Loyal connectionsAS I SEE IT Manager’s Viewpoint

16 The Tennessee Magaz ine

Loyalty is a prized virtue — tocountry, family, even theschools we attend. We keepthose ties strong throughout

our lives.We at Cumberland Elec-

tric Membership Corpora-tion also have loyalties: tothe members and communi-ties we serve. We have deepconnections here becausethis is our home, and youare our neighbor.When you signed up for

service with CEMC, you be-came a member, not a cus-tomer — because each of our90,000 consumer-membersowns a portion of the utility.That means we care

about improving the quality of life inthe areas we serve. Whether it’s spon-soring hometown festivals and events,collecting donations for the local foodbank or participating in school pro-grams, CEMC invests in the placeswhere you live and work.CEMC doesn’t exist to make profits

for distant investors on Wall Street. Weexist to provide you with safe, reliableand affordable electric service — anddoing so in a way that makes thingsbetter for future generations. Becauseelectric co-ops operate on a not-for-profit basis, we have no need to in-crease revenues above what it takes to

run our business in a financially soundmanner. This structure helps keep yourelectric bills affordable.We take our jobs seriously, but we

also take our communityroles seriously. Involvementwith our youth is one way inwhich CEMC remains com-mitted to the communitieswe serve. Each year CEMCinvests in the future of 10graduating seniors byawarding college scholar-ships to assist with theirgoals of achieving highereducation. Our co-op alsosponsors 12 high school jun-iors to attend the annualRural Electric Youth Tour, aweeklong, expense-paid trip

to our nation’s capital, as an incentivefor writing winning short stories titled“Electric Cooperatives: Powering YourCommunity.” Employees of CEMCalso visit several schools throughoutthe service area, participating in careerdays, providing electrical safetydemonstrations and presenting awardsfor various student achievements. We don’t participate in these activi-

ties simply because it’s nice to do oreven the right thing to do. We do it be-cause we remain loyal to our members,our neighbors, our home — and a mis-sion to make life better in the areas weserve.

Coming next month

September’s issue of The Tennessee Magazine is one you won’t want to miss! Itwill contain all the details regarding Cumberland Electric Membership Corpora-tion’s 75th annual member meeting. We hope you and your family will makeplans to attend the meeting on Saturday, Sept. 14, at Rossview High School in

Clarksville. Director elections will be held, a free continental breakfast will be served, en-tertainment will be provided and some exciting door prizes will be given away. Please plannow to join us as we celebrate 75 years of serving you!

Co-ops change lives in the communities they serve

Cumberland Electric Membership CorporationCEMC Management and StaffJim Coode, General ManagerRandy Holt,Operations Division ManagerLynne Wilson, Administrative Division ManagerChris A. Davis, Administrative Division ManagerMark T. Cook, Engineering Division ManagerMichael Batson, Financial Services ManagerBarbara Harper, Member Services ManagerHoward Whitaker, District Operations Manager

CEMC Co-op News EditorJulie WallaceP.O. Box 3300Clarksville, TN 37043

Open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 800-987-2362

Ashland City officeJosh Gill, District Operations SupervisorClarksville officeKenny Davis, District Operations SupervisorDover officeTerry Odom, District Operations SupervisorGallatin officeAllan Cook, District Operations SupervisorPortland/White House officesHomer Mayes, District Operations SupervisorSpringfield officeNicky Roberts, District Operations Supervisor

CEMC Board of DirectorsJoe H. Whitaker, Sumner Co., PresidentWesley H. Aymett, Cheatham Co., Vice PresidentShela K. Williams, At Large, Secretary-TreasurerK. Jean Beauchamp, Robertson Co., Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Stephen E. Douglass, Stewart Co.Charles R. Hancock, Stewart Co.Michael A. Mason, Robertson Co.C. David Morgan, Montgomery Co.Ed Oliver, Montgomery Co.Tommy G. Whittaker, Sumner Co.

Mission StatementCumberland Electric Membership Corpo-ration is committed to providing depend-able, affordable electric service throughthe expertise and dedication of competentleadership and a well-trained and respon-sive workforce.

Jim Coode,General Manager,Cumberland

Electric Membership Corporation

Board member elected secretary of Tennessee Dental Association

Ashland City andSpringfield offices undergo staff changes

CEMC employeesparticipate in lineman rodeo

August 2013 17

Cumberland Electric Mem-bership Corporation direc-tor Dr. K. Jean Beauchampof Springfield was elected

secretary of the Tennessee Dental As-sociation (TDA) during the MusicCity Dental Conference in May.Dr. Beauchamp, a board-certified

pediatric dentist, received her doctorateand completed her pediatric residencyat The University of Tennessee Collegeof Dentistry in Memphis. She has prac-ticed pediatric dentistry in Clarksvillefor more than 19 years.

She is a current member of theTDA, American Dental Association,Eighth District Dental Society, Ameri-can Academy of Pediatric Dentists,Tennessee Society of Pediatric Den-tists, Southeastern Society of PediatricDentistry and Academy of GeneralDentists. Beauchamp lives in Robertson

County with her husband, Lee Scott.She has served on CEMC’s board of di-rectors representing South RobertsonCounty since June 2012 and serves asthe board’s assistant secretary-treasurer. Dr. K. Jean Beauchamp

Two linemen and one apprentice lineman repre-sented Cumberland Electric Membership Corpo-ration in the 16th Annual Tennessee Valley

Lineman Rodeo held June 7-8 in Memphis. Chad Dunning and David South, both of CEMC’s

Gallatin District, participated in the individual journey-man events, while Justin Short, Portland District, partici-pated in the apprentice lineman competition. Short received three awards, including first place in

the Overall Apprentice event, first place in Single PhaseGrounding and third place in Hurtman Rescue. Southplaced second in the Hurtman Rescue competition.

Apair of employees inCumberland ElectricMembership Corpora-

tion’s Ashland City District re-cently received new titles. Nicky Roberts was selected to

replace Larry Richardson as dis-trict operations supervisor inCEMC’s Springfield office.Richardson, who held the posi-tion since Dec. 1987, retired inMay following a 44-year careerwith CEMC. Roberts previously worked as

district operations supervisor inAshland City and has been withthe co-op for 20 years. Replacing Roberts is Josh

Gill, who previously served asdistrict engineer in Ashland City.Gill has been employed withCEMC since May 2001.

Roberts’ appointment was effective June 16, whileGill’s appointment was effective July 1.

Roberts

Gill

Justin Short competes in the Transformer Service Instal-lation event

2013 Washington Youth TourEducating and developing tomorrow’s cooperative leaders

18 The Tennessee Magaz ine

In the early morning hours of Friday, June 14, winnersof Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation’sWashington Youth Tour writing contest said goodbyeto their families as they prepared to embark on an un-

forgettable trip to our nation’s capital. The group of 12high school juniors from CEMC’s service area met up withmore than 140 other students from across Tennessee to ex-perience an in-depth look at Washington, D.C., during the2013 Rural Electric Youth Tour. Youth Tour participants earned their spots on the ex-

pense-paid trip by writing winning original short stories ti-tled “Electric Cooperatives: Powering Your Communities”describing how locally owned, member-controlled electriccooperatives provide valuable community-building supportin addition to reliable and affordable electric service. Representing CEMC on the tour were Jesse Vinson,

Stewart County High School; Caleb Jenkins, White HouseHigh School; Harvill Havens, Clarksville High School;

Todd Akins, Portland High School; Dannah Roberts,Sycamore High School; Madison Huggins, MontgomeryCentral High School; Rickey Winslow, White House HighSchool; Jake Pugh, Sycamore High School; Halie Hart,Stewart County High School; Jesse Elkins, Jo Byrns HighSchool; Alena Casares, Greenbrier High School; andMadison Wyatt, Portland High School. Helena Baier, Port-land High School social studies teacher, was also awardeda spot on the trip to recognize her invaluable support of theco-op’s youth programs. “As a teacher, I love seeing students experience this

amazing adventure and develop new friendships,” saidBaier. “It is an awesome trip!”The Washington Youth Tour is a joint effort of CEMC,

the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and Na-

tional Rural Electric Cooperative Association. This year’stour ran June 14-20 and included meetings with Rep.Diane Black and other elected officials, visits to Washing-ton’s popular tourist stops and time to visit with winnersrepresenting other cooperatives across the state. “The Youth Tour is one of the most rewarding things I

do all year,” said Stephanie Lobdell, CEMC public rela-tions coordinator who served as a chaperone. “These stu-dents not only learn about our nation and their electric

cooperative, but they also learn leadership skills that willbenefit them in college years and beyond.”Students on the tour visited the White House and me-

morials to past presidents Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lin-coln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt as well as monumentshonoring the sacrifices of veterans of World War II and theVietnam and Korean conflicts. Strolls through the variedmuseums of the Smithsonian Institution afforded the stu-dents opportunities to learn more about science, historyand art. Other fun stops included homes of former presi-

Mount Vernon

Jefferson Memorial

Potomac River

August 2013 19

dents — George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Jeffer-son’s Monticello — a performance of “Shear Madness” atthe Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a boat cruisedown the Potomac River and tours of the National Mu-seum of Crime and Punishment, Ford’s Theatre and theMartin Luther King Jr. Memorial.No trip to Washington, D.C., would be complete with-

out a lesson or two in government and civics. The groupwas welcomed to the U.S. Capitol by Reps. Marsha Black-burn and Stephen Fincher, and their staff members treated

students to aspecial after-hours, VIPtour. Studentsalso met Sens.LamarAlexanderand BobCorker aswell as for-mer Ten-nessee Gov.Phil Bre-desen. Washing-

ton YouthTour atten-dees oftenrefer to theexperience asbeing one

they will never forget, and, according to the 2013 partici-pants, it’s one they would glady experience again if giventhe opportunity. “My trip to Washington, D.C., on the Youth Tour was

unforgettable,” said Alena Casares. “I learned so muchabout our country and the world around us just by walkingaround the historic city. I met some wonderful people who

became like my family in just a couple of days. Though itwas exhausting, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”“I had the best time in Washington, D.C.,” said Todd

Akins. “I was able to see so much of our nation’s capitalwith people who are now some of my best friends. I willnever forget it.”“My trip to Washington D.C., was an experience of a life-

time,” said Jese Vinson. “In just one week, it is hard to be-lieve that you could see everything we did. Having some ofthe best chaperones and having the best co-op group madethe trip more interesting. I am very blessed to have gone onthis trip, and I would do it again, no questions asked!”“When I first wrote the story, I never thought I would be

chosen,” said Jake Pugh. “This trip was an absolute blast,and I met some pretty amazing people during the time spenton it. We had the best chaperones and got to see amazing ex-amples of American history.I recommend that everyonewho is able to enter do so,and I wish I could go on thistrip again!”“The Washington Youth

Tour was an incredibleblessing,” said Madi Hug-gins. “I met people whotransitioned from completestrangers to best friends injust a few days. I had the op-portunity to see places I hadonly heard about in historyclass, and I learned so muchabout our country. It was completely exhausting, but I knowthat every single one of us would love to go again.”“It was the best trip I have ever been on,” said Caleb

Jenkins. “Everything was so great! I can honestly say I havemet some of my best friends on the trip! Thanks, CEMC!”“The WYT experience was the most exhausting, exhila-

rating, incredible and unforgettable opportunity of my life,”said Harvill Havens. “I was able to see so much of Amer-ica’s history with some of my now-best friends! It was suchan honor to go with my amazing co-op, and I would do itagain in a second.”We are already looking forward to the 2014 Washington

Youth Tour. If you or someone you know will be a highschool junior this fall, be sure to check with your guidancecounselor for entry details. Information will also be avail-able in the January 2014 issue of The Tennessee Magazineor on CEMC’s website, www.cemc.org. CEMC’s top 2013 short story, written by Madison Wyatt,

currently a senior at Portland High School, can be found onpage 20 of this magazine.

ON THE COVERStanding on the grounds of theU.S. Capitol are CEMC’s2013 Washington Youth Tourrepresentatives. From left are,back row, Todd Akins, JesseElkins, Caleb Jenkins, JakePugh, Rickey Winslow, SethRoberts and Helena Baier.Front row: Harvill Havens,Jese Vinson, Halie Hart, AlenaCasares, Dannah Roberts,Madison Wyatt, Madi Hugginsand Stephanie Lobdell.

Washington National Cathedral

U.S. Capitol

Electric Cooperatives:Powering Your Community

The sun blocked Katie’s view of her daddy, whowas higher in the air than the top of the tallesttree she’d ever been brave enough to climb. Hewas among the men setting lines on the newly

planted poles that came from the river. The logs werepulled by mules up to Route 127, and menfrom all over the county dug holes and ce-mented them down. The men had beenworking for hours in the blazing sun, sweatdrenching their backs and faces. But all themen’s toil was for the improvement of theircommunity and families’ lifestyles.Katie’s daddy was influential in the for-

mation of Caldwell Electric Cooperative.The men from local churches met nearly ayear before to discuss the rejection letter thetownspeople received in response to their pe-tition for access to electricity. The privateelectric company decided it would not becost-effective to run lines in such a rural area. The men re-solved to create their own cooperative — for the people,by the people. The paperwork had been sent off and ap-proved; eventually lawyers were assembled to hammer outthe details. A year’s worth of planning brought them toRoute 127 today, laying the groundwork for an electricalnetwork that would improve their standard of living.As Katie thought about these exciting things, she

peered up at her father high in the sky, prouder than shehad ever been of the only man in her life. She remem-bered all the letters he had written that she helped him de-liver across the county. She had listened as he explainedthat the cooperative business plan would provide lowerrates than those of a private company, but they would needeveryone on board. Katie’s daddy was a simple farmer,but he had a kind heart and wanted nothing more than fortheir rural county to be made better. Agriculture ruledtheir lives, as they had no means of industry without arushing river nearby to power a factory. When the creekran too low to push the water-wheel, the mill stopped op-erating altogether. Daddy said that when the electricpower was run to the mill, it would be able to be in opera-tion even if the water was low. Lights would be installedin houses near the main roads and to the courthouse in

town. Another church service would soon be added aswell. After the men finished their daily tasks on Wednes-days, they would now be able to attend church mid-weekby the light of electric bulbs.Katie’s family usually sat around the fire and listened to

her daddy read passages from the familyBible by candlelight. She was looking for-ward to her daddy’s promise of a radio likethe ones people in the city had. Mommasometimes asked her to get cans out of thescary, old cellar, so the hope of a refrigeratorbox made Katie giddy with delight. Beingafraid of the dark was not something thathad ever crossed her mind before. The darkwas just a fact of life, but now that she wasreceiving the gift of electricity, she was onlyafraid to let it go. When she did her school-work, she would not need to light the lampon the table and would not worry about run-

ning out of kerosene or firewood. Soon, Katie would beable to light up the room, not only with the smile on herinnocent face but with the flip of a switch on the wall.As Daddy was taking a break to eat the lunch Katie had

brought him, he told her that they only had a few poles leftbefore the switch for their area could be turned on at thedam. The men were hard at work, taking breaks in shifts soas to not slow down the process. The men were workingfeverishly despite the heat, the feeling of urgency escalat-ing as they secured wires and bolted fasteners down on thelast of the networking poles. Katie knew that as soon asthat switch was turned on, her life and the lives of the gen-erations following hers would forever be changed.Katie Neil was right that day; her life was changed. In a

box in her great-granddaughter’s attic, there is a picturealbum that boasts grainy pictures of a young Katie and herfamily beside a brand new refrigerator box, a light switchin the background. Another photo shows the family sittingin the living room posed around their radio. Perhaps themost important picture in the photo album, however, is ofKatie and a very tired-looking man with a happy smile onhis face; both are standing in front of a pole with wires at-tached to the top, a lunch pail in Katie’s hand, the other inher father’s.

20 The Tennessee Magaz ine

By Madison Wyatt, Portland High School

Madison Wyatt Portland High School

Students explore world of energy at 4-H camp

August 2013 21

Stewart County students

Robertson County students

Cheatham County students

Sumner County students

Montgomery County students

This summer, Cumberland Electric MembershipCorporation sent a group of 54 sixth- and sev-enth-grade students to The University of Ten-nessee Knoxville campus to attend 4-H Electric

Camp June 25-28. The camp featured several learning cen-ters that allowed students the opportunity to explore theworld of energy, electricity and the basic sciences throughparticipation in a host of hands-on activities. Camperswere able to use their new-found skills to build a flash-light, wire an extension cord and build an electric racecar.Other learning centers covered energy conservation, greenenergy and electrical safety.

Students learn about the different types of green energysources such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass andbiofuels in the Green Energy Generation learning center.