Casa de Sue Wineryoffers unique

Louisiana spirit

etween these pages of your DEMCO newsletter “Along These Lines” you will see many

important issues that affect the way we do business. We hope that you will take the time to look through this issue to remain a well-informed mem-ber, and to have your voice heard. You may have read a newspaper article or seen a TV news report lately on the new EPA regulations that are targeting coal fired power plants. We are all concerned about the air we breathe and want to be good stew-ards of the environment; moreover we have a commitment to you to provide safe, reliable and affordable power. Even though DEMCO is not a power producing company, these pro-posed regulations still have the poten-tial to negatively affect your energy costs and reliability. These regulations will still have an impact on the pur-chasing side now and into the future. The National Rural Electric Co-operatives Association (NRECA) con-tains the collective voice from hun-dreds of electric cooperatives just like DEMCO all over the United States. The NRECA has a great campaign to (1) help educate electric cooperative members around the country and (2)

encourage communication between members and their elected officials to have their voices heard in Washing-ton. More information regarding this campaign can be found on the web at www.action.coop. Another pressing issue later this year that you will begin to see in DEMCO’s publications and advertis-ing media is a Special Membership Vote on DEMCO’s Articles of In-corporation. Our original Articles of Incorporation, signed in 1938, created your electric cooperative so that it would exist for 99 years. At the time this seemed like an eternity. With 2037 approaching, only 24 years away, long term financ-ing will become an issue in acquiring. DEMCO must address these issues now in order to avoid financial diffi-culties. The new articles will give your cooperative existence in perpetuity; moreover it gives your democratically elected board more flexibility to make by-law changes to keep up with mod-ern business practices. As a company that spends every effort to keep costs affordable, we need this change in our articles of incorporation so that we can keep financing charges at the

minimum and reduce our expenses. This fall DEMCO will hold this special membership vote to adopt the new version of the Articles of Incor-poration that will ensure these needed changes. A mail-in ballot will be sent to all members of DEMCO to be returned from September 2-16, 2014. Also, members will be given the option to vote in person at all seven of our dis-trict offices. Not only does voting do your part to position DEMCO to continue on its path of financial stability, but it also enters you in a chance to win one of several cash prizes that will be randomly drawn from members who voted. So do your part this fall as we present this opportunity to have your voice heard. Vote YES in our Special Membership Vote from September 2-16, 2014. At DEMCO for the last 76 years we have strived to provide you our valued members with safe, reliable and affordable power, and we will continue to do so for many years to come.

Along these

LINESVol. 28, No. 9

July 2014 AlongTheselines isanofficialpublicationofDixieelectricMembershipCorp. it iswritten foranddistributedtomembersofthecooperativeninetimes each year.DixieelectricMembershipCorp.is a non-profit rural electric cooperative providingservice to 100,000 consumer-owners in sevenlouisianaparishes.TheCooperativeheadquartersislocatedat16262WaxRoad,greenwellsprings,lA. All comments, suggestions and requests forinformation concerning this publication should beaddressedtoAlongTheselines,DixieelectricMembershipCorp.,P.o.Box15659,BatonRouge,lA70895,(225)261-1221.

DemcoBoarD of Directors

asceNsioNClarenceBrock

east BatoN rougesteveirving,VicePresident

RandylorioAnnsamuel

east feliciaNaglennDeleeFayeMorris

liViNgstoNleslieFalks

Dennislott,sec.-TreasurerDannyBerthelot

st. HeleNaRichardsitman,President

JoeselftaNgipaHoaeugeneTraylor

West feliciaNaFreddyMetz

ceo & geNeral maNagerJohnVranic

Vice presiDeNt of eNgiNeeriNg aND operatioNs

RandyBuchananVice presiDeNt of fiNaNce

JimmieVarnadoVice presiDeNt of HumaN resources

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marketiNg & memBer serVicesTurkTynes

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Along These lines (UsPs 004-089) ispublished monthly except bi-monthly Jan/Feb, sept/oct, nov/Dec, by the Assn. oflouisianaelectricCooperativesinc.(AleC),10725Airlinehighway,B.R.,lA70816-4299

maNager of memBer aND puBlic relatioNs

Davidlatonaassociate eDitor

Billygibson AdvertisingisacceptedandpublishedinAlongTheselinesonthepremisethatthemerchandiseandservicesofferedareaccuratelydescribedandsoldtocustomersattheadvertisedprice.DeMCoand AleC do not endorse any products or ser-vicesadvertisedherein.Addressinquiriesto:AleC,10725Airlinehwy.,BatonRouge,lA70816.Phone(225)293-3450,1-800-355-3450.

annual subscription$1.70 members; $5 Non-members

Postmaster: Send Form 3579 to: 10725 Airline High-way, Baton Rouge, LA 70816-4299. Periodicals Post-age paid at Baton Rouge, LA.

oN tHe coVer-MacCazedessushasbeenproducinglocalvarietiesofwineatCasadesueWinerynearClin-tonformorethan20years.Formoreonthisstory,pleaseseepage4.

