Now in its 31st year, the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo has become an anticipated tradition. A family-friendly event, the rodeo allows lineworkers to demonstrate their expertise in this challenging profession for their loved ones. It also highlights the critical role of family support in their work, especially during power outages and severe weather conditions.

Beyond the technical aspect, the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo provides a time for camaraderie and teamwork among electric utilities across Georgia. This connection and ability to work well with EMC crews proves helpful following severe storms, when EMC line crews travel to fellow EMCs to assist in power restoration in hard-hit areas.

This year’s competition featured 143 EMC apprentices competing in four events: hurt-man rescue, armor rod placement, and two mystery challenges. Additionally, 30 EMC journeyman teams demonstrated their expertise in hurt-man rescue, PKR switch replacement and two mystery events. Full results can be found at http://www.garodeo.com.

EMC teams represented 12 electric cooperatives, including Canoochee EMC, Carroll EMC, Cobb EMC, Flint Energies, GreyStone Power, Habersham EMC, Hart EMC, Jackson EMC, Middle Georgia EMC, Snapping Shoals EMC, Walton EMC, and Washington EMC.

The competition culminated in an awards banquet recognizing winners in each category and overall team champions. Finalists will go on to compete in the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Overland Park, Kansas in October.

About the Georgia Lineman Rodeo Association
The Georgia Lineman Rodeo Association is composed of members from the electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) in Georgia and the Electric Cities of Georgia. To learn more about the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo, visit www.garodeo.com.

About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 5 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.

A contingent of 1,500 directors, managers and representatives with electric cooperatives across the nation spent time on Capitol Hill during the conference, educating members of Congress and administration officials on top issues that impact EMCs and their ability to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity and related services.

Georgia’s electric cooperatives met with the offices of U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, as well as members and staff of Georgia’s delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives. During their meetings, EMC representatives educated policymakers on the unique benefits of the locally controlled, consumer-owned, cooperative business structure and urged lawmakers to support initiatives in three key areas:

• Increase Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Electric Loan Program Funding: With Georgia as one of the largest users of RUS loans, electric cooperatives from the state urged Congress to increase appropriations and extend more flexibility for the RUS Electric Loan Program to finance the growing need for American-made energy infrastructure, accommodating increasing electric demands and need for system reliability across the state.

• Modernize the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Program: Electric cooperative leaders urged Congress to pass legislation to expedite FEMA disaster reimbursements, repay recovery loan interest for co-ops and improve rural damage assessments, emphasizing that timely and adequate FEMA support is vital to preventing higher electric rates for rural consumers after disasters.
  

• Streamline Federal Permitting Process: EMC leaders urged Congress to enact reforms that streamline permitting, reduce costly legal challenges and prevent delays, highlighting how prolonged federal environmental reviews and litigation hinder essential projects like expanding Georgia’s energy infrastructure, maintaining grid reliability and conducting routine vegetation management. 

About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 5 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.

About NRECA:
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national trade association representing nearly 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landscape. As local businesses built by the consumers they serve, electric cooperatives have meaningful ties to rural America and invest $15 billion annually in their communities.

• House Resolution 1352, led by House Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications Chairman Don Parsons (R – Marietta)
• Senate Resolution 756, spearheaded by Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Chairman Bill Cowsert (R – Athens)

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR LINEWORKERS:

• #ThankALineworker
  Everyone is encouraged to show their appreciation on April 13, 2026 by posting messages of gratitude to lineworkers on social media using the hashtag #ThankALineworker.
  
  
• Lineworker Specialty License Plate
  In honor of their service, the state of Georgia offers a specialty license plate for lineworkers. Proceeds from the sale of the “Thank a Lineman” license plate support the Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America, which provides assistance to burn patients and their families at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta.
  
  Georgians can purchase the specialty plate by visiting the Department of Revenue website when renewing their annual motor vehicle registration.

EMCs statewide appreciate your support in celebrating and honoring the dedication, bravery and hard work of Georgia’s electric lineworkers, the unsung heroes who keep the lights on and communities connected.

About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 5 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.

###

(Tucker, Ga., Nov. 10, 2025)

“Mike’s career is defined by integrity, dedication and serving others. Everything you want to see in an employee,” said Kevan Espy, president and CEO of Cobb EMC. “Mike provided the coaching and mentorship talent needed to teach our younger employees the importance of safety and responsibility. He recognized that we are here to serve our members, and he took great pride in providing the highest level of service.”

“Over the many conversations I’ve had with Mike, he’s always represented the utmost integrity and honesty. Those qualities coupled with his industry expertise combine to make him a truly unique individual who continuously exceeds the call of duty,” said Lewis Sheffield, general manager of Little Ocmulgee EMC in Alamo, Ga. “He maintains an unwavering commitment to safety and training with the God given talent to deliver it to each individual in a very unique way.”

The International Lineman’s Hall of Fame Award is organized by the International Lineman’s Museum located in Shelby, N.C. Dedicated to preserving the history of linemen and the electric utility industry, the International Lineman’s Museum has inducted deserving candidates into the International Lineman’s Hall of Fame since 2006.

About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 5 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.

• Identify your safe space and ensure every family member understands what to do during an emergency.
• Visit ready.gov/plan for help creating a family emergency plan.

Know Your Family’s Medical Needs

• If anyone in your household relies on electrically powered medical devices, have a plan in place. This may include a battery backup, generator or pre-arranged relocation plan for extended outages.

Prepare an Emergency Storm Kit

• Every household should have a ready-to-go kit stocked with food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a weather radio. Visit ready.gov/kit for a complete checklist.

AS A STORM APPROACHES:
• Secure your home by protecting windows, doors and bringing in outdoor items.
• Fill your gas tank to ensure you have a backup power source for charging devices or evacuating if needed.
• Charge medical equipment or relocate if necessary.
• Stay informed with trusted weather apps, local news and weather.gov.
• Know how to report an outage. Visit your EMC’s website or follow their social media channels for updates and instructions.

Georgia EMC and its 41 member cooperatives, along with their statewide generation and transmission partners, remain committed to safety and reliability, especially during hurricane season. Together, we can all take steps to be better prepared when the unexpected strikes.

About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 5 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.

During April 27-29, a contingent of 2,000 directors, managers and representatives with electric cooperatives across the nation spent time on Capitol Hill educating members of Congress and administration officials on priority issues that could adversely affect EMCs and their ability to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity and related services.

Georgia’s electric cooperatives met with U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, as well as 14 members of Georgia’s delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives. EMC Name joined others in educating policymakers on the unique benefits of the locally controlled, consumer-owned, cooperative business structure and urged lawmakers to support initiatives in four key areas:

• Unwind Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations to Enhance Grid Reliability: To accommodate Georgia’s rapidly increasing energy demands, EMCs urged legislators to unwind flawed EPA regulations to avoid premature closure of power plants and allow natural gas-fired resources to run as baseload units to enhance grid reliability.

• Support the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Electric Loan Program: With Georgia as one of the largest users of RUS loans, electric cooperatives from the state urged Congress to increase, or at least maintain, appropriations for the RUS Electric Loan Program to finance American-made energy infrastructure.

• Pass Permitting Reform to Speed Energy Infrastructure Projects: Electric cooperatives urged Congress to pass judicial and regulatory permitting reforms to make it easier to build essential electric infrastructure. The current federal permitting process imposes unreasonable timelines and drives up costs for essential infrastructure projects.

• Support New Grid Reliability Projects: Georgia is the recipient of grants from the Department of Energy’s Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas Program (ERA) and Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program (GRIP) to build transmission, battery storage and other projects to make the electric grid more reliable. The funding from these two grant programs will lower the cost of energy for the approximately 5 million Georgians served by an electric cooperative.


About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 5 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.

About NRECA:
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national trade association representing nearly 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landscape. As local businesses built by the consumers they serve, electric cooperatives have meaningful ties to rural America and invest $15 billion annually in their communities.

• House Resolution 432 introduced by House Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications Chairman Don Parsons (R – Marietta)
• Senate Resolution 261 introduced by Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Chairman Bill Cowsert (R – Athens)

In addition to Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 14, Georgia’s lineworkers were also celebrated by Senate Pro Tempore John Kennedy (R-Bolingbroke) on Tuesday, March 11. Senator Kennedy honored over a hundred lineworkers across Georgia by recognizing them on the steps of the Georgia State Capitol for their efforts and dedication during last year’s storm restoration efforts.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR LINEWORKERS:
• #ThankALineworker
EMC employees, members and friends are invited to express thanks and appreciation by posting social media messages to lineworkers using the hashtag #ThankALineworker.

• Lineman license plate
To honor lineworkers’ service, the state created a specialty license plate that any driver can request for their vehicle.

Proceeds from the sale of “Thank a Lineman” license plates benefit the Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America which provides assistance to burn patients and their families at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta.

To purchase, Georgians should visit the Department of Revenue website when renewing their annual motor vehicle registration.

Photo Caption: Linemen compete at last year’s Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo. This year’s event is May 2-3 at Camp John Hope in Fort Valley and everyone is welcome to attend.

About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.

# # #

Four cooperative veterans received recognition on March 17 from the Georgia Cooperative Council as Distinguished Cooperators. The 2025 honorees are Matt Brinson (Planters EMC), Marshall Millwood (Sawnee EMC), Tim Williams (GreyStone Power) and Don Wood (Middle Georgia EMC).

The Georgia Cooperative Council’s Distinguished Cooperator award recognizes and honors individuals for their outstanding achievement and service to the cooperative business model. The council represents cooperatives who operate in a wide variety of industries including credit unions, farm credit associations, supply cooperatives, marketing and services cooperatives, telecommunications and electric cooperatives. Council membership is open to the more than 300 cooperatives across Georgia.

Nominees for distinguished cooperator may be a director, agent, professional, public official, or other individual who deserves recognition for his or her commitment to cooperatives and efforts on behalf of a cooperative.


PHOTO: At its annual meeting on March 17, the Georgia Cooperative Council presented Distinguished Cooperator Awards to 2025 honorees (pictured left to right) Marshall Millwood (Sawnee EMC), Tim Williams (GreyStone Power), Matt Brinson (Planters EMC) and Don Wood (Middle Georgia EMC).

About Matt Brinson
Matt Brinson learned nearly every aspect of the electric cooperative business during his extensive career at Planters EMC[EM1], beginning as a warehouse clerk in 1976. During his tenure, he held roles as plant accountant, manager of administrative services and assistant manager before ultimately serving as general manager from 1999 until his semi-retirement, announced March 1, 2025. In addition to his 48 years of service at Planters EMC, he has also served on the Go Energy Credit Union Board, the Smarr EMC Board and the Georgia Energy Cooperative Board. He and his wife are active members of West Millen Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon

About Marshall Millwood
Marshall Millwood has served as a director on the Sawnee EMC Board for 32 years. He is widely known as a considerate, professional and a genuinely honest person who always has the best interests of the co-op and its member-owners in mind. In addition to his Sawnee EMC director position, he has served on the board for both Georgia EMC and Oglethorpe Power Corp. (OPC). During his time on the OPC board, he was involved in the process of bringing Plant Vogtle Nuclear Units 3 and 4 online, making a lasting impact on serving Georgia’s future energy needs. Millwood is a Credentialed Cooperative Director and regularly participates in NRECA events on the regional and national level to ensure he stays abreast of key topics affecting the electric industry. He is the founder and owner of Marjomil, Inc., a successful poultry business located in Forsyth County. He served on the Forsyth County Hospital Authority and has been an active member of Harmony Grove Baptist Church for over 40 years, serving as a deacon since 1980. Millwood is a U.S. Veteran and honorably served his country in Vietnam.

About Tim Williams
Tim Williams began his career at GreyStone Power in 1984, initially serving as an editorial specialist, ultimately working his way up to his current role of vice president of marketing and external affairs. Among his major projects is the rebranding of GreyStone Power from its previous name of Douglas EMC in 1988 as the co-op began to see significant growth. He helped lead communication efforts during two major storm events – the Blizzard of 1993 and Hurricane Opal, which left 96% of GreyStone Power’s members without power. Williams has helped strengthen GreyStone Power’s legislative ties, both on the state and federal level, to ensure legislative and regulatory policies were in the best interest of the co-op’s members. Outside of his GreyStone Power duties, he has served on the Technical College System of Georgia State board since his appointment by Gov. Nathan Deal in 2013. He has also served as vice-chairman of the Go Energy Credit Union Board, chairman of the Douglas County Public Education Trust and chairman of the South Fulton chamber of Commerce Board.

About Don Wood
Don Wood has served as a director on the Middle Georgia EMC Board for 43 years, including serving 40 years as an officer. During his tenure, Wood has been a key leader in the implementation of Middle Georgia EMC’s automated meter reading system, upgrading the EMC’s lines from 7,200-volt to 14,400-volt power lines, major growth in irrigation loads with diesel to electric conversions and system expansion and improvement. He led the board to approve the recent partnership with Conexon, bringing high-speed internet to Middle Georgia EMC’s service area. Outside of his Middle Georgia EMC duties, he honorably served in the U.S. Air Force, completing two years of active duty and four years in the reserves. Following his service, he returned to Wilcox County and founded Wood Farms, Inc – a business he runs with his children. He is an active member of First Baptist Church of Rochelle, where he serves as a deacon and a dedicated Sunday school teacher.

About the Georgia Cooperative Council:
The Georgia Cooperative Council is a statewide, nonprofit cooperative association whose membership is composed of financial, electric, telephone, marketing and service cooperatives. The objective of the Council is to promote and encourage all types of cooperative associations in the state and to educate the public about the cooperative way of business.

About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.

(TUCKER, Ga., February 4, 2025) – According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s 2024 Residential Rate Survey, Georgia retail electricity prices continue to remain competitive in the U.S., ranking 11th lowest out of all 50 states. Chris Stephens, president and CEO of Coweta-Fayette EMC headquartered in Palmetto, Ga., shared this good news with both the House Special Committee on Resource Management and the House Energy Utilities and Telecommunications Committee at the Georgia State Capitol today as committee members begin to take a close look at energy and water use in the state of Georgia to plan for future growth. Stephens gave much of the credit for Georgia’s low electric rates to the Territorial Electric Service Act (TESA) and shared how Georgia’s 41 EMCs are poised for growth.

“Here in Georgia, we are extremely fortunate to live in a growing and dynamic state where its citizens have abundant economic opportunities,” said Stephens. “This is due, in part, to our effective and efficient electric market.”

Passed in 1973, the TESA legislation created a unique structure, unlike any other state in the U.S., that avoids duplication of utility facilities, values and prioritizes reliability, enables electric providers to plan long-term and creates favorable economic conditions for electric consumers that have resulted in the lower-than-average residential rates.

“Our market structure has clearly delivered for Georgia,” said Stephens. “In the past 52 years since its adoption, our state has more than doubled in population and the number of jobs in our state has more than tripled. And we have been named the best place to do business for the past 11 years and counting.”

In addition to creating an efficient electric environment, TESA also protects electric consumers by providing non-discriminatory rates and terms, fostering stable rates and ensuring that every single home and business can receive electric service whether they are in a densely populated city or in a hard-to-reach rural area.

TESA greatly bolsters Georgia’s economic development through its customer choice provision for large loads, allowing new commercial entities with high projected loads to choose the best service provider to meet their needs. Customer choice is made easier thanks to Georgia’s Integrated Transmission System (ITS), created following the passage of TESA. Instead of having multiple grids, like many states, Georgia has one transmission system that is shared in ownership and operation among all electric utilities in the state.

“Our transmission system is key to enabling the customer choice provisions in our law for new large customers,” said Stephens. “Any electric provider in Georgia can take service out of any ITS facility to serve a large customer in lieu of building expensive and redundant facilities.”

Georgia’s EMCs continue to look toward future energy needs. Not-for-profit utilities, EMCs serve 4.4 million of Georgia’s 11 million residents and cover 73 percent of the state’s land area, and that number is expected to rise. The EMCs’ transmission provider, Georgia Transmission, along with ITS participants, continue to look to the future by upgrading existing transmission lines, and building new ones, to accommodate Georgia’s growth. Oglethorpe Power, the primary wholesale generation provider for 38 of Georgia’s EMCs, is poised for growth as well. In July 2024, Oglethorpe Power announced the construction of two new natural gas generation assets in Monroe and Talbot Counties, adding roughly 1,600 megawatts (MW) of energy capacity to the Georgia electric grid. Oglethorpe Power owns or operates a diverse portfolio of more than 9,300 MW of nuclear, natural gas, hydro and coal resources at 16 generation assets across 13 predominantly rural Georgia communities.

About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.

###

Tucker, GA (April 29, 2024) – Today Oglethorpe Power commended the safe and successful achievement of commercial operation for Plant Vogtle Unit 4, the final unit at the nuclear expansion project near Waynesboro, Georgia. Oglethorpe Power is a 30 percent co-owner of the project on behalf of the Georgia electric cooperatives it serves. Plant Vogtle Unit 3 went into service in July 2023, and with the addition of Unit 4, electric cooperative consumers across Georgia are being powered by reliable, emission-free nuclear energy for the next 60 to 80 years.

“The completion of the Vogtle expansion project signifies the culmination of a remarkable journey filled with dedication, perseverance and a commitment to a cleaner energy future for Georgians,” said Oglethorpe Power President & CEO Mike Smith. “We celebrate not only the completion of this important emission-free resource but also the historic achievement it represents as the first advanced commercial nuclear project in the nation in more than three decades.”

The Vogtle expansion project underscores Oglethorpe Power’s dedication to a more sustainable energy future that meets the evolving needs of its member cooperatives and the consumers they serve. “Oglethorpe Power and our members are committed to navigating the transition to cleaner energy while ensuring electricity remains reliable and affordable for electric cooperative consumers. The emission-free energy generated by Unit 4 will play a crucial role in helping us deliver on that mission for generations to come,” Smith added.

Among the largest clean energy projects in the nation, with Unit 4 in service, Plant Vogtle is now the largest generator of clean energy in the United States. The safe and successful completion of the Vogtle expansion project can be attributed to the tireless efforts of thousands of workers at the site. During construction, the Vogtle expansion project represented the largest jobs-producing construction project in Georgia and was among the largest in the nation. At its peak, nearly 10,000 skilled craftworkers were onsite, and 800 permanent new jobs will manage operations of both new units.

The nuclear energy generated at Plant Vogtle provides reliable, around-the-clock electricity. Now online, Unit 4 can generate emission-free electricity at full power 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Smith emphasized the importance of always-available nuclear power. “As we strive to meet our members existing and expanding power supply needs, clean nuclear energy will remain an essential source of dependable baseload power and a vital part of our energy mix for decades to come.”

In addition to Plant Vogtle Units 1 and 2, Oglethorpe Power’s nuclear fleet includes a 30 percent ownership in Plant Vogtle Units 1 and 2 and a 30 percent ownership in Plant Hatch, a nuclear facility located in Appling County, Georgia.

To learn more, view this video or visit opc.com/nuclear.

About Oglethorpe Power

Oglethorpe Power is among the nation’s largest power supply cooperatives and is one of the largest energy producers in Georgia. With more than $16 billion in assets, Oglethorpe Power owns and operates a diverse portfolio of resources to provide reliable, affordable, safe and environmentally responsible energy to 38 consumer-owned, not-for-profit Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs) that provide retail electricity to approximately 4.4 million Georgians. Through its investment in nuclear, natural gas, hydro and coal resources, Oglethorpe Power’s generation fleet has a combined capacity of more than 8,800 megawatts. For more information, visit www.opc.com.

###

Contact: Blair Romero
Phone Number: 770-270-7290
Email: blair.romero@opc.com

Augusta, GA (February 15, 2024) –

The Burn Foundation of America supports burn patients and their families at several burn centers in the U.S., including the Joseph M. Still (JMS) Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta. If needed, EMC line crews would receive treatment at the JMS Burn Center, which is the largest in the country with more than 110 beds.

“Having access to a state-of-the-art burn facility is not just a privilege but a vital lifeline for those facing critical situations. We are proud to support The Burn Foundation of America and the important work they do to care for Georgians in need,” said Mike Smith, Oglethorpe Power President & CEO.

"Among the many wonderful reasons that make Georgia a great place to live and work is the access to world-renowned healthcare facilities — like the JMS Burn Center,” said Georgia Transmission President and CEO Barbara Hampton. “With utility workers facing inherent safety risks every day, the work of the burn foundation and JMS hits even closer to home, which is why it is a privilege to partner with them in their work through this contribution.”

“As the trade association for Georgia’s electric cooperatives, Georgia EMC devotes considerable energy year-round to safety and training, all aimed at keeping line workers safe while they perform the essential work of providing reliable electricity to their communities,” said Dennis Chastain, president and CEO of Georgia EMC. “While we always pray we will never need their services, we are grateful that EMC line workers have access to the Burn Foundation’s support close to home.”

“The Burn Foundation of America focuses on providing critical resources and support to individuals affected by burn injuries, including transportation, medication, lodging for family members, mobility devices and other burn-related items,” said Linda McKnight, President and CEO of The Burn Foundation of America. “This donation from Oglethorpe Power, Georgia EMC and Georgia Transmission will aid our foundation in continuing our mission of supporting families during patient treatment and improving the quality of life for burn survivors.”

About Oglethorpe Power
Oglethorpe Power is among the nation’s largest power supply cooperatives and is one of the largest energy producers in Georgia. With more than $16 billion in assets, Oglethorpe Power owns and operates a diverse portfolio of resources to provide reliable, affordable, safe and environmentally responsible energy to 38 consumer-owned, not-for-profit Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs) who provide retail electricity to approximately 4.4 million Georgians. Through its investment in nuclear, natural gas, hydro and coal resources, Oglethorpe Power’s generation fleet has a combined capacity of more than 8,500 megawatts. For more information, visit www.opc.com.

About Georgia Transmission
Georgia Transmission Corp., a not-for-profit cooperative owned by 38 Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), owns more than 4,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines and more than 770 substations. These facilities deliver power to Georgia’s EMCs, providing electricity to more than 4.4 million Georgians. For more information, visit gatransmission.com.

About Georgia EMC
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 EMCs, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned EMCs provide electricity and related services to approximately 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About The Burn Foundation of America
The Burn Foundation of America provides assistance to burn patients and their families. This includes lodging, meals, transportation, medication, and anti-scarring garments – all free of charge. We believe in the healing power of having your loved ones nearby during the recovery process.

 ###

Locust Grove, GA (Oct. 18, 2023) – Today the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) and application partners Oglethorpe Power, Georgia Transmission, Georgia System Operations and Green Power EMC joined the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm to announce that the partners have been selected as a grant recipient in the DOE’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program.

The DOE’s Grid Deployment Office is administering the GRIP Program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to enhance grid flexibility, improve the resilience of the power system and ensure American communities have access to affordable, reliable and clean electricity when and where they need it.

Oglethorpe Power, Georgia Transmission and Georgia System Operations serve 38 not-for-profit electric membership corporations (EMCs) across Georgia who provide retail electric service to more than 4.4 million residents. Together, these cooperatives generate power, transmit and distribute electricity across Georgia’s electric grid and monitor and manage the operation of the system. Green Power EMC serves the same 38 EMCs and sources renewable generation for the cooperative energy portfolio.

In its grant application, GEFA and its partners proposed grid projects that would benefit rural, underserved communities across Georgia. The projects aim to improve grid resilience and clean energy development in Georgia, with an estimated investment of approximately $507 million, of which approximately $250 million will be funded by the GRIP Program. The projects include investments in battery storage, local microgrids and grid reliability, while implementing new transmission lines to link communities and advanced grid control systems to improve system resilience. The projects will directly benefit millions of rural consumers who reside in disadvantaged communities served by Georgia’s electric cooperatives. GEFA will collaborate with key stakeholders and partners to execute the smart grid infrastructure upgrades.

“Georgia’s continued growth and prosperity depends on reliable and affordable energy. As the State Energy Office, we are committed to doing our part to help make that happen. This public-private partnership will help build a resilient energy future for Georgia,” said GEFA Executive Director Hunter Hill.

“Oglethorpe Power proposed three 25-megawatt utility-scale batteries in this grant application, subject to customary approvals. As we navigate the clean energy transition while simultaneously responding to increased electricity demands, we expect this energy storage project to enhance grid resiliency and enable the deployment of increased intermittent emission-free energy on Georgia’s electric grid,” said Oglethorpe Power President & CEO Mike Smith.

“Georgia’s EMCs lead the nation among electric cooperatives for utility-scale solar deployment, and this grant will help us continue to meet our members’ high expectations for reliability, while accommodating the growing renewable energy demands of Georgia’s homes and businesses,” said Green Power EMC President Jeff Pratt.

In addition to improved access to clean energy sources, the partners’ initiative is expected to lower energy bills through energy efficiency measures, particularly for low-income households and disadvantaged communities.

“As an electric cooperative focused on transmission, we play an important role in providing reliable electric service to rural communities across our state,” said Georgia Transmission President & CEO Barbara Hampton. “As the energy landscape continues to evolve and our reliance on electricity increases, Georgia Transmission will use the funding provided by this grant to increase reliability and resiliency through advanced microgrid technology and infrastructure upgrades.”

The projects are expected to create more than 140 construction jobs, providing skills training in the clean energy sector. Existing career and technical education pathways will be leveraged to recruit and train labor for long-term work in disadvantaged communities.

“Our participation in the GRIP grant will profoundly enhance the tools and technologies used to operate the electric grid in Georgia,” said Georgia System Operations Corporation President & CEO Gregory S. Ford. “The focus of these enhancements will enable the corporation to better support the transition to renewable energy and integrate the projects funded by this grant into our day-to-day operations,” he added.

About Georgia Environmental Finance Authority

The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA), headquartered in Atlanta, provides financing for a variety of energy, land, and water projects. Since 1985, GEFA has approved financial commitments totaling $5.5 billion to local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit gefa.georgia.gov, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube.
Media Contact: Shane Hix, shix@gefa.ga.gov, 404-584-1043

About Oglethorpe Power

Oglethorpe Power is among the nation’s largest power supply cooperatives and is one of the largest energy producers in Georgia. With more than $16 billion in assets, Oglethorpe Power owns and operates a diverse portfolio of resources to provide reliable, affordable, safe and environmentally responsible energy to 38 consumer-owned, not-for-profit Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs) who provide retail electricity to approximately 4.4 million Georgians. Through its investment in nuclear, natural gas, hydro and coal resources, Oglethorpe Power’s generation fleet has a combined capacity of more than 8,500 megawatts. For more information, visit www.opc.com.
Media Contact: Blair Romero, blair.romero@opc.com, 770-270-7290

About Georgia Transmission

Georgia Transmission Corp., a not-for-profit cooperative owned by 38 Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), owns more than 4,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines and more than 770 substations. These facilities deliver power to Georgia’s EMCs, providing electricity to more than 4.4 million Georgians. For more information, visit gatransmission.com.
Media Contact: Terry Buttrill, terry.buttrill@gatransmission.com, 770-270-7207

About Georgia System Operations

Georgia System Operations Corporation is a not-for-profit corporation owned by 38 Georgia electric membership corporations, Oglethorpe Power Corporation, and Georgia Transmission Corporation. GSOC delivers safe, reliable, and economic power by controlling and monitoring electric generation, transmission, and distribution assets owned by OPC, GTC, Smarr EMC, the Members, and their power supply partners. Operating within the Southeastern reliability subregion of the SERC Reliability Corporation, GSOC complies with all applicable North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. GSOC also manages the critical infrastructure protection (CIP) program for GTC and itself.
Media Contact: Bob Porter, bob.porter@gasoc.com, 770-270-7184

About Green Power EMC

Green Power EMC is a not-for-profit cooperative founded in 2001 to support 38 of Georgia’s electric cooperatives in their search for renewable resources. The primary efforts of Green Power EMC have been to find, screen, analyze, and negotiate power purchase agreements with Georgia-based renewable resource providers. In addition to sourcing renewable energy, Green Power EMC provides education programs that help member-consumers learn both the challenges and opportunities of utilizing renewable energy. For more information, visit greenpoweremc.com or follow Green Power EMC on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Media Contact: Blair Romero, blair.romero@opc.com, 770-270-7290

TUCKER, Ga -- Cindy Meadows of Seminole County was recently awarded the William H. Booth Award for the Southwest District as well as being selected the Statewide winner, which recognizes the outstanding work of Georgia extension agents involved in the 4-H program.

The other district winners included Susan Yearwood of Stephens County for the Northeast District, Brittany Teets of Rockdale County for the Northwest District, and Jakyn Tyson of Emanuel County for the Southeast District.

The Booth Awards, sponsored by Georgia Electric Membership Corp., were presented during the recent annual Georgia 4-H State Congress.

The award was established in 1979 in honor of Booth, a rural electric pioneer who founded the Jackson EMC in Jefferson, Ga. Booth encouraged Georgia’s 41 EMCs to consistently and collectively support statewide 4-H programs.

“Georgia 4-H provides a powerful positive influence on young people’s lives through 4-H Extension Agents like Cindy, Susan, Brittany and Jakyn,” said Georgia EMC’s Media Relations Manager Walter Jones. “By making a commitment to youth as they contribute their time, creativity and caring dedication, they make a difference across their communities and our state. Georgia’s EMCs share that commitment of improving the communities where we serve and are proud to sponsor an award that highlights these exceptional agents.”

As the Seminole County 4-H Agent for 23 years, Ms. Meadows’ achievements turning a program she found in a poverty-stricken county with no volunteers into a thriving activity. Under her direction, the county has produced 65 awards, including 10 State Project winners, 24 state and district officers and first place winners in such diverse competitions as Shotgun, Livestock, Watermelon Growing and Leadership in Action.

“My desire to see the youth of today succeed by using the 'learned by doing' 4-H model is the driving force behind my 4-H philosophy,” she said. “Realizing that many of today’s youth are not being taught the same lessons and work ethic as I learned, has certainly made me more determined to teach and lead 4-H youth based upon those life lessons.”

In her time in Donaldsonville as the 4-H agent, she has sent 44 youth to State Congress and 1,000 members participating in 4-H judging teams. And her peers have selected her a Booth Award winner for the Southwest District five times.

Her expertise in marketing shines through in her efforts to produce newsletters, exhibits at fairs and festivals, career events and even painting clovers on the roadside by the extension office.

The William H. Booth Award is an honor acknowledging both peer recognition and career achievement. Extension agents from all four districts were elected from their district for more than seven years in 4-H professional achievement, 4-H educational development, professional and university service, and philosophy. Nominees must complete a rigorous application and interview process.

Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Tucker, GA (July 31, 2023) – Today Oglethorpe Power, on behalf of the Georgia electric cooperatives it serves, commended the safe and successful achievement of commercial operation for Plant Vogtle Unit 3, which marks a historic accomplishment for the energy industry, the state of Georgia and the entire nation. Now in service, the Unit is available for safe and reliable dispatch and will provide emission-free, baseload power for Georgians for the next 60 to 80 years.

“Nuclear energy is increasingly important to the clean energy transition, and Oglethorpe Power’s significant ownership in the Vogtle construction project is a testament to the important investments we’re making that drive us toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future,” said Oglethorpe Power President & CEO Mike Smith. “We understand the importance of keeping the lights on in a way that preserves both affordability and reliability – and we are proud that the clean energy generated by Unit 3 will help us deliver on that mission for years to come.”

Nuclear power is a reliable, baseload energy resource. Unit 3 can generate emission-free electricity at full power 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

When Unit 4 enters service, emission-free nuclear energy will account for nearly half of the energy Oglethorpe Power generates for its member cooperatives and the 4.4 million Georgians they serve. The company’s investment in the new nuclear units underscores its commitment to fuel diversity and price stability.

As one of the largest clean energy projects in the nation, Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 represent the first advanced commercial nuclear project in the United States in more than thirty years. Once Unit 4 reaches commercial operation, Plant Vogtle will become the largest producer of emission-free energy in the United States.

“Oglethorpe Power commends the efforts of the dedicated men and women who make up the Plant Vogtle workforce. With Unit 3 online and operating safely, homes and businesses across Georgia will be powered by reliable, emission-free nuclear energy for decades,” added Smith. “Additionally, with the recent receipt of the 103(g) finding for Unit 4, the site has achieved another critical milestone toward loading fuel, which means we are one step closer to Unit 4 joining Unit 3 in safe commercial operation.”

Learn more at opc.com/nuclear.

About Oglethorpe Power

Oglethorpe Power is one of the nation’s largest power supply cooperatives with more than $16 billion in assets serving 38 Electric Membership Corporations which, collectively, provide electricity to approximately 4.4 million Georgia residents. A proponent of conscientious energy development and use, Oglethorpe Power balances reliable and affordable energy with environmental responsibility and has an outstanding record of regulatory compliance. Its diverse energy portfolio includes natural gas, nuclear, hydroelectric and coal generating plants with a combined capacity of more than 7,800 megawatts. Oglethorpe Power was established in 1974 and is owned by its 38 member systems. Its headquarters are in Tucker, Georgia, an Atlanta suburb. For more information, visit www.opc.com.

###

Contact: Blair Romero
Phone Number: 770-270-7290
Email: blair.romero@opc.com

“This legislation will ensure Georgians are safeguarded against wrongdoers who – for whatever reasons – seek to interfere with the critical services of modern life, from water and sewage to electricity and broadband,” said Dennis Chastain, president of Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (EMC), the trade association for Georgia’s 41 electric cooperatives. “Protecting these services is vital to keeping Georgia both a good place to live and a good place to do business.”

Georgia’s electric cooperatives led the effort to pass House Bill 227, the Criminal Damage to Critical Infrastructure Act, sponsored by Rep. Rob Leverett, R-Elberton. The Senate sponsor was Sen. Bill Cowsert, R-Athens. Besides utilities, it also protects public transportation, hospitals, ambulances, prisons and fire services.

It was prompted by the December attacks on two substations in Moore County, N.C. that left in the dark 40,000 customers of Randolph EMC and Duke Energy. Federal officials reported there had been a 77 percent increase in direct physical attacks on the electric grid in 2022 from the previous year. In 2022, there were 163 attacks across more than three-dozen states, impacting about 90,000 customers.

This legislation provides penalties of up to 20 years in prison for those who deliberately damage critical infrastructure with the intention of disrupting service.

Other power companies and utilities groups – as well as the Georgia Chamber of Commerce – followed Georgia EMC’s lead in supporting the legislation which overwhelmingly passed the House and Senate during the session that ended four weeks ago.

Georgia Chamber of Commerce President Chris Clark celebrated Wednesday’s bill signing as important to the state’s prosperity.

“These vital resources are fundamental to the continued success of Georgia’s business community and the overall well-being of our citizens statewide,” he said. “The Georgia Chamber applauds Governor Kemp, Rep. Rob Leverett, and members of the General Assembly for prioritizing public safety and ensuring the security of our state’s diverse critical infrastructure network through HB 227.”

The measure takes effect July 1. Kemp signed it in a ceremony during the Sherriff Association Conference at Lake Lanier Islands as part of a package of “law and order” bills.

Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 EMCs, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned EMCs provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Gov. Brian Kemp announced the competitive grants as part of a $234 million package from the Capital Projects Fund aimed at improving connectivity to all Georgians.

"High-speed internet access is critical for both academic and economic opportunities, as well as overall quality of life,” he said. “These projects announced today will go a long way to helping Georgians in some of the most unserved and underserved parts of the state become better connected.”

The fund is financed by monies from the American Rescue Plan Act passed by Congress in 2021. The Governor’s Office of Planning & Budget and the Georgia Technology Authority advised Kemp on the competitive grants that would help the most people in areas without internet service.

The initial round of grants in February last year totaled $408 million. The state estimates that 200,000 locations will receive internet service from all of the grants awarded in the two rounds, leaving 455,000 still to be served.

“Electric cooperatives are playing a critical role in bringing internet service to their rural service areas that currently lack adequate broadband connectivity. EMCs have an over 80-year history of delivering reliable and affordable electric energy to the communities they serve, and as not-for-profit locally owned and operated utilities are now meeting this new challenge to deliver broadband where it is needed most,” said Dennis Chastain, president and CEO of Georgia EMC, the trade association for the state’s 41 electric membership corporations. “These grants, in partnership with investments the EMCs are making, will enhance the economic vitality and quality of life of rural communities by helping to bridge the digital divide and providing rural Georgians with the same benefits that high quality internet service brings to Georgia’s cities and suburbs.” 

The EMCs receiving the latest grants include:

County       Awardee                                                                        Locations       Amount

Coffee        Satilla Rural Electric Membership Corporation             2,533             $5.6 million

Grady         Grady Electric Membership Corporation                        3,620             $9.3 million

Mitchell       Mitchell Electric Membership Corporation                   4,280             $11.9 million

Wilcox        Irwin Electric Membership Corporation                        100                $433,000

Wilcox        Middle Georgia Electric Membership Corporation       674                $2.5 million

Wilkinson   Oconee Electric Membership Corporation                   1,134             $2.6 million

Worth         Mitchell Electric Membership Corporation                   3,093             $9 million

Additionally, grants totaling $16.4 million for Windstream Georgia Communications projects in Randolph and Schley counties are supported by their collaboration with Sumter EMC.

Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 EMCs, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp.  Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned EMCs provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area.

Topping the list is Sawnee Electric Membership Cooperative, followed by Jackson EMC, GreyStone Power and Cobb EMC. Walton EMC came in 11th out of 25 of the largest electric co-ops whose consumer owners were surveyed about their satisfaction with their electricity provider.

The average score for customers of the electric cooperatives nationally was 767 on a 1,000-point scale, which was higher than the average level for investor-owned electric companies. The average in the South for large investor-owned utilities was 751.

“These results show how the people who get their electricity from locally owned and controlled cooperatives say they are pleased with the service they receive,” said Dennis Chastain, president and chief executive officer of Georgia EMC, the trade association for that state’s electric cooperatives. “It’s gratifying to see that Georgia’s electric cooperatives stand as the best of the best in the service they offer.”

Power’s 2022 Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study is based on responses from 102,879 online interviews conducted from January 2022 through November 2022 among residential customers of the 145 largest electric utility brands across the United States, which represent more than 105 million households.

The same five Georgia cooperatives also ranked in the top 12 in last year’s survey, with Walton EMC coming in second place nationally then.

The survey measures residential customer satisfaction with large and midsize electric utility companies in six areas: power quality and reliability, price, billing and payment, communications, corporate citizenship and customer care. Sawnee EMC achieved the highest scores among cooperatives in power quality and reliability, price and in customer care.

In the 2022 survey, Cumming-based Sawnee EMC topped the list with 809 points. It serves more than 187,000 meters in Cherokee, Dawson, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall and Lumpkin counties.

Next was Jackson EMC with 799 points. Located in Jefferson, it serves nearly 250,000 meters in Clarke, Banks, Barrow, Franklin, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison and Oglethorpe counties.

GreyStone Power of Hiram earned 796 points. Its more than 140,000 meters are in Bartow, Carroll, Cobb, Coweta, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton and Paulding counties.

With 792 points, Cobb EMC is based in Marietta and powers more than 211,000 meters in Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Fulton and Paulding counties.

Walton EMC’s 780 points come in well above the national average. With headquarters in Monroe, it serves more than 133,000 meters in Barrow, Clarke, DeKalb, Greene, Gwinnett, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Rockdale and Walton counties.

Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 EMCs, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned EMCs provide electricity and related services to approximately 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact:
Walter Jones
walter.jones@georgiaemc.com
(770) 865-8593

The state and district winners of the 2022 William H. Booth Award for outstanding influence on youth are pictured with officials from Georgia EMC and the University of Georgia Extension Service. From left to right, they are Dennis Chastain, president of Georgia EMC; Wanda McLocklin of Barrow County for the Northeast District; Dr. Crystal R. Perry of Sumter County for the Southwest District; Shelia Marchant of Jeff Davis County, state and Southeast District winner; Brittani Lee of Cobb County for the Northwest District; Lindsay Bridges, Georgia EMC vice president for communications and member services; Jeanna Saxon, Georgia EMC government relations representative and Arch Smith, right, retired Georgia 4-H state leader. (Photo courtesy of Georgia 4-H)

TUCKER, Ga., — Sheila Marchant of Jeff Davis County was recently awarded the William H. Booth Award for the Southeast District as well as being selected the Statewide winner, which recognizes the outstanding work of Georgia extension agents involved in the 4-H program.

The other district winners included Brittani Lee of Cobb County for the Northwest District, Dr. Crystal R. Perry of Sumter County for the Southwest District, and Wanda McLocklin of Barrow County for the Northeast District.

The Booth Awards, sponsored by Georgia Electric Membership Corp., were presented during the 79th annual Georgia 4-H State Congress.

The award was established in 1979 in honor of Booth, a rural electric pioneer who founded the Jackson EMC in Jefferson, Ga. Booth encouraged Georgia’s 41 EMCs to consistently and collectively support statewide 4-H programs.

“Georgia 4-H provides a powerful positive influence on young people’s lives through 4-H Extension Agents like Sheila, Brittani, Crystal and Wanda,” said Georgia EMC’s Media Relations Manager Walter Jones. “By making a commitment to youth as they contribute their time, creativity and caring dedication, they make a difference across their communities and our state. Georgia’s EMCs share that commitment of improving the communities where we serve and are proud to sponsor an award that highlights these exceptional agents.”

As the Jeff Davis 4-H Agent, Ms. Marchant’s achievements include District Project Achievement Awards for Highest Percentage of Winners, Most First Place Winners, Largest Number of Participants, Greatest Improvement, and Highest Percent Participation.

“All children can learn, achieve, prosper, and be given the opportunity to reach goals and milestones in a safe, caring environment. It is my passion to see them achieve where their own passion lies,” Marchant said. “It has been a calling to serve as a youth-development professional, and I have committed my career to the youth of Jeff Davis County. Success for me is seeing that I have made a difference in the life of a child.”

In her time as the Jeff Davis 4-H agent, she has sent 58 youth to State Congress. She has successfully coached the Cotton Boll team to two first-place state wins and the Poultry judging team to three.

Her expertise in marketing shines through in her collaborative efforts with the Georgia Farm Bureau for the Annual Agriculture Awareness Day that targets more than 700 students, with 4-H members serving as leaders and instructors.

The William H. Booth Award is an honor acknowledging both peer recognition and career achievement. Extension agents from all four districts were elected from their district for more than seven years in 4-H professional achievement, 4-H educational development, professional and university service, and philosophy. Nominees must complete a rigorous application and interview process.

Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.