No one over Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Cooperative’s 82-year history demonstrated a greater love for the cooperative way than Dan

Smith, director emeritus, who passed away in April following a brief illness. He was 87.

Mr. Smith faithfully and diligently served on our electric cooperative’s board of directors for 48 years. He spoke to hundreds of individual MTEMC members over that time to hear their concerns and answer their questions. At the board level, he was on multiple committees and served as an officer. He often represented MTEMC member interests as voting delegate at state, regional and national electric cooperative meetings. In particular, he served for more than 25 years as sergeant-at-arms (and for many years as chief sergeant) at the National Rural Electric

Cooperative Association’s annual meeting.

Mr. Smith was a charter member of Wilson Farmers Cooperative, where he served on the board for 42 years. He was a founding member and director of the Wilson County Farm Bureau (another cooperative), where he served as president for 17 years and had been a member of the board since 1956.

Of course, those acquainted with Mr. Smith knew he was a Wilson County farmer. He farmed 360 acres, raising beef cattle and, at one time, burley tobacco. He often talked about how hard farm work could be but also how much he loved it.

He was fiercely committed to the farm, his wife, Vondie, and to Middle Tennessee Electric. He was always the first to arrive on board meeting day or at any meeting he was supposed to attend. And he always had a special appreciation for MTEMC’s employee team.

For all of these reasons and many others, MTEMC’s board and staff benefited from Mr. Smith’s knowledge, experience and commitment. His stalwart loyalty to the cooperative way has been an inspiration, and his dedication to MTEMC has deep roots.

He remembered when MTEMC brought life-changing electricity to Wilson County, and he told us that inspiring story many times, reminding us of the proud tradition carried on to this day. For him and his family, electricity ushered in greater convenience and comfort for everyday life. Also, thankfully, it illuminated his thinking and appreciation of the difference a cooperative can make ... and this outlook was a direct benefit to the members of MTEMC for nearly five decades.

20 The Tennessee Magaz ine

Director Emeritus Dan Smith passes away

Middle Tennessee Electric Director Emeritus Dan Smith and his wife, Vondie.

Chris JonesPresident, Middle Tennessee Electric

MembershipCorporation

AS I SEE IT Manager’s Viewpoint

June 2018 21

2018 Youth Tour Writing Contest WinnerElectric Cooperatives: Beyond the Wires

All Christopher could think about before moving from New York City to a small rural community in Ten-

nessee was how he was sure to be in for an unpleasant surprise. Afterward, he was, if nothing else, unpleasantly surprised for having jumped to such a conclusion.

Upon arriving in Tennessee, Christopher instantly felt at home, even though the setting was entirely different. Not only did he find his new community extremely pleasant, but the house he had feared would be unlikable turned out to be spacious and cozy. The only thing he had left to do was have electricity put in the house. Having grown up in New York, he was unfamiliar with electricity providers for rural communities. However, his friendly neighbor, Shirley, was more than happy to point him in the right direction.

“The electric co-ops of Tennessee are the source of electricity for the state’s 2.5 million homes, farms and businesses,” Shirley explained as she sipped on a cup of tea. “However, they do so much more than simply provide electricity — they are active in strengthening the communities they serve and improving the lives of residents.”

“In what ways do they do this?” Christopher inquired, becoming interested.

“Well, that can’t all be told in one sitting,” Shirley laughed. “I’ll tell you what you need to know, though.

“First of all, electric co-ops focus on seven basic principles: voluntary and open membership; democratic member control; members’ economic participation; autonomy and independence; education, training and information; cooperation among

cooperatives; and concern for community. These form the foundation for co-ops’ operation. Rather than simply serving as electricity providers, the co-ops go above and beyond to ensure that their customers are satisfied. They are so dedicated to doing their job that the lights have stayed on 99.96 percent of the time, even during storms.”

Christopher was befuddled. “Nobody in New York had that kind of generosity!” he exclaimed.

“I was personally impacted by their generosity,” Shirley went on. “When I graduated high school, my parents had both lost their jobs, and I needed some way to support my family before I went off to college. I had heard that the co-ops were offering training programs for young people, so I gladly enlisted. I learned so much over three months that soon I was going around powering houses just like a regular employee. I was paid handsomely and was able to help my family get their finances back under control. That was easily the best summer of my life.”

Isaac Bland, a junior at Lebanon High School, is the winner of the 2018 Washington Youth Tour Writing Contest.

See ‘Contest,’ page 24

By Isaac BlandLebanon High School

22 The Tennessee Magaz ine

Each year, Middle Tennessee Electric challenges local high school juniors to write short stories about the advantages of a cooperative.

This year’s short story theme was “Electric Cooperatives: Going Beyond the Wires.” More than 2,800 students from Cannon, Rutherford, Williamson and Wilson counties were presented the opportunity to submit 800- to 900-word essays, the winners earning cash prizes and the chance to travel on the Washington Youth Tour.

This year, the winning story came from Lebanon High School’s Isaac Bland. He and the 14 other

winners will join students from across the nation in Washington, D.C., for the 2018 Washington Youth Tour. During their trip, they will meet U.S. House representatives and senators and explore the museums, memorials and monuments in our nation’s capital.

ExperienceMembership.coop

2,800 CALLED.15 SELECTED.

ONE TRIP THAT WILL CHANGE THEIR LIVES.

June 2018 23

1. Isabella Freels, teacher Lauren Diciaula, Adam Lampley, Fairview High School

7. Alyssa Bradbury, guidance counselor Lauren Little, Steve Quizhpe, LaVergne High School

2. Raphael Fortuna, teacher Kelly McElhin-ey, Anna Addison, Franklin High School

8. Dannetty Sanders, Riverdale High School

9. Kaylin Giavedoni, teacher Amy Nick-erson, Joseph Fernandez, Smyrna High School

3. Ciaran Fracis, Sarah Hewitt, Page High School

10. Teacher Matt Marlatt, Neil Talbott, Mackenzie Cummins, Cierra Kelso, assistant principal Tara Lawson, Stewarts Creek High School

4. Olivia Sorenson, teacher Jackie Zigelsky, Chris Meherg, Summit High School

11. Principal Mel Brown, teacher Eric Trusty, Katelyn Finney, Hunter Kinzer, teacher Lacy Turner, Mt. Juliet High School

5. Breanna Bushman, Blackman High School

12. Teacher Andrew Schmeltzer, Kendall Benedict, Kameron Staten, Wilson Central High School

14. Isaac Leedham, teacher Mary Pulley, Angel Freeney, Watertown High School

6. Jacob Walker, teacher Amy Nickerson, Caitlyn Benton, Eagleville High School

13. Isaac Bland, teacher Lindsay Mosley, Grace Durham, Lebanon High School

15. Ty St. John, Nancy Segoviano-Carrillo, Cannon County High School

These students submitted the

winning essay for their school in

the Washington Youth Tour “Electric

Cooperatives: Going Beyond the Wires”

writing contest. They were awarded

cash prizes for their submissions.

24 The Tennessee Magaz ine

Contest: ‘Beyond the Wires’She gestured to a framed

photograph on the mantlepiece of her standing outside a house, dressed in an electrician’s uniform.

“I can imagine,” Christopher mused. “So, tell me, what else do electric co-ops do that sets them apart from electric providers in cities like New York?”

“For one thing, they are member-owned and -regulated,” Shirley replied. “Board members are elected by members of the co-ops themselves who know that the elected board will act in the co-op’s best interest and do only the right things for the communities they serve. Also, co-ops are not-for-profit, guaranteeing that communities are served as fairly as possible, not simply in the way that makes the most money. Would you believe that Tennessee’s co-ops have paid $63 million in taxes which help fund schools, roads and parks? Or that they provide jobs

for more than 2,400 families in Tennessee?”

Christopher was now beginning to wonder why he had never before heard about all these fabulous benefits of electric co-ops. “This just seems like the perfect place to live,” he remarked.

Shirley smiled. “That’s the reason I chose to remain here. Now, I presume you would like to learn more about this community. I will tell you that to get to know the co-op is to get to know the community. Tennessee’s communities and the co-ops that serve them are extremely intertwined and have a very strong relationship. The programs the co-ops offer to help strengthen communities are enough to make anyone want to live here. For instance, the Co-op Connections Card program has helped Tennesseans save more than $2.6 million on prescription drugs. In addition,

the co-ops encourage regional industrial development in order to bring jobs to their communities by providing some of the most affordable energy around,” she recounted.

“Wow!” was all Christopher could say.

“All in all, they provide for extremely safe, reliable and affordable energy,” said Shirley. “Let me just say that I am beyond fortunate to have this kind of service provided to me. I can’t understand why anyone would want to live anywhere else — just because of the benefits the co-ops here provide.”

Christopher nodded in agreement. “Don’t ask me why I didn’t move here ages ago. This area, aside from being so much more pleasant and peaceful than New York, has electric providers that offer benefits beyond anyone’s imagination. I’ve found myself a place to stay for good.”

From page 21

Emitt Energy’s Efficiency TipNow is a great time to look at your outdoor lighting options when you’re landscaping. To help reduce

your monthly energy consumption, consider using solar powered lights around your gardens and

flower beds.

June 2018 25

WILLIAMSON

RUTHERFORD

CANNON

WILSON

SharingChange is a founda-tion created by Middle Tennes-see EMC’s board of directors for the sole purpose of giving back to the communities served by the cooperative. Funds granted by the foundation are then used in the county where they are collected.

“Concern for Community,” the Seventh Cooperative Princi-ple, focuses on members’ needs

while helping develop the com-munities served.

Since 2003, MTEMC’s chari-table foundations have distribut-ed more than $9 million to more than 580 organizations in our communities. For more details, visit the foundation website at www.SharingChange.org.* SharingChange is a voluntary

program, and members can stop participation at any time.

The mission of Interfaith Dental Clinic is to create a healthier community by providing transformational oral health care for those experiencing poverty. Interfaith Dental Clinic’s vision is that every individual has the opportunity to achieve and sustain a healthy smile.

A description of the monthly grants can be found on page 26.

Interfaith Dental Clinic

$15,319

$32,388

$6,050

$14,869

Beginning balance...............$50,753.06Incoming.............................$13,857.59Funds available....................$64,610.65

Future grant fundsavailable..........................$49,291.65

Beginning balance...............$61,223.17Incoming.............................$10,705.77Funds available....................$71,928.94

Future grant fundsavailable..........................$39,540.94

Beginning balance...............$10,713.01Incoming................................$1,532.87Funds available....................$12,245.88

Future grant fundsavailable.........................$6,195.88

Beginning balance...............$74,470.03Incoming................................$5,147.54Funds available....................$79,617.57

Future grant fundsavailable.........................$64,748.57

26 The Tennessee Magaz ine

Tennessee Children’s Home: $2,500 Tennessee Children’s Home is

committed to improving the lives of children by providing services that form the atmosphere for a healthy physical, mental and social life.Alert Community Development Corporation: $5,000

Alert CDC is an organization that assists in the development of affordable housing, creates jobs and economic opportunities by promoting the expansion of existing businesses and the creation of new businesses, sponsors education and counseling resources for potential homeowners, organizes credit rebuilding programs and provides job training and other programs to aid those in need. Center for Courageous Kids: $5,000

Center for Courageous Kids instills inspiration and empowerment while enhancing the lives of chil-dren with serious illnesses. Summer camps are offered to create an envi-ronment that fosters opportunities for making excellent choices, creating and sustaining healthy relationships with peers and building personal confidence to work through challeng-es and achieve personal goals. Crohn’s & ColitisFoundation: $5,000

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding the cures for Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative coli-tis while improving the quality of life for affected children and adults.Tennessee Hemophilia & Bleeding Disorders Foundation: $3,076

The Tennessee Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders Foundation’s mission is to enhance the lives of those affected by bleeding disorders.

Primary Care and Hope Clinic: $5,000The Primary Care and Hope Clinic

serves as a medical home for unin-sured and underserved patients in Middle Tennessee, regardless of their ability to pay. Through the delivery of preventive, acute, chronic and be-havioral health services, they ensure patients receive the care they need to get healthy and stay healthy.Friendship Fishing Club: $1,000

Friendship Fishing Club’s mission is to provide a community-develop-ment event geared toward the youth throughout Wilson County. Building Lives Foundation: $5,000

Building Lives Foundation Inc. assists Middle Tennessee’s veterans by providing one-on-one mentor-ing, health and psychological care referrals, employment, transportation, housing and financial education.Barefoot Republic Camp: $5,000

Barefoot Republic Camp seeks to build relationships among individu-als from diverse racial, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds through a diverse platform of artistic, athletic and team-building programs.American Legion Post 279: $2,050

American Legion Post 279 is a wartime veterans’ service organiza-tion that mentors youth and sponsors wholesome programs in our com-munities, advocating patriotism and honor and promoting strong national security and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.Tennessee Beef Agribition: $5,000

Tennessee Beef Agribition is a beef cattle organization that promotes the sale, trade and showing of cattle. The youth are especially involved through a livestock judging competi-tion open to 4-H and FFA members or any other young competitor.

The Arts Center ofCannon County: $3,000

The Arts Center of Cannon County strives to enhance the quality of our community by providing a variety of arts and opportunities that educate and entertain people of all ethnicities, ages and income levels.Tennessee Artist’s Guild Inc.: $2,000

Tennessee Artist’s Guild strives to enhance the state’s communities by offering cultural events and opportu-nities for the public to witness local artworks, music and theater.Tennessee Junior DairyShow Foundation: $5,000

Tennessee Junior Dairy Show Foundation works hand-in-hand with Tennessee 4-H to provide the youth an opportunity to participate in dairy cattle-judging competitions, skillathon contests, 4-H Project Achievement and the Dairy Quiz Bowl.Uncle Dave Macon Days: $5,000

Uncle Dave Macon Days is an annual old-time and Americana music festival that celebrates Uncle Dave Macon, legendary banjo picker, songwriter and unique performer who became the first “star” of the Barn Dance and then the Grand Ole Opry on WSM Radio in Nashville. This an-nual event educates residents through-out Middle Tennessee regarding our Americana music history.International Folkloric Society Planning Council Inc.: $5,000

The International Folkloric Soci-ety Planning Council’s mission is to promote and preserve international cultural heritage with a primary focus on the arts. Each year, the council hosts a weeklong dance and music festival with daily performances at various venues for the Middle Tennes-see community.

February Grants — $68,626