SEC's Power Connection

June Newsletter, Issue 9

Gaff-n-Go Strong

Held at Meadow Event Park in Doswell and sponsored by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives, the Gaff-n-Go Lineworker Rodeo is one of the East Coast's largest competitions. The rodeo attracts journeymen and apprentice teams from electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities and contractors.

This year’s event was held May 19-20, and Southside Electric Cooperative employees not only participated, but they brought home top awards.

The rodeo provides lineworkers the opportunity to compete in a challenging environment and demonstrate the required skills used in the field every day. Now in its 19^th year, this year’s event saw record crowds with 200 lineworkers and 107 apprentices participating from across the country, as far away as California.

The Gaff-n-Go SEC journeymen participants were Scott Geovannello, Will Southworth, Kevin Greenawalt, Tommy Byrd, Trevor Robertson, Hunter Cline, Blake Crouch, Greg Ayers and Jeremy Cranford.

The Gaff-n-Go SEC apprentices taking part were Jacob Campbell, Shane Baldwin and Cody Roark.

Grilling for SEC on three Gaff-n-Grill teams were Scott Wallace, Tony Kemp, B.K. Redford, Ben Simmons, Bobby Moseley, Andy Haynes, Wayne Paulett, Adam Weaver, Chase Guy, Branden Hinton and Cheston Bowlin.

In addition, Joshua Wells and Darryl Dinwiddie served as judges for the competition.

SEC’s Scholarship Board Awards Record Number of Grants

Thirty graduating high school seniors in Southside Electric Cooperative’s service area are receiving Southside Opportunity Fund scholarships to help with the costs of higher education.

In late April, the SOF board selected the 30 recipients to receive $36,000 in scholarships after reviewing applications and personal statements from 47 students. The recipients, who represent 13 of the 18 counties served by SEC, received scholarships of either $2,000 or $1,000. Both the number awarded and the total in scholarship dollars are record amounts.

“By investing in the future of our young students, we are not only helping them achieve their personal goals, but we are investing in a brighter future for Southside Virginia,” said SEC President and CEO Jason Loehr.

Since the scholarship program started in 2016, 171 grants totaling $199,000 have been awarded.

Scholarships are awarded through a competitive process based on financial need, academic achievement and a personal statement. Students’ parents or guardians must be SEC members.

In addition to the scholarships, the SOF board annually contributes to educating future lineworkers attending Southside Virginia Community College’s Power Line Worker Training School in Blackstone. The SOF board approved $5,000 this year. Fifteen current SEC lineworkers graduated from the school.

Meet Your SEC Vegetation Management Team

Did you know by the end of 2023, SEC will have completed over 100 miles of

aerial trimming?

Whether managing aerial trimming, mechanical trimming or working with tree crews, SEC's Vegetation Management Team stays connected with trimming, which keeps

lines clear.

Photographed above (left to right) are Director of Vegetation and Contract Resources Bobby Moseley, Utility Forester II Sarah Elyard, Utility Forester Matt Hall and Vegetation Supervisor Lauren Fleming.

SEC Lineworkers 'Mooove' Around Herd of SEC Member Cows,

While Upgrading the System

2000 West Virginia Ave.

Crewe, VA 23930

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