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Page2•AlongTheselines•July2014

manager’s reportBy John Vranic DeMCoCeoandgeneralManager

Demco celebrates successful past and promising future

linemen participate in state training program

Completing Module I, Levels 1-5 of the Louisiana Lineman Training Program were (left to right) Raymond Stewart, Donald Prest, Daniel Cross, Kaleb Lee, Justin Milton, Daniel Poirrier, Doug Dalgo, Dentory Lee, Derrick Willis, Daniel Brooks, Buddy Thompson, Patrick Donohue, Corey Sharpe and Chase Broussard.

Completing Module I, Group 2 of the Louisiana Lineman Training Program were (left to right) James Holden, Cade Felps, Jared Soileau, Nick Carruth, D.J. Doguet, Wade Duplessie, Josh Miller, Justin Andrews, Jacob Parker, Nick Saucier, Hijah Armstrong, Darren St. Pierre and Travas Glascock.

Completing Module 2, Levels 1-5 of the Louisiana Lineman Training Program were Frank Fowler and Josh Prestridge.

July2014•AlongTheselines•Page3

DEMCO employees Frank Fowler and Nick Saucier recently assisted a local Cub Scout troop in con-ducting an Egg Drop competition at Camp Waddill.

Big Fish Tourney - DEMCO employees participated in the third annual Big Fish Tournament. Winners were announced as follows: Biggest Fish - The Landry Crew (Jan and Chad Landry); Smallest Fish - Michael Glascock (Cody Glascock’s son); Most Fish - Tie between the Fruge Crew (Penny Fruge) and the Lee Crew (Louis Lee). Pictured above, left to right, are Agra Templet, Page McClure, Allan Avants, Chasity McClure, Randy Rushing, Jan Landry, Jason Ballard, Penny Fruge (with Coco), Julie Burns, Cody Glascock, Russchelle Overhultz, Dusty Guarino, Louis Lee, Shawn Little and Jacob Overhultz (employee not pictured: Jeff Bellington).

Johnson earns Leadership award - Not only graduating from the Livingston Leadership program, DEMCO Member Services Representative Toni Johnson was also awarded, as voted on by her peers, with the group’s “Above and Beyond” award for her dedicated service in the class’ com-munity service project.

Demco employee news and events

roshTo reTires aFTer 39 years - Donna Roshto is pictured receiving a token of appreciation from long-time supervisor and fellow retiree, Greg Lindsley. Employees penned a special tribute to Roshto: The legacy left by such a wonderful person shows throughIn the memories she left with so many lives she touchedThe legacy is felt in the compassionThe legacy is reflected in her selfless actionsHer legacy is remembered in the memories she createdHer legacy is continuous in the dedication to a companyThis legacy is kept in the times she listenedThis legacy is special and will not soon be forgotten.

Louisiana Public Service Commis-sioner Foster Campbell has been very vocal in recent months about lower-ing the rates prisoners pay to make telephone calls to their loved ones and friends on the outside. He’s also been very vocal about try-ing to convince his fellow commission-ers to lower the return on investment that for-profit electric utilities in the state of Louisiana receive under regulatory au-thority. (Acct. No. 80012902-002) Earlier this year, Campbell argued for a reduction in utility profits from the 10 percent range down closer to 9 per-

cent or below. Campbell reasoned that utility profits should be reduced because the cost to borrow money has reached historic lows over the past several years and this is a key component in calculating a utility’s return on investment. “A regulatory body that permits utili-ties to earn inflated rates of profit is al-lowing its constituents to be overcharged for their utilities,” Campbell said. Campbell, who along with other Commissioners approved DEMCO’s Formula Rate Plan which helps the non-profit cooperative meets its debt obliga-

tions, said he will continue to fight for lower rates for Louisiana families that are having a difficult time making ends meet. Campbell is completing his second term on the Commission and will run for re-election this fall. He represents District 1, which includes 24 parishes in north Louisiana and nearly one million citizens. A former state senator, Campbell has continuously pushed to make utility companies and the Commission more responsive to the ratepayers. He led ef-forts to prohibit “wining and dining” of

commissioners and staff by utilities, and helped to stop disconnection of utilities during extreme weather conditions.

