chairman Helen Abrams, SecretaryTreasurer Joe Nicholson, District 1 Bill Hendrix, District 2 Lewis Harrison, District 3 Charles Adair, District 4 Leroy Blakely, District 5 Helen Abrams, District 6 Marcus Cook, District 7 F.E. Hendrix, District 8 Mitchell Powers, District 9 Co-op News Editor Laurie Riser laurier@laurenselectric.com
THANKS to the members who attended our Annual Meeting June 4. For the benefit of all, Id like to recap a few points I made there. First, let me note that our rates have stabilized, and projections show theyll remain stable for the next few years. However, extreme weather in 2010 led consumers to use record amounts of power. Increased demand creates the need for new power plants. To delay the need to build costly new generation, we continue to empower you with ways to increase your homes energy efficiency. Be sure to read this magazine regularly to stay on top of developments that affect your co-op. Also, please visit LaurensElectric.com to keep abreast of our many programs designed to help you. Speaking of weather, I shared a letter from a lady in Alabama who wrote to thank the Laurens Electric crews who volunteered to help restore power there after devastating tornadoes struck in late April. Mrs. Reed from Pisgah, Ala., praised the crews hard work, support, kind words and dedication. She noted, Without your help, we could easily have been without power for longer than nine days! Our small town had 97 homes damaged beyond repair and 30 completely destroyed. Sadly, three people were killed. We have a long

Alabama tornado victims letter reminds us of value of cooperation

WALTER ALLREAD

Wanda Bell of Laurens won the grand prize, a 2005 Chevy pickup truck, at LECs 2010 Annual Meeting. It was her first big win, she said, but shell just turn around and give it away! My husbands truck has 225,000 miles on it, she says, so hes probably going to drive it.

road of recovery but our sweet home Alabama will bounce back. We will be forever thankful! Id like to join Mrs. Reed in praising the crews. Their example is inspiring. Id also like to thank the rest of our employees for what they do every dayas well as you, our members, for your continuing support. Its this spirit of working together to overcome challenges that ensures a bright future for our co-op and our country. No matter what challenges we may face, rest assured that we are looking out for you.

J. David Wasson Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | july2011 | SCLIVING.COOp

Laurens News
Smiles by the dozen
GOODTIMES! LEC

registered 2710 member-owners in attendance June 4 at the 2011 Annual Meeting. The members re-elected incumbents, below from left, Mitch Powers, Marcus Cook and Charles Adair to their board. They also enjoyed WIREs baked goods, live music, free snacks and drinks and prizes galore. See more smiles in a photo gallery at LaurensElectric.com.

Destini Roberts, left, made facesand the cupcakes with themto help the WIRE baked goods fundraiser. Snickerdoodle makes a face as Rita B. Jones watches her Morkie (MalteseYorkie mix). And, in the prize drawings, Billy Richard makes off with a Mr. Coffee.

Elizabeth Murphy, 2, helps with a prize drawing. Emcee Lou Green gives Jean Richardson cash for a church-offering envelope. He also coaxed Willie Mae Meekins to prove she was wearing a wig for a $30 cash prize. Catherine Sprouse smiles big after winning the Vizio 37-inch LCD HDTV.

WALTER ALLREAD

SCLIVING.COOp | july2011 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING