Innovation And Education

Outstanding and visionary awards

OWENTON

Congratulations to Owen Electric Co-op for being named the Outstanding Business of the Year by the Owen County Chamber of Commerce.

“Owen Electric has been a leader in the community for years,” says Frank Downing, executive director of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce. “They provide direction for the Owen County Leadership Program among other things. It was a combination of efforts that they were recognized for.”

Owen Electric also received the 2013 Smart Grid Visionary Award from the Rural Smart Grid Summit, and was the first to provide green power to Kentucky through EnviroWatts.

A career as a lineman

BARBOURVILLE

Careers at Cumberland Valley Electric cooperative were the focus as office manager Robert Tolliver, accountant Barbara Elliott, and linemen William White, Darrell Yother, and Les Butler took part in the Career Fair at the Appalachian Children’s Home in Barbourville.

The linemen talked about building and repairing power lines. Other co-op employees discussed careers from accounting to engineering.  

“As employees of an electric cooperative, we live in the community that we serve,” says Tolliver. “We feel a responsibility to the members we serve. Sharing our employees to help young students get on the right path just seems to be the right thing to do.”

Partner in education

MCKEE

Teachers came away with “Scholar Dollars” after a hearty meal and an overview of the education programs Jackson Energy offers. It was all part of the cooperative’s Education Celebration. The schools can use the funds at their discretion.

 “Jackson Energy has been an education partner in our region for more than 70 years,” says Jackson Energy President and CEO Carol Wright. “From our early days of supplying appliances to home economics departments to our scholarships and conservation programs, we provide resources that enhance education in southeastern Kentucky.”