foster campbell fights for lower rates for louisiana citizens

Page4•AlongTheselines•July2014

When sitting down at the end of a long day to savor a fine glass of merlot, probably the last thing that comes to mind is the politics of producing, distributing and selling wine. But the political and bureaucratic forces that govern how grapes on the vine get transformed into fermented wine and ultimately into your glass is a big topic of conversation when visiting with Mac Cazedessus, pro-prietor of Casa de Sue Winery located near Clinton. For nearly 10 years, Cazedessus has led the fight to make it easier for vintners like himself to sell their products throughout the state. His efforts center around reversing a 2005 decision by the Legislature that forces makers of alcoholic beverages to market their prod-ucts through a third-party distribution company unless they’re selling at local festivals or farmer’s markets. Before the state law was enacted, Cazedessus had worked hard with other Louisiana vintners to establish and maintain relationships with nearly 250 retailers across the state and developed their own delivery sys-tems to move their cases of wine out of the warehouse and onto the shelves of local grocers and other outlets. But now, large monopolistic distribution com-panies – which also handle labels from high-volume states such as California – have to deliver their products for them, which raises prices, restricts sales, inhibits growth, squeezes out competition and makes it difficult to track shipments. Casa de Sue, for instance, used to be available in nearly 40 Walmart stores; today the label can’t be found in the nation’s largest retailer.

There’s a tremendous local market for Louisiana wines, he said, that is being left to die on the vine. “It’s a travesty that the legal system and rules and restrictions would make it so difficult for Louisiana growers to sell their products. Louisiana citizens con-sume millions of gallons of wine a year. They’re being cheated that they don’t have access to locally-grown organic products and the vintners are being cheated out of a fair opportunity to market their wine,” he said. Cazedessus loves the process of producing wine, as he’s done for more than 20 years, but the roadblocks and hurdles that plague the marketplace are a constant source of aggravation and frustration. Because of other legal constraints, he and his fellow local vintners – the handful of licensed entities that are still in business - can’t even promote the product as something reputable studies have shown is good for cardiovascular health. “There have been many studies that show a little bit of wine in your diet is a great benefit to your health, but we can’t put that on the bottle,” said Cazedessus, who retired from Exxon in 1999 and boasts that his vineyard is completely organic. “It’s all-natural and we don’t add any pesticides, fertilizers, chemicals or anything.” He is, however, allowed to operate a small tast-ing room and showcase, located at The Cajun Village in Sorrento near the I-10 exit. Free wine samples are available from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, and assorted bottles representing Casa de Sue’s impressive product line are on display. Meanwhile, Cazedessus continues to perfect his

craft, experimenting with different native varieties and species of grapes and berries, harvesting systems and processing techniques. The seven-acre vineyard produces 15,000 pounds of grapes per year while the winery processes up to 3,000 gallons of wine. But beyond the basics, it all comes down to one thing, Cazedessus says, “People think the art is in the fermenting, but it’s really in the blending.” Casa de Sue produces a pure Noble and Carlos but

specializes in blends that reflect the flavor and culture of Louisiana. A unique blend called Jambalaya, he notes, is consistently the winery’s best seller. There’s also blends ranging from dry to sweet such as Allons Danse’, LaLouisianne, Mardi Gras (LaRosa Sweet), Delta Blush and Sweet Magnolia. Cazedessus admits to being a stickler for maintain-ing quality control, even down to choosing the correct cork. He explains that some types of natural cork that come from a certain variety of Mediterranean oak

can ever-so-slightly alter the taste of the wine inside a bottle. So he opts for a special kind of sealing cap called a “zork” to protect the integrity of the flavor. An air of anticipation hangs over the Casa de Sue Winery at this time of the year as the harvesting season is just around the corner and the hectic process of gath-ering, crushing, pressing and fermenting will soon take place. (Acct. No. 4968606-001) It may be hard to make a profit for local businesses

selling wine in Louisiana, but Cazedessus contends that – at least at this point – no one can stop him from doing what he loves best. “It’s something I’ve done for a long time and it’s gotten to where it’s in my bones,” he said. “There’s a great satisfaction in knowing that you’re doing some-thing you enjoy doing and producing a natural product that people enjoy having.” For more information about the vineyard, visit www.casadesuewines.com.

casa de sue offers unique blend of louisiana wines

VintnerMacCazedessustakesgreatprideincreatingdifferentflavorfulblendsofwinesthatreflectthestate’suniqueculture.Below,Cazedessusshowsavisitorhowthewine-makingprocessworks.

“There have been many studies that show a little bit of wine in your diet is a great benefit to your health.” – Mac Cazedessus

Clinton winery thrives despite market pitfalls

DEMCO’s Youth Tour delegates spent a week in June on an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., as part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour program. The four local students joined 23 other Youth Tour winners representing electric cooperatives from across the state and later convened with more than 1,500 students for the annual Govern-

ment-in-Action event. This year marked the 50th anniver-sary of the Youth Tour. The students visited the Smithsonian museums, the Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln memorials, the Franklin Roosevelt, Martin Luther King and Vietnam War memorials, and also toured Capitol Hill and took a few moments to meet with their elected officials.

July2014•AlongTheselines•Page5

New co2 reduction rules could drive up electric rates The Obama Administration in early June announced its new plans to cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants to combat climate change. The highly-anticipated announce-ment sent electric generation companies, industry officials, state regulators, politi-cal leaders and ratepayers scrambling to try to figure out how the new proposals will impact the price of power. The National Rural Electric Coop-erative Association (NRECA) pointed out that electric cooperative consumers will likely experience the greatest blow because more of their power is produced by coal-fired power plants. While the Administration and oth-ers contend the new policies will not cause prices to rise, NRECA CEO Jo Ann Emerson said this is not the case for co-op members. “Americans count on affordable and reliable energy to power our communi-ties, promote job and economic growth, and keep costs in line for the basic necessities in our family budgets. New EPA regulations that add to the price of electricity have serious consequences for our communities, jobs and families,” she said. “Co-ops serve some of America’s communities most sensitive to, and least able to afford, increases in the cost of energy. Electric co-ops require indepen-dence and flexibility to choose solutions based on the needs of the communities they serve, which thoughtfully take into account balanced consideration of affordability, reliability and environmen-tal responsibility.” The announcement included state-by-state targets and timelines for reduc-tion. In Louisiana, the new plans will

require a 40 percent reduction in CO2 emissions over the next 15 years, one of the largest decreases outlined among the other states. DEMCO General Manager and CEO John Vranic said the locally-owned cooperative has joined other coopera-tives throughout the state and nation to convey their concerns to officials in the Obama Administration and the Environ-mental Protection Agency. “It’s very disappointing and disturb-ing that the EPA has proposed a regula-tion that goes further than the Clean Air Act allows by taking an ‘outside the fence’ approach to setting the emissions reduction requirements that our state must accomplish,” he said. “We’re natu-rally concerned that these regulations will increase electricity prices and force power plant shutdowns, thereby harming the economy and killing jobs.” Vranic said the cooperative’s whole-sale power supplier, Cleco, has taken great strides over the past several years and made significant investments to reduce emissions and diversify its fuel mix in anticipation of stricter state and federal government regulations. In Louisiana, less than 15 percent of the power that’s generated is produced by using coal. The proposed rules give states flex-ibility in their implementation plans as part of a larger climate change policy. States have until June 30, 2016, to have their initial plans prepared unless an extension is granted. But Vranic said before the state can make such decisions, some fundamental questions need to be answered. Louisi-ana’s plan could include upgrading out-

dated energy plants and looking harder at implementing renewable energy options such as wind and solar power. States also can choose to increase energy efficiency programs, with the idea that if less energy is needed, less pollution will be created generating energy. Members of Louisiana’s congressio-nal delegation shared Vranic’s concerns.

Louisiana Republicans in the U.S. House wrote a letter saying the plan will “ham-string the economy, raising utility costs for families and destroying tens of thou-sands of jobs.” Both of Louisiana’s U.S. senators, Democrat Mary Landrieu and Republi-can David Vitter, also opposed the new rules.

Demco delegates participate in 50th Washington youth tour

DeMCo’sYouthTourdelegatesMaggieDileo,MazieDieterich,WhitneyhartmannandKatieoliverareshownaboveleapingforjoyinfrontofthesiteoftheWashingtonMemorialonthenationalMallinWashington,D.C.Atleft,Dieterich,oliver,hartmannandDileoarepicturedinfrontoftheWhitehouse.ThefourdelegatesspentaweekinWashingtonvisitinghistoricsites,learningaboutthecooperativemovementandmeetingtheirelectedofficials.

Page6•AlongTheselines•July2014

There is a little bit of actual business activity that goes on at Paul Kelly’s modest tomato stand on Springfield Road in Watson. But there’s a lot of just sit-ting around and chewing the fat, too. Folks in and around Watson know Kelly, the 82-year-old Livingston Parish native who has been selling tomatoes out of his backyard for more than 35 years. Kelly says he no longer needs a sign to announce that his tomatoes are ripe, harvested and ready to bag – he just puts up a white tarp and folks know it’s time to stop in. Customers buy their tomatoes and freely offer up their suggestions to solve all of the world’s prob-lems. (Acct. No. 1691707-001) “I look forward to it ev-ery season. It’s a good time to visit with folks and catch up

on what’s been going on,” said Kelly, who’s been a DEMCO member for over 60 years. “I just enjoy talking to people and seeing what everybody’s up to and listening to the latest gos-sip.” Sometimes the conversation centers around the stray pea-cock – nicknamed “Pretty Boy” - who appears on the property from time to time and proudly displays his ample, colorful plumage. Kelly maintains a crop of 500 tomato plants, preferring the Celebrity variety which he has grown for the past 10 years. The plant project began as a hobby and expanded from there as demand increased. “It’s the best-tasting tomato you can grow, I think,” Kelly said. “I’ve gone through a lot of trial and error over the years and experimented with a lot of types, but I think it’s the best

and a lot of people say they like it.” Kelly explains that tomato farming takes a lot of work, but it’s a labor of love when he sees the smiles on the faces of his customers who know they’ve got a tasty tomato sandwich or scrumptious salad to look forward to. He receives plenty of help from his son, Paul Jr., who re-cently retired. The elder Kelly figures tending to the plants is equivalent to a full-time job for three months out of the year. “It takes a lot of work, but Paul does a good job and knows just about as much of what it takes to grow a good to-mato as I do,” he said. “People ask me how we grow such a good tomato and I tell them it’s a lot of work but we do a lot of praying over them.” Kelly’s tomato stand is lo-cated at 9274 Springfield Road.

long-time Demco member paul kelly nurtures tomato crop

The DEMCO Foundation, a charitable organization established to help DEMCO members in times of need, is now accepting ap-plications to help families who have school-aged children purchase school uniforms for 2014-15. “Many families find it difficult to make ends meet each month,” says Chanon Johnson, Case Manager for the DEMCO Foundation. “The expense of school uniforms and supplies can place a burden on families with low income.” The funds available through the DEMCO Foundation can be used in a variety of ways, such as helping members to pay medical or pharmacy bills, providing the resources to make a home handicap accessible or helping to purchase necessities like food and clothing. Special assistance is also available in times of emergency such as in the aftermath of a hurricane, fire, flood or other natural disaster. In 2001, the DEMCO Foundation established a new scholarship program designed to help DEMCO members who are seeking to bet-ter their lives through education. The scholarships are valued up to $1,000.00 each and can be used by students to help pay for school tuition and book fees at any Louisiana college, university or trade school. “Helping to purchase school uniforms is just another one of the many ways that the DEMCO Foundation provides assistance to DEMCO members and helps make our community a better place to live,” says Johnson. Established in 1997, the DEMCO Foundation is funded through a program called Operation Round Up® where DEMCO members volunteer to “round up” their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar. The overage amount, which averages $.50 cents per bill and only $6.00 per year, is then used by the DEMCO Foundation to assist other DEMCO members in their times of need. To receive an application for assistance provided through the DEMCO Foundation, please call (225) 262-2141, or log on to www.demco.org, click “Community,” “DEMCO Foundation,” then “Ap-plication for Assistance.” Applications must be received by July 11, 2014.

foundation accepting applications

for school uniforms

Replacing your conventional power strips with advanced power strips (APS) can help reduce the electricity wasted when electronic devices are idle. These power strips are a convenient and low-cost way to save.

July2014•AlongTheselines•Page7

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Page8•AlongTheselines•July2014

News Notes The next meeting of the DEMCO Board of Directors is scheduled for Thursday, July 17, 2014, at 6 p.m. Board meetings are held at DEMCO’s headquarters facility located at 16262 Wax Road, Greenwell Springs, La.

Summer Energy Efficiency:Myth vs. Fact

• Myth: When I’m not home, keep-ing my air conditioner at a lower tem-perature throughout the day means it doesn’t have to run harder to cool my home when I return. Fact: To save energy, set your ther-mostat to a higher temperature during the day, and lower it when you return home. • Myth: Closing vents on my central air conditioning system will boost effi-ciency. Fact: Closing vents can cause the compressor to cycle too frequently and the heat pump to overload. You’ll also use more energy. • Myth: Time of day doesn’t matter

when it comes to running appliances. Fact: Time of day does matter when running electrical loads. For example, take advantage of the delay setting and run your dishwasher at night to avoid peak times of use and save energy. • Myth: Bigger is always better when it comes to cooling equipment. Fact: Too often, cooling equipment isn’t sized properly and leads to higher electric bills. A unit that’s too large for your home will not cool evenly and might produce higher humidity indoors.

Avoid Clever Financial Scams We like to think we can’t be duped by financial scams, but according to a recent survey found eight in 10 adults received some type of fraudulent offer, and 11 percent lost a substantial amount of money in a scam. The methods used to part you from your hard-earned money are varied and always changing, but three of the most common include: • Online “phishing.” An email from

what looks like a trustworthy website asks you to respond with confidential information such as a credit card num-ber, banking number, personal identifi-cation number (PIN) or Social Security number. Clicking links in the email can install malware, or malicious software, on your computer. Both methods can aid criminals in stealing your identity. • Phone or in-person solicitations. Callers or visitors may make attractive offers that guarantee you will receive large amounts of money—after you provide sensitive information or pay an up-front fee. Others pose as government officials demanding payments. • Investment offers. Promises of high investment returns with little to no risk should always raise a red flag. How can you protect yourself? Be diligent in keeping personal and finan-cial information private, and maintain a sense of skepticism when conducting business with new contacts. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

• Tread carefully online. Never send personal information electroni-cally unless you’re making a purchase from a website you trust or opening a secure online account with an institution you’ve chosen to contact. • Establish who you’re dealing with. Before sharing personal information or making a payment, get a salesperson’s name, company name, physical address (not a P.O. Box), phone number and business license number. Research the entity on your own, inspecting its web-site and checking with the BBB. Lucky Account Number Contest The Lucky Account Number Con-test continues this month with four winners in this edition of Along These Lines. Before you continue looking through this edition for your winning number, look for your account number printed above your mailing address. Locate this number anywhere in this issue and win the $25 prize. To claim your prize, please call 225-262-3072.

The quirky rock group Talking Heads had a big hit back in the 1980s called Once in a Lifetime, where the narrator in the song takes inventory of his life and eventually asks himself, “Well, how did I get here?” That line came to mind recently when I found myself on an overnight return trip from the East Coast deep in the witching hours of the night, aboard a hushed chartered bus with 35 weary slumbering teenagers and their chaper-ones, 1,000 miles from home and eager to get back to the Boot State after a week of touring in the summer heat. In a desperate attempt to grab a few hours of sleep, I wedged myself sardine-style into the only available space that would allow me to stretch out the full length of my body – the narrow, stone-hard aisle floor. Lying supine, mummy-like, staring at the ceiling with dim images of nested hair, socked feet and the edges of flannel blankets lining my peripheral vision, the probing ques-tion from that Talking Heads tune kept thumping in my brain, “Well, how did I get here?” It took a few restless moments for the answer to emerge, to understand I was in fact there at that time and in that place for a reason. A very good reason. Our group happened to be returning home from a journey to Washington, D.C., an annual event called the Na-tional Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. Electric co-ops in Louisiana and 34 other states send students to partici-pate in the program where roughly 1,600 delegates gather together to meet one another, visit historic monuments, learn about America’s rural electric movement and meet their members of congress. This particular trip was special on

several fronts - and very much worth sleeping overnight on the sticky floor of a rented motor coach. This was the 50th anniversary of the Youth Tour program, as well as the 25th – and final – trip for Louisiana’s beloved program director and recent retiree, Sandy Stockwell. Sandy, or “Mama Sandy” as the students are fond of calling her, has shepherded hundreds of students on this trip through the years, many of them making their maiden voyage to the nation’s capital. Working diligently all year to plan out every single detail, Sandy has always taken great care to make sure the students have a quality experience they’ll remember for the rest of their lives and - even more impor-tantly - arrive back home safely to their waiting families and friends. Forever doting on her students as if they were her own, Sandy is fond of pointing out that many of her Youth Tour alumni have gone on to become distinguished and productive members of society and have enjoyed successful careers. Many still correspond both with each other and with their revered Youth Tour director through social media. This was yet another great adven-ture for the teens, funded by the state’s electric cooperatives and carried out by one of the co-op system’s true treasures. A highlight of this year’s trip for me came on the road to D.C. when we

stopped in Virginia to see the Natural Bridge. It was Sunday, Father’s Day, and Sandy asked me to deliver a brief devotional at a quaint outdoor amphithe-ater located along a piney forest trail. I was happy to oblige but had no idea what I would say. I thought of speaking about what it’s like to be a father, especially since my own daughter was one of the delegates on this trip. Then I thought that in this picturesque setting it might be appropriate to con-vey a message of gratitude for all our Heavenly Father provides and how it’s our responsibility to be good stewards of not only our natural resources but our bodies, minds and spirits as well. But then I concluded that since we were bound for Washington, the place where our fellow citizens are sent for the sole purpose of serving their constitu-ents and serving their country - okay, at least in theory - the best message would be about our charge to love and serve one another. And, even better, I had a prime living, breathing model to trot out before the students: Mama Sandy! At the risk of embarrassing her, I asked Sandy to come stand by my side and assured the youngsters that as they reached adulthood if they emulated this kind and capable woman’s commitment, passion and dedication to serving others, they’d be doing well and certainly fol-lowing the example set forth by Christ’s

own ministry. I also pointed out that anyone can thrive when the sun is shining – the true measure of a person’s character is seen when Jobian-worthy adversity strikes. I’ve had the honor of working with Sandy for nearly 20 years and can honestly say I’ve never seen the woman succumb to bitterness or despair. Through periods of high electric rates, consumer complaints, nasty politi-cal squabbles, economic downturns, regulatory trouble, personal loss and physical pain, injustices, bad breaks, surgical procedures and even hurricanes – ugh, those hurricanes – Sandy always kept a 10-megawatt smile on her face. Like all the others, this Youth Tour trip was another assignment, another challenge, to test her limits. When the summer temperatures in Washington soared to record levels, when a student fell ill, when a member of the Louisiana delegation forced a change in plans, Sandy met every predicament with an upbeat demeanor and a ready solution. If you ever meet Sandy in person, I can’t guarantee you’ll get a hug. If you’re over 6 feet tall, she might not be able to reach you. But I’ll bet my bottom dollar you’ll be greeted with a smile, whether the sun is shining or not. Summing up my sentiments about Mama Sandy, I’ll paraphrase a line from Clint Eastwood in one of my favorite movies, The Outlaw Josey Wales: I knew Sandy Stockwell. She’s seen her share of struggles in her lifetime and never faltered. I was proud to say I rode with her. I got no complaints. For photos of Mama Sandy, visit lacountryblog.wordpress.com. To see a video of this year’s Youth Tour, visit https://vimeo.com/98705347.

Viewpointby Billy gibson

DirectorofCommunicationsAssociationoflouisianaelectricCooperatives

lacountryblog.wordpress.com

i rode to D.c. with mama sandy and i got no complaints

July2014•AlongTheselines•Page9

Demco financial statement - 2013

DC 12.3¢MD 12.8¢DE 13.6¢NJ 15.8¢CT 17.3¢

RI 14.4¢

MA 14.9¢NH 16.1¢

VT 17.0¢

AL11.4¢

CA15.3¢

CO11.5¢

FL11.4¢

GA11.2¢

IN10.5¢

IA10.8¢

KS11.2¢

LA8.4¢

ME14.7¢

MI14.1¢

MN11.4¢

MS10.3¢

MT10.1¢

NE10.0¢

NM11.4¢

NY17.6¢

ND9.1¢

OH11.8¢

PA12.7¢

SD10.1¢

WA8.5¢

WI13.2¢

WY9.8¢

UT9.9¢

SC11.8¢

WV9.9¢

AR9.3¢

MO10.2¢

OK9.5¢

TX11.0¢

NC10.9¢TN

10.1¢

VA11.1¢

ID8.7¢

OR9.8¢

NV11.8¢

AZ11.3¢

KY9.4¢

IL11.4¢

Over 12¢ (17)10¢ - 12¢ (23)Under 10¢ (11)

Residential Rates for all Utilities U.S. Average 11.9 ¢

© NRECA, all rights reserved. May not be copied, reprinted, published, translated, hosted or otherwise distributed by any means without explicit permission.

Strategic Analysis Unit December 2013source: 2012 EIA data http://www.eia.gov/electricity/data/state/

AK17.9¢

HI37.3¢

DEMCO warns consumers to be aware of scam artists calling members posing as electric co-op employees. The callers tell a consumer that immediate payment is needed to avoid dis-connection of utility services. The callers then provide instructions to send money via a third-party pay system. DEMCO which serves East Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, West Feliciana, East Feliciana, St. Helena and Tangipahoa parishes, was alerted to the scam by members who were concerned about the payment-seeking callers. “If you receive a suspicious call regarding your utility bill, get the caller’s number then hang up and call police,” said David Latona, DEMCO’s Manager of Member and Public Rela-tions. “Never give your credit card number or other personal information over the phone with-out verifying the call.” Members should also contact DEMCO to report the incident. By calling the co-op directly, you can talk to a customer service representative who will confirm your bill and let you know of any problems with your account.

Demco warns about consumer scam

Page10•AlongTheselines•July2014

Meeting of May 29, 2014 The board of directors of DEMCO held its regular meeting Thursday, May 29, 2014. Board President Richard Sitman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The board then approved the minutes of the previous meetings, new member list, Treasurer’s Report and Operations Committee report as written. The board next resolved to approve the sale of DEMCO Deliv-ery Point Assets to Cleco. They then approved a resolution for the Youth Tour Program to be for members only from this year forward. Next the board approved a resolution that authorizes management to utilize

Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) to train new-hire linemen helpers in their National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) for the first six months of employment. From the Purchasing Committee

Randy Lorio, committee chairman, presented the report. The board then approved a resolution accept-ing bids for the following: Chancel-lor Services, Inc. for Flannery Road Substation Modifications; V-Tech, Inc. for The Greens at Millerville Phase One; Ellis Electric Company for The Greens at Millerville Phase Two; V-Tech, Inc. for Lakeland Acres Three Phase Update and Firmin Construction for building demolition, removal and clean up at 16312 Wax Road. The board approved a resolution reclassifying those accounts discon-nected in January 2014, as uncol-lectable. Next the board approved a resolution for the 2014 Special Membership Meeting process. The board then resolved to borrow guaranteed funds from the Federal Financing Bank, acting through the Administrator of the Rural Utility Service. (Acct. No. 80048280-001) Danny Berthelot gave the ALEC report. The board then resolved to appoint Mr. Leslie Falks and Mr. Daniel Berthelot to serve as DEM-CO’s voting delegates to the 2014 ALEC Annual Meeting; and, to appoint Mr. John Vranic to serve as the alternate voting delegate to the 2014 ALEC Annual Meeting. Next the board approved a resolution to re-elect Mr. Leslie Falks to repre-sent DEMCO on the ALEC Board of Directors for a three-year term which expires in July 2017. Leslie Falks presented the Dixie Business Center and DEMCO Foun-dation reports with no action taken. John Vranic presented the Man-ager’s report with no action taken. Jim Ellis presented the Attor-ney’s report. The board then resolved to approve the DEMCO 2014 Emergency Response Plan as submitted and authorized John D. Vranic, CEO and General Man-

ager, to certify that the Emergency Response Plan was in fact updated.

Meeting of June 19, 2014 The board of directors of DEMCO held its regular meeting Thursday, June 19, 2014. Board President Richard Sitman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The board then approved the minutes of the previous meetings, new member list, Treasurer’s Report and Operations Committee report as written. From the Purchasing Commit-tee report Randy Lorio, committee chairman, presented. The board next approved a resolution to execute the following contracts from bids received: Kulaga Construction Company, Inc. for Thompson Creek Double Circuit South; Chain Elec-tric Company for Thompson Creek Triple Circuit South; and Ellis Elec-tric Company for Oak Ridge Estates Phase Two (underground). The board then approved a resolution for the sale of 15 surplus vehicles. Next the board resolved to authorize Ms. Sandra Richard, Purchasing Man-ager or Mr. Todd Chauvin, Fleet Manager to sign any and all docu-ments necessary to transfer and sell vehicles owned by DEMCO. From the Finance Commit-tee report Steve Irving, committee chairman, reviewed the Interest, Fuel Cost Adjustment and Finan-cial Summary reports. The board approved a resolution reclassifying those accounts disconnected in Feb-ruary 2014, as uncollectable. Danny Berthelot gave the ALEC report with no action taken. Leslie Falks presented the Dixie Business Center and DEMCO Foun-dation reports with no action taken. John Vranic presented the Man-ager’s report with no action taken. Jim Ellis presented the Attor-ney’s report with no action taken.

FromtheBoardRoom

Demco Board members receive committee reports

J.k. JohnsonDenham springs, la

225-665-7010

J.k.’staxiDermy

LOAF OF BREAD1936............................ 8¢2013............................ $1.41

INCREASE..................... 18X ELECTRICITY1936............................ 5¢2013............................ 11¢

INCREASE..................... 2XBASED ON AVERAGE COST PER KILOWATT HOUR

Affordable, reliable electricity. It’s the best thing since…well, since we first supplied it over 75 years ago. We’ve been feeding you both ever since. Learn more about the power of your co-op membership at TogetherWeSave.com.

ELECTRICITY PUTS BREAD ON YOUR TABLE.AND KEEPS IT IN YOUR WALLET.

Value_Bread_Mag_FullPg.indd 1 5/2/13 3:13 PM

July2014•AlongTheselines•Page11

THE P WER IS IN YOUR HANDS

For more information call 1-800-262-0221 or visit demco.org

On September 2, 2014 DEMCO will be mailing you the Special Membership Vote ballot. This is your opportunity to participate in

the decision making process.

BALLOTS MUST BE RETURNED BY SEPTEMBER 16, 2014

PURPOSE OF SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP VOTE The purpose of the special vote is to request authorization from the Dixie Electric Membership Corporation membership to amend and restate Dixie Electric Membership Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation. Dixie Electric Membership Corporation’s original Articles of Incorporation were filed in 1938. Since that time, Louisiana’s electric cooperative laws have changed to address today’s business needs and modern technology. Dixie Electric Membership Corporation needs to have its original Articles updated to conform to Louisiana’s current electric cooperative law to meet current business practices and technology. The primary changes will provide Dixie Electric Membership Corporation with perpetual corporate existence (as opposed to the 99-year current termination) and will allow the management and Board of Directors to operate consistent with the Louisiana Electric Cooperative Act and thereby address ever-changing operational and business needs. These changes will put Dixie Electric Membership Corporation in conformity with current Louisiana state law and modern business practice.

YOUR RETURNED BALLOT WILL QUALIFY YOU TO WIN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

$10,000 Grand Prize,(12) $2,000 Prizes

or (13) $500 Prizes.

September 2-16, 2014YES

VOTE

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT