November - Rio Grande Electric Co-op

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc.
UP DATE
November, 2004
A Message From The
General Manager/CEO
By Daniel G. Laws
“Thank you for this sumptuous meal
(I hope I don’t get sick from eating this stuff.)”
I don’t know about where you live, but here in Brackettville fall has definitely arrived.
The mornings are cool and crisp—just the way I like it. In fact, fall is my favorite season.
I enjoy the other seasons, but there is something unique about the fall. The artistry, with
which God’s creation sheds its foliage in preparation for winter, is nothing short of spectacular. Commencement of the
High School football season, Oktoberfest, Halloween, and then my favorite holiday season -- Thanksgiving and Christmas, all usher in feelings of warmth, family, and peace for me.
We will soon celebrate Thanksgiving. Families will gather anticipating the carving of the poor winged fowl that so graciously made the supreme sacrifice in order to adorn our tables. We will overeat, fall into easy chairs and watch football.
Or, we will overeat and travel to the other set of parents’ or childrens’ home and do it all again. Or, we will overeat, be
taken, against our will, by the couch monster, and forced to take a nap. Or, we will overeat and…well, you fill in the
tradition you prefer. These are all good things and they speak volumes about everything that is good about the American
way of life, but I hope you will look beyond the good and celebrate the great as well.
What is great is the giving of thanks. The Bible teaches that we should give thanks with a grateful heart. Seems a bit
redundant doesn’t it? Can one give thanks and not also be grateful? Well, I don’t know; let’s try a few examples. Thank you
for this sumptuous meal (I hope I don’t get sick from eating this stuff); thank you for this great tie (Where am I going to
wear this thing); thank you for cutting my hair (I would have liked it even better if you had done what I asked). No one sets
out to be disingenuous, it happens because we all too often speak from our intellect rather than our heart. We say thank you
but it is not what we really feel.
The dichotomy exists between our intellect and our belief system, or in other words, between what we think and what we
feel. Intellectually I know it is appropriate to say thank you when someone has gone to some amount of trouble on my
behalf. My thank you, unfortunately, is without substance when spoken from my intellect. I can’t be truly thankful until I
contemplate the trouble I really was to someone. I must put myself in the other person’s place and imagine what they were
thinking and feeling. When I do that my intellectual thank you is supported by heartfelt gratefulness.
You and I have much to be thankful for. Consider God’s work in your life and be grateful. And as I have suggested before
at this time of the year, make this holiday season special and forgive past wrongs. Celebrate with friends and family and do
it as if you will never have the opportunity again, because the simple truth is life may never be this way again. I hope as you
give thanks with a grateful heart, Rio Grande Electric Cooperative is on your list of things for which you are thankful.
Rio Grande Electric Co-op
NOVEMBER 2004
1
Full House For 59th Annual Meeting!
Wow! This year’s Annual Meeting, topped all attendance records in recorded Co-op history! 306 Co-op memberships were represented, and approximately 750 barbecued steak lunches were served. The day was picture perfect, with nothing but clear skies and mild
temperatures, as members began arriving at the Brackettville Civic Center by 8:00 a.m. The Health Fair, and a delicious breakfast of
scrambled eggs, hash browns, and sausage, prepared by the Brackett High School Jr. Class were waiting for members after registration.
The large number of people arriving shortly before the scheduled 10:00 a.m. start of the business meeting nearly overwhelmed the
hardy souls conducting the registration, but most thought the wait was bearable, and vowed to arrive earlier next time. The start of the
meeting was delayed by approximately 20 minutes, in order for registration to be completed and for additional tables and chairs to be
set up to accommodate the crowd. Members were asked to take their seats at approximately 10:30 a.m. The meeting opened with Danny
Samaniego, Brackettville Area Operations Manager welcoming everyone to the event, and reminding members that children could
participate in the Kids’ Korner activities to allow their parents to enjoy the meeting. The National Anthem was sung by rising local star
Jacquelyn Conoly, as members of Boy Scout Troop 257 posted the colors. Bailee Allen of the Kinney County 4-H Club lead the Pledge
of Allegiance, and Reverend Nathan J. Lafrenz, Pastor, Our Redeemer Lutheran/Vicar, St. Andrews Episcopal Churches of Brackettville
gave the invocation. This was followed by the singing of “America The Beautiful” by another young local singer, Jackie Duncan.
Chris Lacy, RGEC board president, then officially called the meeting to order. He welcomed the group and instructed the membership
that, upon approval of a motion, he would dispense with the reading of the 2003 Annual Meeting Minutes. The motion was made,
seconded, and approved. This was followed by the drawing of five door prizes.
Current directors were introduced, as were the candidates for election. Director service awards were presented to the following: John
Ralston, 3 terms; Kenneth Sparks, 2 terms; James Runyan, 2 terms; and Bill Cowden, 2 terms.
Director election results were presented by Geoff Knobloch of the Co-op’s auditing firm, Eide Bailly, LLP. Of 4,907 ballots mailed out,
only 840 were returned by the specified date. Of the ballots returned, 812 were qualified; 19 were undeliverable as addressed; and 9
were non-qualified.
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NOVEMBER 2004
Rio Grande Electric Co-op
The election results are as follows:
District 1:
Margarita Nelson
Charles F. Bobbit
Write-In Votes
No Vote On Ballot
Qualified Ballots
# Votes
416
315
2
79
812
District 3:
Jimmy Ballew
Kenneth Sparks (Incumbent)
Write-In Votes
No Vote On Ballot
Qualified Ballots
#Votes
398
346
2
66
812
District 4:
Cindy Whitehead
Maximilian Martin
Write-In Votes
No Vote On Ballot
Qualified Ballots
#Votes
441
290
1
80
812
Director Service Awards were presented to: John Ralston, 3
terms; Kenneth Sparks, 2 terms; James Runyan, 2 terms;
and Bill Cowden, 2 terms.
District 4A:
Willliam White
Write-In Votes
No Vote On Ballot
Qualified Ballots
#Votes
629
6
177
812
District 7:
Bill Cowden (Incumbent)
Jerry Johnson
Write-In Votes
No Vote On Ballot
Qualified Ballots
#Votes
503
236
1
72
812
District 9:
Frank Archuleta
James R. Evrage
Marlin K. Richardson
Write-In Votes
No Vote On Ballot
Qualified Ballots
#Votes
254
249
240
2
67
812
In the closest race for any director seat, District 9 was won by
Archuleta with only a five-vote margin over Evrage. Evrage
ran by petition, which any member may do if he or she would
like to serve on the board and was not selected as a candidate by
the nominating committee. Evrage only received nine more votes
than the third place finisher, Richardson.
Both the young and the young at heart enjoyed the bucket truck
rides at the Annual Meeting!
Rio Grande Electric Co-op
NOVEMBER 2004
Five more door prizes were drawn, followed by the President’s
Report, given by Chris Lacy. Lacy presented an overview of the
history of RGEC, illustrating just how far the little co-op with
the big service territory has come.
(Continued, pg. 4)
3
The Treasurer’s Report, presented by Hugh Childress followed. Members could review the financial information being discussed
through handouts provided. (The same information was included on the inside back cover of the October issue of Ranch & Rural Living
Magazine.)
Five more door prize winners were announced before General Manager/CEO Dan Laws took the stage for the special recognition. Laws
began by recognizing the hard work of the linemen (and linewoman) of RGEC, stating that they are the backbone of RGEC’s service.
This was met with a standing ovation and hardy round of applause from an appreciative membership. Cindy Edwards, Communications
Coordinator, continued the special recognition portion of the program, with the introduction of the 2004 Essay Contest winners. Beth
Ballew, 1st place winner, could not be present, and requested that a short thank you statement be read on her behalf. Brandy Smith, 2nd
place winner, then took the microphone to convey her thanks to RGEC and explain to the audience how she learned about cooperatives
through the experience.
Five more door prize drawings were conducted, and it was time for the General Manager/CEO Report, given by Dan Laws. System
improvements, construction, new projects were the primary topics addressed. The floor was then opened for questions, of which there
were few. A new process for submitting questions this year allowed for even those too timid to stand and be recognized to have their
questions answered. Questions were written on special forms and submitted anonymously, if requested. (A complete list of questions
submitted, and responses appears on page 6.)
Ventriloquist Greg Claassen, was back for an encore after last
year’s hit performance at the Annual Meeting in Fort Stockton.
Guests and RGEC employees alike were literally laughing until
tears came to their eyes as Claassen’s cast of characters targeted
GM/CEO Laws, Board President Chris Lacy, and long-time Coop member Charlie Foust, with their remarks. Finally, Claassen
claimed to have forgotten one of his dummies, and asked to borrow RGEC’s Marfa Area Supervisor Gary Nichols as his subject.
Nichols, a real trooper and good sport , was subjected to a clown
mask, pigtails, and hat, as Claassen literally put words in his mouth
chiding CEO Laws.
President Lacy adjourned the meeting, and it was time for a delicious lunch consisting of steak, baked potatoes, green beans, hot
rolls, and iced tea.
Ventriloquist Greg Claassen had Co-op members rolling in the
aisles!
The awarding of the remaining door prizes took place during lunch.
Each door prize was valued at a minimum of $50. The Grand
Prize was a 1997 Ford F150 SuperCab “Retired” Co-op pick-up,
valued at approximately $7,685.00, and won by Laura Gammill
of Brackettville.
The total estimated value of all prizes awarded was
$16,054. (For a complete list of prizes and winners,
please see pages 7-11, of the RGEC News section.)
Next year’s Annual Meeting, the Co-op’s 60th, will be
held in Marfa. Make plans now to be there!
Congratulations To
Laura Gammill, Winner of the
Grand Prize
Pick Up Truck!
Laura Gammill, far right, is joined by her
daughters as they proudly accept the
Grand Prize.
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NOVEMBER 2004
Rio Grande Electric Co-op
Annual Meeting Snap Shots
Above: The linemen of Rio
Grande received a standing
ovation.
Left: Listening intently to the
serious business of the Co-op.
Below: The Annual
Meeting provided fun
for members & future
members alike!
Above: The Annual Meeting provided a good opportunity to visit with fellow Co-op
members!
Right: Door prize winner Ronald Schaertl was happy to take home a deluxe ceiling
fan and Black & Decker Cordless Screwdriver.
Rio Grande Electric Co-op
NOVEMBER 2004
5
Questions & Answers
Questions posed at the Annual Meeting were answered by Dan Laws, RGEC GM/CEO. The questions and answers appear
below, for your information:
Question: Asked by Jim Sparks of the Dell City Service Area. I keep trying to hide from my wife but she always finds me; what am I doing wrong?
A. Jim , I am not sure, mine keeps finding me too. But let me ask you this; are you still living in the same house, maybe that’s how she keeps
finding you.
Question: Name withheld at member request, but the individual is from the Brackettville Service Area: Why do we have so many power outages in the
Rough Canyon Area? Usually at least one a week and sometimes more. A. I am not sure at this point. We are patrolling lines and have found some
problems on the line. We will be replacing breakers on the feeder and inspecting other devices to ensure all are working properly, hopefully we
will soon have the problem cured.
Question: Asked by Bill Baldree of the Brackettville Service Area. With the price of oil rising, what is the possibility of installing wind generators on
several farms and ranches to generate power in both directions? A. I think Bill is referring to site-built wind turbines to meet the needs of the
ranch or farm and the ability to sell excess capacity to the Cooperative. This is possible for individuals to do, but research is necessary to insure
there is an adequate wind regime present in order to generate an adequate supply and surplus. At this time, the Cooperative is not involved in
such a program, but individuals can undertake a project of this type.
Question: Asked by Randy Ridgway of the Marfa Service Area. Is there a time table set up for WildBlue service in the Presidio area? A. Yes, and
the time table is the same for everyone; second quarter 2005. There are two significant delays associated with implementation. One is the
activation of the gateway, which takes the satellite signals and channels them to the Internet backbone system. For Rio Grande that gateway
is located in Laredo. The other is the manufacturing of the equipment. i.e. dish and modem. Two companies have been engaged for this
purpose by our national partners, but there have been delays. We have asked to be a beta test sight, but without a functioning gateway the
possibilities are limited.
Question: Asked by Reynaldo Puente of the Carrizo Springs Operating Area. Is there a type of meter that automatically reports usage of energy and
if so, who qualifies and how do I get one? A. Yes, there are meters that automatically report their readings and they come in many forms. The
program and meter that Rio Grande is currently implementing is called Turtle Meter. The meter uses a technology known as PLC (Power line
Carrier) to transmit its readings back to the substation where an intelligent receiver collects and forwards the date to Brackettville. These
meters report data at intervals not to exceed every 27 hours. We have approximately 3 years left in the program to replace every single phase
meter, accordingly everyone will have one at the end of that time frame. However, if a member does not wish to wait, the Cooperative has a cost
sharing program that allows the member to expedite receipt of a Turtle meter by paying half of the installed costs, which amounts to $95.
Question: Name withheld at member request, but the individual is from the Brackettville Service Area. Is it true that Rio Grande Electric Co-op
maintains more mileage of lines than any other electric co-op in the nation, with fewer members? A. There are two of the 65 electric cooperatives in the state of Texas that maintain more miles of line than Rio Grande and I am not certain about the rest of the nation. In terms of square
miles of service territory Rio Grande is the biggest. In terms of number of meters served per mile of constructed line Rio Grande had the
fewest.
Question: Asked by C.W. Jones of the Brackettville Operating Area. Why does it take 4-6 weeks to get new service in unit 38, Fort Clark Springs?
A. Construction backlog is most likely the cause. Our tariff and the Public Utility Commission of Texas Substantive rules allow 90 days when
construction is involved. It is always our desire to get these done much quicker and ordinarily we do. This time of year hunters are coming out
prior to commencement of hunting season to set up service at their hunting camps and so we can find ourselves with a backlog. We endeavor
to handle work orders on a first-come first-serve basis.
Question: Asked by Robert Isaacs of the Brackettville Operating Area. Why are we in the Internet business? Are we making any money yet? A. We
are in the Internet business because members asked us to bring this very vital service to them. We began by starting a brand enterprise from
scratch. Soon, one of our competitors offered to sell out to us and so we purchased that business. We do not earn any margins from the Internet
business, but that is not to say there have not been benefits to the membership. We have made technology advancements that have significantly
improved our service on the electric side of our business, that otherwise would not have been made. The start-up of WildBlue will greatly
improve the viability of the Internet business. We have shut down our Rocksprings operation, which will yield a significant savings.
Question: Name withheld at member request, but the individual is from the Brackettville Service Area. Why does it take so long to get the electricity
back on after a shut down? A. Since this question does not refer to a specific outage, I will have to respond in general. From the time of
notification our employees are allotted 15 minutes to roll on an outage. Depending on the nature of the problem, the lineman may be required
to patrol a number of miles of line in inclement weather, which can be very time consuming. It is also possible, if there are severe storms in the
area, that all service crews are out taking care of outages and cannot respond immediately. Whatever the case, our goal is to restore power as
quickly as possible.
Note:
Questions requiring research pertaining to specific cases or instances will be addressed directly with the individual who asked the
question, so that a more thorough answer may be provided.
6
NOVEMBER 2004
Rio Grande Electric Co-op
Thank You!
Part of what makes RGEC’s Annual Meetings so much fun is the amazing number of door prizes members
take home! These prizes would not be possible without the generosity of RGEC’s many vendors, and they
each have our sincere thanks.
The following is a list of prizes, donors, items, and the winner of each. In some cases, items were grouped so
that the approximate value of every prize would be at least $50.00. In other cases one prize may have been
well beyond the $50.00 minimum.
PRIZE DONOR
PRIZE
WINNER
Epstein/Becker/Green/Wickliff & Hall
Sanyo 27" Flat Screen TV
Edward A Sitzes
Hughes Supply, Inc.
27" Durabrand Color TV
Al Jenkins
CDS/Muery Services
Sony 19" Color TV
Pack Waddill
Epstein/Becker/Green/Wickliff & Hall
RCA 5-CD Home Stereo System
Ann Montgomery
FAPCo, LLC
$50.00 Credit On Any Electric Bill
Patrick Daly
Ranch Publishing
Evaporative Cooler
Houston Allen
Urban Electrical Services, Inc.
52" Deluxe Ceiling Fan
R. L. Kurtz
Hughes Supply, Inc.
GE Roaster Oven
Gene Grabbs
TESSCO
Shop-Vac
Mae Ridgeway
Epstein/Becker/Green/Wickliff & Hall
Dirt Devil Vacuum Cleaner
Paul A. Hoeller
Cornudas Café
Sun Country Pest Control
Alexander Utility Engineering, Inc.
Priester Supply Co., Inc.
Ceramic Elephant Plant Stand
$25.00 Wal-Mart Gift Card
Pocket Flashlight
Belgian Waffle Maker
Milo White
FAPCo, LLC
$50.00 credit on any electric bill
Paul Harmon
GDS Associates Inc.
DeWalt 12V Cordless Drill Kit
William and Betty Beebe
PAPCO
Alamo Iron Works
Durabrand AM/FM/CD Player
5-gal Water Cooler
Susan Cooper
Perry Hardware & Supply
Two T’s
C&R Distributing, Inc.
Die Cast Metal Model Car
Recipe Box & Wind Chimes
Automotive Equipment
Anthony Ashley
Priester Supply Co, Inc.
George Foreman Grill
Michael Espenhover
Hopper’s Soft Water Service
Ft. Stockton Body Shop
5 Cases Culligan Bottled Water
Rolling Ice Chest
Amie Skelton
Ranch Publishing
B&D 18V Cordless Drill
Rita Holmes
Rio Grande Electric Co-op
NOVEMBER 2004
7
8
PRIZE DONOR
Techline, Inc.
Butler & Land, Inc.
PRIZE
$25.00 Wal-Mart gift Card
Braun Hand Blender
WINNER
Caroline Benfield
TXU Energy
GE Family Size Griddle
Peter Pacheo
National Bank Products
Urban Electrical Services, Inc.
Alamo Iron Works
Folding Umbrella
Spotlight
5-Gal. Water Cooler
Gregory McDowell
Urban Electrical Services, Inc.
Rival Crock Pot
Surge Protector
Kathleeann Kluzek
GDS Associates Inc.
TXU Energy
National Bank Products
Cuisinart 12-Cup Coffeemaker
Logo Cup
Deluxe Writing Pad
Arthur Daly
Hughes Supply, Inc.
Curtis 1000
Bank & Trust
B&D Coffee Pot
Titleist Golf Balls
U.S. Minted Texas Quarter
John and Darla Ford
Power Engineering Services Inc.
A-B-C PUMP
Sewell Ford/Lincoln/Mercury
Husky 60-piece Tool Set
Square D Pressure Switch
Jimmi Jammer
Harry Daniels
Dell Telephone Cooperative, Inc.
2.4 GHz Cordless Phone
With Caller ID & Call Waiting
Charles Endris
Quill Corporation
Seton Identification Products
96 Disc Carrying Case
Portable CD Player
Harry Allen
La Quinta Corporate Office
1-night accommodations for 4
at any La Quinta
William Baldree
M & M Meter Service
$50.00 Savings Bond
Robert Jackson, Jr.
Del Rio Ford
$50.00 Gift Certificate to
Barbara’s Table Restaurant
Donald Parks
TXU Energy
Systrends
KBS Electrical Distributors, Inc.
Plastic Logo Cup & Logo Shirt
Carry-All Briefcase
$25.00 Wal-Mart Gift Card
Glenn Heesacker
Hughes Supply, Inc.
Epstein/Becker/Green/Wickliff & Hall
Rio Ceiling Fan
B&D Cordless Screwdriver
S. W. Waggoner
Epstein/Becker/Green/Wickliff & Hall
B&D Toaster Oven
Nathan Lafrenz
TXU Energy
Sharp Microwave
Hugo and Monica Gonzalez
La Quinta Corporate Office
1-night accommodations for 4
at any La Quinta
Charles Taravella
Fort Clark Springs Association, Inc.
1 Night Stay at Fort Clark Springs Motel
Rev. William Adams Jr.
Urban Electrical Services, Inc.
Hughes Supply, Inc.
Electric Skillet
Hand Mixer
Silvestre Cavasos
Zee Medical Service Co.
National Bank Products
First Aid Kit
Insta Light
Jean H. Kohler
Alexander Utility Engineering, Inc.
TXU Energy
Leatherman Tool
Logo Mug in a Bag & Logo Shirt
Romero Esequiel
Escamilla’s Taco Express
Wine Bottle Box
FRGF Hoelscher’s Point LTD.
NOVEMBER 2004
Tha
n
You k
!
Rio Grande Electric Co-op
PRIZE DONOR
TXU Energy
National Bank Products
Alexander Utility Engineering, Inc.
Brandon & Clark, Inc.
PRIZE
Logo Shirt
Canvas Tote Bag
AM/FM Clock Radio & Pocket Flashlight
SKIL Twist Cordless Screwdriver
WINNER
David Vela
Urban Electrical Services, Inc.
Rival Buffet Range & Surge Protector
Cecil Smith
La Frontera Publications
1-yr Subscription - Big Bend Sentinel
TXU Energy
Celia Ann Hill
Beltone Hearing Aid Center
Red CD/Boombox
Logo Shirt
Wake & Shake Clock/Phone
Pecos County Feed & Supply
Car-Quest - Ft. Stockton
Ft. Stockton Body Shop
Pocket Knife
Truck Cab Organizer
Car Seat Cover & Ice Chest
David & Helen Seargeant
Uvalco Supply, Inc.
Red Bud Supply
Dell Valley Oil Co., Inc.
Set of Self-Adjusting Pliers
Leather Work Gloves
Back Support Belt
Jim & Bobbie Voss
Dalton Computer Solutions
San Disc (Computer Peripheral)
Juan Sanchez
Lab Safety Supply, Inc.
All-Hazards Radio w/Weather Alert
Maria R Smith
Techline
18 Piece Crescent Socket & Wrench Set
William Stewart
Del Rio Welder’s Equipment Inc.
12 Piece Deluxe Screwdriver Set
Epstein/Becker/Green/Wickliff & Hall
Sewell Ford/Lincoln/Mercury
B&D 6V Cordless Drill
Jimmi Jammer
Ruben Martinez
Priester Supply Co., Inc.
NISC
GE Family Size Griddle
Steak Knives & Carving Set
Gareld R McCauley, Jr. &
James McCauley
Forestry Suppliers, Inc.
National Bank Products
10 Unit First Aid Kit
Blanket in a Case
Margaret Jones
UniFirst Corporation
$100.00 Gift Certificate to
UniFirst Catalogue
Jacob Fohn
TXU Energy
Dremel Tool
William Dunton
Russell Hardware
Las Moras Realty
Maxum Diamond Cut Steak Knife Set
$20.00 Gift Certificate to
Barbara’s Table Restaurant
Shirley Hadsell
Hughes Supply, Inc.
West Bend Electric Skillet
Electric Can Opener
Sherman Lee
Fort Clark Springs Pro Golf Shop
1 Round of Golf with Cart
1 Logo Golf Shirt
Robert Derrickson
Porter Construction Co.
$100.00 Cash
Robert Isaacks
Wall-Mart, Del Rio
Thompson Tire Center, Del Rio
$25.00 Wal-Mart/Sam’s Gift Card
4 Tires Rotated & Balanced
Arthur Miller
Hughes Supply, Inc.
Forrest Tire
Sunset Ceiling Fan
B&D Cordless Screwdriver
Carolyn Baldwin
Wal-Mart, Ft. Stockton
Home Medical Supplies
$50.00 credit on Account
Patriotic Cane
Harold Aikin
Porter Construction Co.
$100.00 Cash
Norma Allemeier
Rio Grande Electric Co-op
NOVEMBER 2004
Tha
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You k
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10
PRIZE DONOR
Hughes Supply, Inc.
Forrest Tire
PRIZE
Sunset Ceiling Fan
B&D Cordless Screwdriver
WINNER
Bonnie M. Olene
Hughes Supply, Inc.
Forrest Tire
Rio Ceiling Fan
B&D Cordless Screwdriver
Ronald Schaertl
Lawson Products, Inc.
Sewell Ford/Lincoln/Mercury
Heavy-duty Tool Box
Tailgate Keeper
Jimmy C. Pryor
American Red Cross - Del Rio
First Aid Kit
Joe York, Jr.
Terrell County News Leader
Power Engineering Services, Inc.
Sewell Ford/Lincoln/Mercury
1-yr Subscription -Terrell Co.News Leader
Toro Electric Blower
Jimmi Jammer
Othella Germer
National Rural Telecommunications Co-op
8 Outlet Surge Suppressor
Joe R. Montalvo
Wiest Tire, Inc.
Gift Certificate for 4 New Tires
George Nickolay
Tires, Wheels & Service
Sanyo DVD Player
Treva Schroeder
The Gift Box
Snack Basket
Doris S. Maddux
TXU Energy
Orion TV/DVD Player
S. H. Allen
FAPCo, LLC
$50.00 credit on any electric bill
P. H. Coates, III
Lufkin Creosoting Co.
$50.00 Wal-Mart Gift Certificate
Pumpville Baptist Church
Schneider Engineering, Inc.
$50.00 Wal-Mart Gift Certificate
Stanley & Anna Frohlich
Lufkin Creosoting Co.
13" TV
Edwin Eardley
Gray & Company
Little Green Bissell Steam Machine
P. A. Hicks
Fort Clark Springs Association, Inc.
Texas Meter & Device Company
1 Night Stay at Fort Clark Springs RV Park
Rubbermaid 8-pc Deluxe Tough Tools Kit
Fred H. Bromley
Lawson Products, Inc.
Sewell Ford/Lincoln/Mercury
Heavy-duty Tool Box
Jimmi Jammer
Charles Foust
TXU Energy
B&D 12" Circular Saw
Donald Ralston
Hughes Supply, Inc.
Forrest Tire
Rio Ceiling Fan
B&D Cordless Screwdriver
Joe W. & Elaine Strow
La Frontera Publications
Kinney County Wool & Mohair
Techline, Inc.
TXU Energy
1-year Subscription to The Big Bend Sentinel Roy D. Holloway
or The International
Hand Crafted Doublin’ Dice Game
$25.00 Wal-Mart Gift Card
AM/FM Clock Radio & Logo Shirt
Alexander Utility Engineering, Inc.
TXU Energy
Binocular Set
Logo Mug in a Bag
Michael Scantlen
CarQuest - Ft. Stockton
Miller Meat Co.
NAPA - Ft. Stockton
Century Trailer
3-Box Set Hunting Videos
Portable AM/FM/CD Player
Hunting Knife & Roadside Service Kit
EZ Jack - EZ Level
Thomas Godfrey
Hughes Supply, Inc.
Sanyo DVD Player
Orville Frerich
Hughes Supply, Inc.
Sanyo DVD Player
B. E. Sweet
Rio Grande Electric Cooperative
1 Year Of WildBlue Satellite Broadband
JISH & Co., Inc.
NOVEMBER 2004
Tha
n
You k
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Rio Grande Electric Co-op
PRIZE DONOR
Hughes Supply, Inc.
TXU
Brandon & Clark, Inc.
PRIZE
Sunset Ceiling Fan
Logo Shirt
SKIL Twist Cordless Screwdriver
WINNER
Janie Mitchell
Schneider Engineering, Inc.
$50.00 Cabela’s Gift Certificate
Celia Elaine Crane
UniFirst Corporation
$100.00 Gift Certificate To UniFirst Catalogue Darold Daniel
Hughes Supply, Inc.
TXU
B&D Coffee Pot
Logo Cup
Roy Fancher
Lambda Construction
$50.00 Wal-Mart Gift Certificate
Michael Morris
Gray & Company
Hughes Supply, Inc.
GE Family Size Skillet
Electric Can Opener & Electric Hand Mixer
John Markle
La Quinta - Ft. Stockton
1-night accommodations for 4
at any La Quinta
John D. Clasen
Uvalde Fire Equipment
Lufkin Creosoting Co.
3 Candle Holders
Oster Toaster Oven
Robert A Knuth
Qwest Business Services
2 San Antonio Spurs Tickets
Trent and Mary Brown
TXU Energy
GE Microwave
Eugene Moore
CDW
$100.00 CDW Gift Card
John Poulsen
Del Rio Ford
$50.00 Gift Certificate to
Barbara’s Table Restaurant
Jeannie F. Smith
Lambda Construction
$50.00 Wal-Mart Gift Certificate
Clyde & Mary Word
Langley & Banack
Memorex AM/FM/CD Boombox
Virginia Calk
Wal-Mart - Ft. Stockton
Home Medical Supplies
AM/FM Clock Radio
Personal Organizer & Patriotic Cane
Ruth Packer
Priester Supply Co., Inc.
KBS Electrical Distributors, Inc.
The Brackett News
B&D 6V Cordless Drill
$25.00 Wal-Mart Gift Card
1-yr. Subscription -Brackett News
Chris King
J. L. Matthews Co., Inc.
A-B-C Pump
51 Piece Tool Set
400 ft. String Trimmer Line
Tony Frerich
La Quinta - Ft. Stockton
1-night accommodations for 4
at any La Quinta
Lilbern E. Scott
Urban Electrical Services
KBS Electrical Distributors, Inc.
Lighted Oval Mirror
$25.00 Wal-Mart Gift Card
Roger Stephens
Hunt Technologies, Inc.
Tires, Wheels & Service
Techline, Inc.
Mr. Coffee Iced Tea Maker
Soccer Ball
$25.00 Wal-Mart Gift Card
Manuel White
Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc.
$100.00 Credit on Account
Russell Booker
Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc.
$50.00 Credit on Account
Charles Ambler
Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc.
$50.00 Credit on Account
Ronald Ladeau
Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc.
$50.00 Credit on Account
J. Ruiz & Sons
Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc.
1997 Ford F150 SuperCab Pick-up Truck
Laura Gammill
Rio Grande Electric Co-op
NOVEMBER 2004
Tha
n
You k
!
11
BOARD ACTION
RIO GRANDE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
Summary of Board Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2004
A Meeting of Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc.’s Board of Directors was
called to order at the Area Office located in Fort Stockton, Pecos County, Texas at
8:01 a.m. on September 15, 2004. The following Directors were present for the
meeting: Hugh Childress, Bill Cowden, Art Gonzalez, Chris Lacy, John Ralston,
Larry Jones, Jack Skiles, Kenneth Sparks, Howard Wakefield, and Lowell
Woodward.Also present for the meeting were General Manager/CEO Daniel G.
Laws, Executive Secretary Susanna Castillo, and Director of Human Resources/
Diversified Services Trish Taylor.
Approved
August 15, 2004 Minutes as Presented
Heard
Financial Reports
Approved
Amended Easement and Right-of-Way Form
Discussed
ROC Gas Company Transmission Line Contract
Heard
General Manager/CEO Report
Approved
Director & General Manager/CEO Expenses as Corrected
Approved
July 2004 New/Revoked Memberships
Reviewed
Check Register and Delinquent List
Adjourned
1:35 p.m.
Note: The summary above is provided in order for members to follow the
activities of the Board, and is not intended to be exhaustive. Should you wish to
know more detail on a particular item or items please contact the director for
your district or the general manager/CEO’s office.
Understanding Efficiency Rating of Furnaces and Boilers
With colder weather on the way, it’s important to know the most
efficient form of heating your home. A central furnace or boiler’s
efficiency is measured by annual fuel utilization efficiency
(AFUE). AFUE is a measure of how efficient the appliance is in using electricity or
conventional fossil fuels (oil or gas) over the course of a typical year.
An all-electric furnace or boiler has no flue loss through a chimney. The AFUE
rating for an all-electric furnace or boiler is between 95% and 100%. -- U.S. Dept.
of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
For more information, visit www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo
12
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
As Of 10/9/04
*W. H. Cowden, President
P.O. Box 3006
Kent, TX 79855
*Art Gonzalez, Vice-Pres.
P.O. Box 306
Dell City, TX 79837
*Hugh Childress, Secretary
P.O. Box 943
Ozona, TX 76943
District 7
432-259-3133 (H)
District 9
915-964-2814 (H)
District 6
325-392-3848 (H)
*Lowell Woodward, Treasurer
District 8
P.O. Box 1327
Alpine, TX 79830-3320
432-837-7308 (H)
Frank Archuleta
P.O. Box 221
Dell City, TX 79737
District 9
915-964-2464 (H)
915-964-2352 (W)
Jimmy Ballew
P.O. Box 559
Brackettville, TX 78832
Larry W. Jones
8587 Fm 2691
Carrizo Springs, TX 78834
*Chris Lacy
P.O. Box 918
Fort Davis, TX 79734
District 3
830-563-2869
District 2
830-374-9691 (W)
District 7
432-426-3380 (H)
Margarita Nelson
HC2 Box 53
Carrizo Springs, TX 78831
*Jack Skiles
P.O. Box 164
Langtry, TX 78871
*Howard B. Wakefield, Sr.
P.O. Box 1237
Brackettville, TX 78832
District 1
830-876-5237
District 5
432-291-3270 (H)
District 3A
830-563-2989 (H)
William White
Quail Run 1 HC Box 7
Del Rio, TX
District 4A
830-775-5053
Cindy Whitehead
5429 Bent Oak CT
San Angelo, TX 76904
District 4
325-944-1128
Daniel G. Laws, General Manager/CEO
P.O. Box 240
Brackettville, TX 78832
830-563-2444 (W)
830-563-9717 (H)
* Certified Credentialed Director
NOVEMBER 2004
Rio Grande Electric Co-op